US Edition
White House’s review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide
The review aims to align Smithsonian content with American ideals, affecting educational materials used by over 80% of history teachers nationwide, officials said.
- Last month, the White House said its review will assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals, removing divisive or partisan narratives to celebrate American exceptionalism and influence classrooms nationwide.
- In recent years, many states passed laws on racism and sexism, intensifying debates while the Education Department recently launched the Founders Museum; the Smithsonian Institution expanded classroom resources after World War II, with federal museum materials widely trusted.
- Many history teachers rely on Smithsonian Institution materials as over 80% use federal museum resources, but they fear changes could introduce partisanship or sanitize history, educators warn.
- Educators warned changes could discourage students of color, deter museum-related careers, and turn students off history, though teachers will continue adapting resources.
- The Smithsonian also organizes professional development workshops and provides curriculum materials, while teachers use its primary-source documents to discuss sensitive topics like genocide and slavery.
90 Articles
90 Articles
How the White House’s review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide
By MAKIYA SEMINERA, Associated Press High school history teacher Katharina Matro often pulls materials from the Smithsonian Institution website as she assembles her lessons. She trusts its materials, which don’t require the same level of vetting as other online resources. She uses documents and other primary sources it curates for discussions of topics like genocide and slavery. As the White House presses for changes at the Smithsonian, she’s wo…
History teachers across America are worried about what’s happening at the Smithsonian under Trump
High school history teacher Katharina Matro often pulls materials from the Smithsonian Institution website as she assembles her lessons. She trusts its materials, which don’t require the same level of vetting as other online resources. She uses documents and other primary sources it curates for discussions of topics like genocide and slavery.As the White House presses for changes at the Smithsonian, she’s worried she may not be able to rely on i…
Trump’s Smithsonian review could affect U.S. classrooms
High school history teacher Katharina Matro often pulls materials from the Smithsonian Institution website as she assembles her lessons. She trusts its materials, which don’t require the same level of vetting as other online resources. She uses documents and other primary sources it curates for discussions of topics like genocide and slavery. Read more...
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