Social Studies Changes Proposed For Hinsdale D86

HINSDALE, IL – Planned changes to Hinsdale High School District 86's social studies curriculum met with resistance last spring. Now, administrators are taking a step-by-step approach.

For next year, they are proposing starting Advanced Placement Modern World History for sophomores. The other honors alternative for sophomores would remain AP European History.

Under the district's plan earlier this year, officials recommended removing AP European History from the honors track for sophomores. They would have made it an elective for juniors and seniors.

Some board members and residents opposed de-emphasizing European history, saying it was one of the best courses at Hinsdale Central and South. Perhaps the most vocal critic was then-board member Debbie Levinthal, who resigned last month.

At the time, social studies teachers 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," Kathy Lencioni, chairwoman of South's social studies department, said at a board meeting. "Some students only see themselves through the lens of oppression in the curriculum through slavery and imperialism."

At Monday's school board meeting, Jason Markey, assistant superintendent for academics, said the district could see which class – Modern World History or European History – attracted more students.

One of the district's concerns was that Central saw a dropoff in students on the social studies honors track in their sophomore year. The data shows that 18 percent of Central sophomores take AP European History, compared with 28 percent for World History Honors as freshmen and 42 percent for AP U.S. History as juniors.

With AP Modern World History, officials are hoping to increase honors participation in the sophomore year.

Board members did not vote on the proposed social studies changes, but are expected to do so Oct. 12.

Administrators are also proposing Human Geography or Human Geography Honors for all freshmen. This would mean doing away with current freshmen courses such as World Cultures and World History Honors.

Another recommendation is to do away with Western Civilization, an elective for students in their sophomore through junior years.

Administrators said this would be to provide consistency between Central and South high schools. It is now only listed in Central's program of studies.

"(The course) likely would not run, or would run in very low numbers if it was added to the program of studies at Hinsdale South," the administrators said in a memo. "There will still be at least 13 Social Studies electives available to students at both schools."