What is it about?
Increasingly as the political landscape in America becomes more diverse and ideologically divided, truth is massaged and reality is skewed. This practice is centuries old, and has formed the basis of our history textbooks. Consequently today's students are taught a false narrative that does not prepare them to navigate the challenges of modern society.
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Why is it important?
This article calls for changing the way we teach existing traditional historical curriculum. By uncovering the truth of the historical past, we provide context to the realities of social divisions in modern society. We equip students with the language of race, racism, and social justice, so that they can engage in meaningful dialogue with others, including those with whom they disagree.
Perspectives
Traditional American curriculum has been built on omissions and falsehoods that together comprise the American dream of meritocracy and the melting pot. These false ideologies have now clashed with a modern, diverse nation of young progressives. The toxic public square has entered the classroom, where teachers have a choice: help students navigate these scenarios, or bury their heads in the sand.
Cheli Thomas
Concordia University Chicago
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Society and the Classroom: Teaching Truths and Bridging Diversity in a Discordant Era, Educational Studies, June 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/00131946.2019.1617147.
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