Hinsdale D86 Official Again Pushes Social Studies Changes

DARIEN, IL – For the second time since last month, Hinsdale High School District 86 board member Terri Walker on Thursday publicly called on her colleagues to do something about social studies classes.

In late October, the board voted 4-2 against teacher-recommended changes to the social studies curriculum, even after teachers changed the plan in a compromise with the board.

Since then, the board has given no guidance on how to move forward.

Over the last four years, the district has moved to align the curriculums at Central and South high schools.

The alignment has never been easy, with the decisions on the science and math curriculums sparking local outrage, particularly in the Central zone.

The idea is to offer equal course offerings at the two schools. For years, the wealthier and larger Central has boasted a greater course selection.

Near the end of Thursday's board meeting, members wished each other happy holidays and said how well they work together.

Walker did so as well. But she also said the district should continue working to ensure it offers the same courses at both campuses. And she said the district knows its social studies offerings do not meet state standards.

"Our role is to serve the best interests of all students," Walker said. "We need to be open to making adjustments to the curriculum when warranted and when we are advised by our highly capable administration team, teachers and staff."

The other board members did not respond.

Now, influential voices in the Central zone are casting doubt on whether alignment is a worthy goal, saying students on the two campuses are "very different."

The teacher's union has condemned the board's rejection of the social studies changes.