Looking Back...Reaching Forward

A new curricular resource from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

As the country approaches the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, ADL is pleased to announce a new curriculum unit that commemorates Brown, explores the history of school desegregation in the U.S., and examines current patterns of resegregation in public schools.  The series of six lesson plans for high school challenges students to investigate whether segregation is a problem that we once lived with or still live with in U.S. schools.  In addition to providing factual history, this unit aims to connect past to present, challenge students to reflect on their own beliefs about diversity, and inspire social action in local schools and communities.

Lesson 1: The Problem We Still Live With?

A Norman Rockwell painting and historical biography are used to introduce students to Brown v. Board of Education and the history of school desegregation.  Students are asked to consider whether-50 years later-they think segregation is still a problem in U.S. schools.

Lesson 2: The Road to Brown

Students research historical events that set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education and create a timeline that highlights their significance.

Lesson 3: With All Deliberate Speed

Primary documents, historic records and photographs are used to explore the ways in which school desegregation was implemented in the decades following the Brown decision.

Lesson 4: Fifty Years Later

Students examine statistical data and current events to learn about current levels of school integration and segregation.  They participate in a role play that encourages them to explore their own ideas about integration and the value of diversity in school settings.

Lesson 5: Bringing It Home

Students apply their learning about the issue of segregation to their own school community by researching local demographics, reflecting on their personal experiences with social boundaries, and exploring ways to create change in their school.

Lesson 6: Building Alliances

Students explore what it means to be an ally and learn about allies from the Jewish community who worked to end racial segregation in schools.  They apply these historical lessons to their own lives by identifying ways to build alliances across differences.

View the full curriculum unit

Learn about additional anti-bias educational resources

For over 90 years, the Anti-Defamation League has been combating anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds.  The ADL works to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens.  Learn more.

ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute is a leading provider of diversity and anti-bias training and resources.  Institute programs provide hands-on training to help children and adults challenge prejudice and discrimination and learn to live and work successfully and civilly in an increasingly diverse world.  Learn more.