Date: Fri 12-Jun-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

history-literature-schools

Full Text:

Linking History And Literature

(with cuts)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

NHS teachers, Allison Epstein and Mary Tomaino, won a statewide Celebration of

Excellence award, for their exceptionally effective way of connecting American

history with American literature.

Their course, American Studies, has 11th grade students looking at American

History from four perspectives, probing American history like historians.

Using one central question for each term, students review early American

literature and other primary sources and develop positions on a central issue.

Then the next term, they revisit the same historical periods but examine it

with a different question in mind.

Each term, students work on one major historical question. Their first one was

on Immigration "Who is entitled to the American Dream?"

Other historical questions revolve around 1) "How have work and play shaped

America?", 2) "What is [political] reform?," and 3) "Which American war had

the greatest impact on our nation's self image?"

Literature is interwoven with every major question, helping students delve

into the impact of historic events on the people.

They also simultaneously develop collaboration with classmates while

researching the skill-type question "how does working with others enhance the

quality of thought?"

Speaking at a recent Board of Education meeting, Miss Epstein said "By this

time last year, you got the groans when you brought out more articles for them

to read. But this year it's different." Since the students know the central

question that they will be answering, they look at the readings as a source

for improving the answers they are developing.

Nelsa Avallon, junior, spoke approvingly of the American Studies course, and

especially about working with other students in groups. She said "you get

everyone's idea. If she thinks of something, it gets me started."

Jessica Morse, junior, sitting across the table said "and it's more fun."

Miss Epstein and Mrs Tomaino were so excited about the improvement in student

performance since they reworked the curriculum, that they wanted to make these

ideas available to other teachers. They offered a staff development program

through the high school, expecting eight or so teachers, and were amazed that

45 signed up.

As winners of celebration of excellence, a summary of their work will be

available nationally both in a teacher's guide, and over the Internet

(www.aces.k12.ct.us/celebration), although this year's winners have not been

posted to the web site yet.

Their next project? These teachers have presented a reworked curriculum for

the high school course in American Government for consideration by the Board

of Education. This course will also revolve around essential questions.