Public school districts adopt curriculum from org named for 60s radical

Public schools across the United States are increasingly adopting curriculum resources from the Zinn Education Project (ZEP), a nonprofit organization that offers educational materials focusing on American history through the lens of racial and sexual oppression. Named after the renowned 1960s professor Howard Zinn, the ZEP provides controversial resources and lesson plans for teachers to use with students ranging from pre-K to grade 12.

With over 176,000 teachers adopting its curriculum and more than 765,000 lessons downloaded, ZEP has gained significant traction in the education sector. The organization’s Teach Truth Day of Action, co-sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and other groups, further solidifies its influence in shaping classroom instruction.

Howard Zinn, who passed away in 2010, was a prominent figure known for his book “A People’s History of the United States,” which presents American history from Columbus’ arrival in North America to modern times through a critical perspective on racial and sexual oppression. ZEP’s lessons are rooted in the principles outlined in Zinn’s book, making it a foundational resource for educators looking to incorporate diverse perspectives into their teaching.

In New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the nation, teachers are encouraged to use ZEP resources during various thematic months such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Disability Pride Month, and Pride Month. The curriculum includes resources like “Teaching with Seizing Freedom,” a podcast that explores the history of Black liberation in the United States.

Similarly, Chicago Public Schools and Portland Public Schools in Oregon also endorse ZEP materials for teaching Black History Month and other social justice topics. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including discussions on ableism, implicit bias, and structural racialization, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary issues.

ZEP’s impact extends beyond traditional classroom settings, as evidenced by testimonials from educators like Sarah Giddings from Mesa, Arizona, who used ZEP resources to teach her students about climate change. The organization’s engaging and thought-provoking materials have empowered teachers like Corey Winchester from Evanston, Illinois, to challenge dominant narratives and promote critical thinking among their students.

While some critics have raised concerns about ZEP’s approach to teaching history, many educators and school districts see value in incorporating diverse perspectives and marginalized voices into the curriculum. As public schools continue to embrace alternative educational resources, the debate over how best to teach American history remains a central issue in the field of education.