Howard Zinn's A People's History and K–12 U.S. History Curriculum: Data From the Classroom

• In Event: 63.083 - Historical Representation and Instruction in Social Studies

Abstract

Critics claim that Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States (APH) is a poor resource for social studies instruction and that teachers use APH to indoctrinate students. This study speaks back to such criticisms and contributes empirical evidence to normative and ideological debates about social studies curriculum. Our findings, collected through surveys and interviews with teachers who assign APH, suggest that teachers are largely dissatisfied with their textbooks and use APH to include multiple and ignored perspectives in their curriculum and foster their students’ critical thinking skills. Additionally, they have a strong vision of why history is important, a deep commitment to social justice, concern for a critical reading of historical narratives, and experience implementing appropriate instructional strategies.

Authors

• Katy Swalwell, Iowa State University

• Kristin Sinclair, University of Maryland - College Park