Getting to the Core - S3E3 - Journey Towards Understanding

In Social Studies, our core—the essence of what we do—is to develop  informed and engaged citizens. We want students that not only have  content or disciplinary knowledge of the world around them, but the  skills of how to apply that knowledge and the desire to do so.

As supported by our recent change in the Michigan social studies  standards in 2019, students must be exposed to a more comprehensive and  inclusive history. If we value that ALL of our students feel connected  and engaged, they need to hear and see history from ALL perspectives.  They also need to be asked to examine the ongoing impact of history on  today's world, and to look ahead to tomorrow. Simply put: Students can't  analyze and have meaningful conversations if they do not have access to  the full story. As Dr. Michael F. Rice, Michigan's state superintendent, put it,

"Our children deserve to learn about the  full breadth of U.S. and world history. As educators, we have not just  the right, but the responsibility, to teach them this full breadth of  history, including race, racism, sexism, and other difficult and  challenging subjects."

Join us on a journey of understanding as we discuss the importance of topics with:

• Scott Bentley, Park Superintendent of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park;
• The Honorable Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation; and
• The Honorable Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Nation.