How American Schools Are Teaching History Through a Different Lens

Many schools in the United States are adopting a novel method to teach history, emphasizing stories of struggle and oppression. The Zinn Education Project (ZEP) is at the forefront of this movement, providing teachers with valuable lessons and resources for students ranging from kindergarten to high school.

The Zinn Education Project

Named after Howard Zinn, a professor renowned for his unique perspective on history, ZEP offers materials that view historical events through the lens of those who faced racism and other forms of oppression. Zinn's ideas have found a home in numerous classrooms, with over 176,000 teachers utilizing ZEP's materials and more than 765,000 lessons downloaded.

Adoption in Major School Districts

Large school districts such as New York City and Chicago have embraced ZEP's resources. These districts recommend ZEP materials for months dedicated to Black History and Women’s History. For instance, New York City schools direct teachers to ZEP for lessons on Black history. Additionally, they have launched a podcast titled "Teaching with Seizing Freedom", which delves into stories often omitted from textbooks.

Controversies and Debates

Despite its growing popularity, ZEP's approach has sparked controversy. Critics argue that focusing solely on oppression may not present a comprehensive view of history. Proponents, however, contend that it is essential to teach all aspects of history, particularly those that have been overlooked. Zinn's own political views, a blend of anarchism and democratic socialism, influence the lessons provided by ZEP.

Impact on Students

In Columbus, Ohio, students were assigned homework that critiqued Christopher Columbus, based on a ZEP lesson. This lesson highlighted the harm caused by Columbus and encouraged students to consider the perspective of the Taíno people. Teachers nationwide share stories of how ZEP's materials help students engage more deeply with historical narratives.

The Ongoing Debate

The discussion about the best way to teach history continues. While some advocate for highlighting stories of struggle, others prefer a more balanced approach. Regardless, ZEP's influence in classrooms is expanding, significantly impacting how students learn and understand history.