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.
Was School Desegregation Successful?
Students view a series of images of segregated schools and analyze the images using "I Notice/I Wonder" protocol.
What did school look like for Black and White students before desegregation?
Formative TasksCreate a T-chart list to compare the schooling experiences of Black and White students.
SourcesSource A: Description of minority (Black) schools<br /> Source B: Black students describe their experiences
How did schooling change for Black and White students after Brown v. Board of Education?
Formative TasksWrite a paragraph that compares and contrasts schooling for Black students before and after the ruling of Brown vs. Board of Education took effect.
SourcesSource A: Khan Academy, Brown v. Board<br /> Source B: Descriptions of Brown v. Board
How did Black and White students feel about schooling after school desegregation?
Formative TasksWrite a description of students’ schooling experiences after desegregation.
SourcesSource A: Article, “The Forgotten Girls…” <br /> Source B: The Lost Year documentary resources<br /> Source C: Video, “One Man’s Remorse…”
To what extent are schools still segregated?
Formative TasksConstruct an evidence-based claim that answers the supporting question.
SourcesSource A: Article, “We Can Draw School Zones to Make Classrooms Less Segregated…”<br /> Source B: Racial Inequality Database, ProPublica<br /> Source C: Article, “What School Segregation Looks Like in the US Today…”
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.
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