A Look at What's Behind the Efforts to Reshape How American History Is Taught
Ask students: Who is Cathy Gorn, and what is her role or background? How much funding did National History Day lose due to withdrawn federal government grants?
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
In the last decade, at least 20 states have passed laws or policies that restrict how history can be taught in schools. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has pushed further with executive orders that aim to reshape how U.S. history is presented not only in classrooms, but in some of the nation’s most famous museums.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who is Cathy Gorn, and what is her role or background?
- How much funding did National History Day lose due to withdrawn federal government grants?
- When did President Trump issue his executive order affecting museums?
- Where is the Edistone Hotel located, and why is it significant?
- Why is it important to teach all aspects of our history, according to Gorn?
Focus Questions
- What risks do we face when parts of our history are omitted or distorted in education?
- How can we make sure that history is told by a wide range of voices and not just by those who have traditionally held power?
- Media literacy: When we read or watch a story about the past (whether in a textbook, a news article, a documentary, or a social media post), what factors should we consider about the person or group telling that story, and how might those factors influence what is included, left out, or emphasized?
Extension Activity
Research a group, community or event that is often underrepresented in traditional history textbooks. Use credible sources such as books, documentaries, academic articles or reputable websites to learn about your chosen topic.
Create a poster, slideshow or video to share what you have learned with your class. Your presentation should explain why this group or event is significant to American history and also explore possible reasons why their story may have been left out of traditional textbooks.
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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