Hinsdale D86 May Revisit History Controversy

DARIEN, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 may make decisions about the social studies curriculum as early as next month, an official said last week.

Earlier this year, social studies changes drew opposition from board members and the public. Although some members wanted to reverse the adjustments, the board majority voted to hold off.

At Thursday's board meeting, interim Superintendent Linda Yonke said the board would likely consider two social courses in late September.

She said the district is presenting new courses individually to the board, which many districts, including nearby Lyons Township High School, do. Before, the district lumped new courses into the extensive program of studies.

This time, Yonke said, every social studies teacher will get an opportunity to weigh in on changes to the curriculum in their department.

Board member Terri Walker questioned the process.

"Is there a vote?" she said. "If every person has a voice, how is a decision made?"

Yonke said she wanted to refrain from calling it a vote.

"We hope there is a consensus reached. That's what they'll work on," she said. "Something like this you don't want to win by one vote."

A few months ago, board member Debbie Levinthal raised issues with the changes. Her biggest problem was replacing Advanced Placement European History in the sophomore year of the honors track with AP Modern World History. AP European History is set to become an elective for juniors and seniors.

She also took exception to the proposed ending of African American History, East Asian Studies and Philosophy Honors. The content from those classes, teachers said, would be incorporated into other courses such as American Diversity.

In the spring, a teacher told the board the changes were being made partly because some students "don't see themselves at all" in the social studies curriculum or see themselves only through the lens of oppression.