Less European History In Hinsdale D86?

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's social studies teachers aim to de-emphasize European history in the district's curriculum.

That plan is drawing objections from one school board member, who called the Advanced Placement European History class "legendary."

As with other departments, the district is aiming to streamline its course offerings in social studies.

That way, both Central and South high schools can offer the same courses. That's a process that one board member said involves "some trimming."

Under the plan, AP European History would no longer be a part of the honors track for sophomores. It would be replaced by AP Modern World History.

AP European History would become an elective for juniors and seniors.

At last Thursday's board meeting, member Debbie Levinthal lamented the loss of AP European History as part of the honors track. She suggested a controlled pilot program for AP Modern World History before "we limit one of the most legendary courses at Central and South."

"AP European History is a beloved course in this district. Our AP scores on AP European History blow the national average out of the water," Levinthal said.

Member Peggy James questioned why the district planned to keep American Diversity, which was offered just once in the last five years.

Teachers said American Diversity would cover topics from courses such as African American History and East Asian Studies. Those two courses are set to be removed from the program of studies by the 2026-27 school year.

The teachers also said AP Modern World History would include more cultures than just those in Europe.

"Some students see themselves in-depth in the curriculum. Other students don't see themselves at all," said Kathy Lencioni, chairwoman of South's social studies department. "Some students only see themselves through the lens of oppression in the curriculum through slavery and imperialism."

Board President Erik Held said the social studies plan is to make sure every student, whether at Central or South, enjoys the same course offerings. Providing a unified program of studies, he said, is a "great accomplishment."

In the process, he said, "there will be some trimming."

Board member Cynthia Hanson, who noted she was the only board member from the South area, said she appreciated the district was working to offer the same courses at both schools.

A couple of years ago, the school board developed a plan to align science and math courses at Central and South.