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Inquiries Filed Under:

School Desegregation

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About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the education system in the United States, focusing on the extent to which systemic racism continues to plague modern schooling. Students investigate schooling before and after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case in order to evaluate the impact and effectiveness, or “success,” of school desegregation. 

Compelling Question

Was School Desegregation Successful?

Staging Question

Students view a series of images of segregated schools and analyze the images using "I Notice/I Wonder" protocol.

1
Supporting Question

What did school look like for Black and White students before desegregation?

Formative Tasks

Create a T-chart list to compare the schooling experiences of Black and White students.

Sources

Source A: Description of minority (Black) schools
Source B: Black students describe their experiences

2
Supporting Question

How did schooling change for Black and White students after Brown v. Board of Education?

Formative Tasks

Write a paragraph that compares and contrasts schooling for Black students before and after the ruling of Brown vs. Board of Education took effect.

Sources

Source A: Khan Academy, Brown v. Board
Source B: Descriptions of Brown v. Board

3
Supporting Question

How did Black and White students feel about schooling after school desegregation?

Formative Tasks

Write a description of students’ schooling experiences after desegregation.

Sources

Source A: Article, “The Forgotten Girls…”
Source B: The Lost Year documentary resources
Source C: Video, “One Man’s Remorse…”

4
Supporting Question

To what extent are schools still segregated?

Formative Tasks

Construct an evidence-based claim that answers the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: Article, “We Can Draw School Zones to Make Classrooms Less Segregated…”
Source B: Racial Inequality Database, ProPublica
Source C: Article, “What School Segregation Looks Like in the US Today…”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Was School Desegregation Successful? Construct an argument that discusses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Create a visual representation of your argument to communicate your argument. This visual aid can be in the form of a powerpoint, poster, etc.

Taking Informed Action

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