Technical Assistance Webinars
In 2023, the Michigan Legislature enacted Public Act 119 of 2023, Section 1102 allocating funding to develop a comprehensive professional development American History toolkit. This resource supports educators in teaching the full and complex history of America across all subject areas with a particular focus on the histories of communities of color and other historically marginalized groups.
In partnership with Michigan cultural experts, K-12 teachers and leaders, and university professors, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) developed the American History Resources Toolkit. This resource includes:
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American history resource guidance.
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An American history resource repository.
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Links to additional MDE initiatives.
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Additional American history resources.
MDE is offering two technical assistance webinars that will guide users in navigating this resource and include guidance on how local districts can use this resource. Interested attendees can register with preferred date by selecting the link next to each date and time.
Dates and times for this technical assistance:
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September 29 from 4 – 5 p.m. ET: Register Here
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October 6 from 4 – 5 p.m. ET: Register Here
Further questions may be directed to the MDE’s Social Studies consultant, Scott Koenig, KoenigS1@michigan.gov.
Glossary of Terms
Communities of Color – As related to identity-based communities that may also share geographic commonalities, history, and current/historical experiences of racism. Given that race is a socially defined construct, the definitions of these communities are unique and ever evolving. Examples of communities of color may include but are not limited to the following communities: Africans, African Americans, Indigenous peoples, Latina/o/x peoples, Asians, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and/or people who identify as Middle East North African (MENA).
Cultural Competency - The ability to effectively interact, work, care for, and develop meaningful relationships with people - including students - who hold identities different from one's own.
Marginalized Communities – People and/or groups of people who have experienced social, political, and/or economic exclusion due factors such as race, gender identity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and/or language. Members of these communities are often subjected to discrimination, reduced access to resources and opportunities, and limited representation in decision-making, resulting in significant barriers achieving equality or reaching their full potential.
Intersectionality - Today, this term is popularly used to describe and examine how an individual's multiple identities overlap to create unique experiences, how systems of oppression work together, and how individuals can experience multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.
Full and Complex American History – A comprehensive understanding of historical narratives and various aspects that have shaped what is now the United States throughout its existence. This might include content from its pre-origins and origins to the present day. Content could also include a wide range of events, people, cultures, social, political, and economic developments, complexities, triumphs, struggles, and diverse voices, in both the past and present.
Contact Information:
Questions, comments, or resource suggestions related to the American History Resources website may be directed to Social Studies Consultant - Scott Koenig, KoenigS1@Michigan.gov.
