American History Resources

Waverly aimed to modernize their 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. Student engagement increased as a result of the authentic, project-based learning like community mapping and activism units Waverly created through their grant. This project also 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.
• 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
  • 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.

 

Resources that Informed this Project:

• 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
• X: A Novel – Ilyasah Shabazz
• They Even Took the Dirt - a documentary about the building of I-496 in Lansing

 

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:

• Full Race and Ethnic Studies curriculum co-written by Dr. Quinney and Renee Fields, integrating local history, systemic analysis, and project-based learning.
• Lessons developed to integrate diverse and local histories.
• Curriculum updated 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.

 

Additional resources coming soon!