Summary of Curricular Revisions

  • English Language Arts (ELA) 

    The following changes and additions were made to the ELA curriculum to add an intentional focus on diversity, equity and inclusion:

    • Added books encompassing a diverse array of text types, formats, characters, and experiences
    • Included books serving as "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" for all students
    • Added multiple perspectives and celebrated excellence from various cultures and backgrounds
    • Increased the focus on identity and excellence
    • Developed and incorporated activities that highlight diverse people and cultures through engaging texts, discussions, and presentations
    • Enhanced the presence of diverse authors and diverse main characters in literature
    • Augmented representation to include different backgrounds throughout various topics

     

    Mathematics

    The following DEI-based revisions were made to the mathematics curriculum in Kindergarten through 12th grade: 

    • Incorporated additional short stories pertaining to mathematical concepts that encourage discussion and reinterpretation through a personal lens
    • Added activities that leverage student experiences, such as measuring each other's height and creating anchor charts with measurements, bios, photos, etc
    • Integrated the application of mathematics to comprehend and investigate meaningful situations

     

    Science

    The following revisions were made to the curriculum in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in science: 

    • Updated the curriculum to encompass more diverse representation through trade books and other presentations
    • Included recorded videos of mini-lessons, demonstrations, or discussions featuring experts from diverse groups presenting components of the lessons, suitable for the flipped classroom model
    • Incorporated videos showcasing minority scientists
    • Added career connections to inform students about future opportunities in science
    • Provided opportunities for students to research minority scientists or issues affecting minority communities

     

    Social Studies

    With diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind, the following changes and additions were made to the Social Studies curriculum in 3rd through 12th grade: 

    • Enriched and clarified the curriculum by incorporating specific topics, ideas, and individuals spanning different time periods
    • Adjusted the pacing and sequence of activities to facilitate a deeper understanding of subjects more relevant to our students' lives
    • Integrated a greater diversity of individuals from various backgrounds into research projects and activities
    • Incorporated multiple perspectives from diverse groups into activities
    • Shifted the focus of certain activities to celebrate individuals from different backgrounds
    • Reviewed and revised the language used in lessons and activities, including changing "slavery" to "enslavement"
    • Introduced the central theme of comparing the reality of American Democracy to the ideals of American Democracy to United States History and Government
    • Added timelines to illustrate the progression of events related to specific groups of Americans
    • Incorporated activities demonstrating how different perspectives influence American history and politics
    • Integrated the influence of events and ideas from the ancient world on contemporary society
    • Added resources for teachers to equip them with the background knowledge necessary for teaching new topics, including "Learning for Justice: Teaching Hard History Frameworks" and teacher notes addressing ideas and considerations related to diversity
    • Created museum-type displays featuring culturally significant events in history, multiple perspectives, and accompanying activities for teachers to utilize and explore

     

    Gifted Education

    The following revisions have been made to the Gifted Education curriculum for 1st grade through 8th grade:

    • Added deeper connections to culturally relevant teaching and learning
    • Included exploration of cultural identity and contributions
    • Enhanced representation from diverse groups
    • Revised activities to take a more balanced approach, incorporating multiple cultures and perspectives
    • Incorporated exploration of self-advocacy and social action into activities
    • Included ideas and concepts promoting deeper connections to culturally relevant teaching and learning and multiple perspectives
    • Added representations of all cultures in career studies


    Career and Technical Education and Elective

    The following changes were made to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Career and Technical Education and Electives courses: 

    • Developed and published the HSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Digital Playbook for teachers
    • Offered a new Tastes of Culture class that explores cuisines from all across the world
    • Added curricular exposure to diseases that affect various races and/or nationalities in Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences class
    • Planned 2024-2025 school year implementation of Culinary Internship in the high schools
    • Proposed installation of commercial-grade culinary labs at Central High School and East High School
    • Introduced manikins and body-part simulators with different skin tones and/or nationalities