Conversations for the Common Good to Focus on Social Studies Curriculum
Bloomsburg, PA (09/02/2022) — Commonwealth University's Bloomsburg campus will host Conversations for the Common Good with the theme of "U.S. History Contested" on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 5- 6:30 p.m. in Carver Hall, Gross Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
The program will discuss social studies curriculum and learning in the public schools. Panelists will include:
- Crystal R. Sanders, professor of history, Emory UniversityDr. Sanders is a specialist in Black women's history, Black culture, and interaction with educational systems in the United States.
- D. Dusty Blakey, superintendent, Kennett Square Consolidated School DistrictDr. Blakey has broad experience with teaching/learning/curricular issues, public school administration, and community relations, especially in Chester County.
- Nicholas Peters, teacher, chair of social studies at Kennett Square High School, doctoral candidate. Peters works daily with the classroom implications of the curricular issues we expect to discuss and is completing directly related doctoral research at Temple University.
The discussion will cover a few basic questions like how are contested narratives about the history of our nation, especially the narratives on slavery, white nationalism/white supremacy, and the struggle to live up to ideals formulated in the U. S. Constitution, negotiated? Also, expected to be discussed is what should be included in those narratives to arrive at accurate, inclusive, historical accounts, and who is qualified to put them together and deliver them to students.
The integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of Commonwealth University is a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners. We're building a powerful tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs. Together we're honoring our history, investing in today, and building a powerful tomorrow. That's the power of three.