Holly Golder, supervisor of social studies in the Red Clay School District, explained that Delaware’s broad standards allow for flexibility and creativity in school curriculum, but sometimes also result in very Euro-centric content.
“We saw that there were pieces missing in the story,” Joyce said. “And teachers wanted to know more about it.”
“This grant ensures that we have different stories and histories integrated into the curriculum,” added Golder, who acts as the social studies specialist for ILD.
Primary sources and community members
One goal of the grant is to encourage teachers to utilize the Library of Congress’ vast collection of primary sources. Golder said it can be daunting to search through millions of documents, and part of what she does for each workshop is demonstrate effective search methods, as well as highlighting specific resources for each topic.
“It is like the ‘people’s library,’” she said. “This is where we have the resources of our country.”
In developing the workshop structure, Joyce knew he also wanted to include modern perspectives and contemporary sources. Every workshop features community partners like Chief Dennis Coker of the Lenape Tribe of Delaware, members of the Nanticoke Indian Association, the Hispanic American Association of Delaware’s Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo and Eastern Cherokee storyteller Ragghi Rain, in addition to University historians and anthropologists.
“The speakers are extraordinary. They bring such relevance and tremendous perspective,” said Jackie Wager, multilingual teacher and coordinator of the bilingual family literacy program at Milton Elementary School, who has attended all three years of ILD.
“It’s not a predominantly white community speaking about others. It’s the community being able to represent themselves,” added Matamoros.
Classroom impact
One of Matamoros’ favorite speakers came to the January workshop on “Mexico and Central America in the 20th Century.” Chef Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa…