Waverly Community School District

This initiative aimed to modernize its social studies curriculum by integrating culturally responsive teaching, local history, and ethnic studies frameworks co-developed with Dr. Dominick Quinney. The project fostered staff development in anti-racism and equity, established lasting community partnerships with cultural institutions including the Charles H. Wright Museum, the Arab American National Museum, the Michigan History Museum, and community leaders such as State Representative Sarah Anthony. It increased student engagement through authentic, project-based learning like community mapping and activism units. This project allowed the district to establish a sustainable, replicable model for ethnic studies within its district and to be shared outside its district.

 

Partnerships:

  • Dr. Dominick Quinney, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at Albion College – curriculum design, professional learning, and ongoing coaching.

  • Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit – student field experiences

  • Arab American National Museum – cultural immersion and primary source access.

  • Michigan History Museum – connection to Michigan’s diverse histories.

  • ERACCE (Eliminating Racism and Creating/Celebrating Equity) – staff professional development.

  • Internal district leaders: Renee Fields (Race and Ethnic Studies teacher), Chris Huff (Director of Teaching and Learning), Shawn Lewis (Director of School Culture), Jeff Parks (Grant Coordinator), and Evan Nuffer (Director of Finance and Operations).

  • Community leaders, including State Representative Sarah Anthony, who shared lived experiences of being a woman of color in politics.

 

Educational Resources:

  • Teacher professional learning texts:

    • Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain – Zaretta Hammond

    • Revisiting Ethnicity and Culture in U.S. History – Kara Cisco

    • The Color of Law – Richard Rothstein

    • Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Class – Healey & Stepnick

  • Student resources & lessons:

    • X: A Novel – Ilyasah Shabazz

    • I-496 documentary They Even Took the Dirt

    • “On My Block” unit – community mapping and reflection on Lansing neighborhoods

    • “Art and Activism” unit – examining Nina Simone, freedom, and student-led art/activism projects

    • Race and Ethnic Studies reflections & writing prompts

  • Created resources:

    • Full Race and Ethnic Studies curriculum co-written by Dr. Quinney and Renee Fields, integrating local history, systemic analysis, and project-based learning.

  •  Professional Development Activities:

    • ERACCE training for 15 staff on racism, equity, and inclusion.

    • Social studies teacher PD using Hammond, Rothstein, and Cisco texts.

  • Curriculum Development:

    • Extra-duty staff hours funded to write lessons integrating diverse and local histories

    • Curriculum informed by Albion College Ethnic Studies frameworks and adapted to high school settings.

  • Student Learning Activities:

    • Place-based learning experiences to local cultural museums.

    • Community mapping (On My Block) and creative activism projects (Art & Activism).

    • Student letters to local leaders recommending solutions to community inequities.

Resource links coming soon!