Inquiry and interpretation: Learning US history from primary sources

Inquiry and interpretation: Learning US history from primary sources

Author: Ethical Schools June 24, 2023 Duration: 29:15
We speak with Lee Schere, Director of Teaching and Learning at the Office of K-16 Initiatives of CUNY about the Debating U.S. History Program, an inquiry-based curriculum and teacher learning program. Students learn that history is not one set of agreed-upon events and interpretations. Though designed for NYC schools, the curriculum is available free to teachers everywhere. Overview 00:00-00:37 Intros00:37-02:42 Debating U.S. History02:42-04:58 Why CUNY developed a high school course04:58-06:32 Why this is a more ethical way to teach history06:32-08:23 Examples of inquiry-based learning08:23-12:28 Differentiation in working with documents for students at different reading levels12:28-14:23 Key skills and strategies14:23-17:41 Historiography and uncertainty17:41-19:20 Students grappling with ethical questions19:20-20:53 Program logistics20:53-23:03 Collaboration with ELA teachers23:03-24:00 How schools become part of the program24:00-26:14 Regents exam26:14- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcript of this episode.  References CUNY K16 Initiatives: Debating US History (website)

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
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