| FRONT PAGE Plans Spin GRPS History Textbook Issue Into Win-Win For Parents, GRPS, Students
The Grand Rapids Times
5-18-2012
Grand Rapids, MI – In late January, bothered by images of prehistoric humans depicted in the History Alive Ancient World textbook used in the Grand Rapids Public School District, Mr. Kenneth Muhammad wanted the book banned from use in the classroom.
Mr. Muhammad was appalled at the illustration of apelike images that could easily be construed as a depiction of Blacks in the textbook his son is using for a 7th grade history class.
In a statement to The Grand Rapids Times, February 24, Interim Superintendent Teresa Weatherall - Neal clearly stated that Mr. Muhammad's concerns were not to be ignored and they were not.
On Tuesday, May 15th, the GRPS School Board Education Committee listened to a report about a 5-day unit to use Chapters One and Two to encourage students to be critical consumers of information, to challenge what they read, to question sources and to cross- check information.
"The unit will help students understand how to think like historians and social scientists with a common core in mind. They will use a case study — early Hominid — as their work," Mr. Mulonge Kalumbula reported to the Education Committee.
Kalumbula is the GRPS Supervisor, Social Studies, Career and Technical Education.
The unit is the result of weeks of research, discussion and debate among members of a taskforce led by Dr. Walter Brame.
"I want to thank UPrep parent, Mr. Kenneth Muhammad, for raising important issues and concerns about the text and imagery used in the History Alive textbook," stated Interim Superintendent Weatherall Neal.
"I also thank the teachers, support staff and community members for their time, expertise, and hard work aimed at developing short and long term solutions to address the concerns."
The group included Grand Rapids Public Schools administrators, teachers, scholars, community leaders that grappled with the issue of whether the textbook is the right one to use.
"This starts with the lesson that will be taught to middle school students before the end of this school year. We have also shared the lesson and concerns with the textbook publisher who is committed to working with us further. This has been an open and healthy discussion, one that only serves to make us stronger and better in the long run," continued the interim Superintendent, in her written statement.
The question was what should be done short term and long term.
Representatives from TCI, the publishing company, supported and joined in the planning.
The taskforce recognizes that the chapters are not included in the curriculum; however, students are still exposed to them.
GVSU Anthropologist, Dr. Judith Corr, said that content is only part of the problem, figuring out what is appropriate for 7th grade, giving attention to state requirements, and making the unit activity - driven were also of importance.
An example of a core activity is myth - busting.
Kalumbula demonstrated to the Education Committee how gaps in timelines can help bust the myth that the fossil record of bipedal hominid is complete.
Teachers will present the lessons before the end of the year as a culminating activity.
Mr. Matt Moorman, TCI will provide professional development for teachers.
"If this unit is implemented properly, I feel all those involved with its production will see the fruits of this teaching in the years to come," said Mr. Muhammad in a written statement, prior to Tuesday's meeting. "In fact, we believe that the discipline issues that affect the district will be curtailed due to this teaching. What has been developed is likened unto teaching a child to fish as opposed to giving the fish away."
Long - term plans involve textbook revision and digital supplements. Digital supplements expose students to current information between scheduled updates for the print editions.
The publishing company, TCI, is supporting Grand Rapids Public Schools while the district looks its changes to be made internally, among them a review of the policies and process for textbook selection.
"TCI has started conversation internally," said Publisher Nancy Bredin. "We will involve Dr. Judith Corr in the print revision process. We can do a better job in printing in the timeline and want to be sure the changes are right."
Mrs. Carolyn Evans, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, GRPS, said, " This is an opportunity to learn about our own practices. We can only grow from the experience."
Other members of the taskforce were Mr. Kenneth Muhammad, Dr. George Grant, Dean, GVSU College of Public and Community Relations; Mr. Vertlee Trice, Mr. Jacob Robinson and Mrs. Mary Edmond, Retired GRPS administrators; Mrs. Penny Mac Donald, GRPS teacher, Mr. Brian Thomas and Dr. Patricia Pulliam, retired educator and publisher of The Grand Rapids Times.
" While the fullness of the truth of human origins is not entirely addressed, we understand that these things must be done in small steps," Mr. Muhammad stated.
He continued, "We do hope however that with the revelation of knowledge beyond our current understanding the GRPS will advance its attempt at insuring a true knowledge of self is taught to all students."
In the meantime, the impact of the decisions will extend beyond GRPS. Mrs. Evans has said earlier that area school districts using the textbook have shown interest in the process GRPS is using.
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