Hazel Park Schools

This initiative aimed to modernize its social studies and ELA instruction by replacing outdated, Eurocentric materials with inclusive, inquiry-based curricula. The work included partnering with universities and cultural institutions to ensure students from all backgrounds see themselves reflected in their studies. New courses were developed and launched such as AP African American Studies while providing extensive professional development including place-based learning for teachers to build cultural competency, and transformative field-based learning experiences.

District Project Leaders

Resources that Informed the Project

Books:

  • The Many Masks of Andy Ahou by Jack Cheng
  • The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
  • The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway
  • Fences by August Wilson
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Textbooks and Subscriptions:

  • From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin
  • Freedom on My Mind: A History of African Americans by Deborah Gray White, Mia Bay, and Waldo E. Martin Jr.
  • HMH Civics

Professional Learning Texts for Educators:

  • Social Studies for a Better World by Katy M. Swalwell and Noreen Naseem Rodriguez
  • The Civically Engaged Classroom by Marc Todd, Mary Ehrenworth, and Pablo Wolfe