How the White House's review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide

"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 it in the same way."

"We don't want a partisan history, said Matro, a teacher in Bethesda, Maryland. We want the history that's produced by real historians. Far beyond museums in Washington, President Donald Trump's review at the Smithsonian could influence how history is taught in classrooms around the country. The institution is a leading provider of curriculum and other educational materials, which are subject to the sweeping new assessment of all its public-facing content."

High school teachers commonly use Smithsonian materials as vetted primary sources for lessons on genocide, slavery and other complex topics. The White House initiated a review of the Smithsonian's public-facing content to assess tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals. The stated aim is to promote American exceptionalism by removing divisive or partisan narratives. Educators express concern that the review could reduce reliance on trusted curriculum resources and reshape how history is taught nationwide. The Smithsonian's role as a major provider of educational materials means changes could alter primary-source availability and curricular framing, raising worries about politicization.

Read at www.ocregister.com