Teaching & Learning

From the establishment of the Puritan colonies to the Boston Tea Party, from its role in the Civil War to the Sacco-Vanzetti trial and beyond, the history of Massachusetts is rife with conflict and controversy. So it might be fitting that the state's history/social science framework continues to inspire perhaps the most criticism of any core subject in Massachusetts since the state began implementing its system of standards and accountability in 1993.

The framework went through months of debate before it was adopted in 1997. During the development of the broad outline of what students should learn in those subjects at various grade levels, proponents of a traditional approach to the subject battled those advocating a more multicultural view of history. ( "With Vote Set, Mass. Board Still at Odds Over History Standards," June 11, 1997.)

Now, as the guidelines go through the first periodic review required by state law, some critics are contending the proposed revisions shortchange the history...