Fourth-grade students in Bismarck, Mandan, and across North Dakota could soon be learning state history from entirely new textbooks. The State Historical Society has initiated a major project to rewrite the existing instructional materials, aiming to produce content that is more accurate and effectively teachable within a single academic year.
This comprehensive update addresses curriculum that has remained largely unchanged for roughly 20 years. Dane Crowton, who is involved in the rewriting effort, noted the necessity of this revision. The State Historical Society is uniquely positioned for this task, leveraging its extensive resources, including its archives and geological survey, to ensure the historical integrity and depth of the new materials.
A significant impetus for this revision stems from new state standards currently under development for social studies by the Department of Public Instruction. These upcoming standards provide a timely framework for the new textbooks. Crowton emphasized the logical connection, explaining that with new standards being developed, preparing these new books now is a logical step to ensure the updated curriculum aligns with state educational objectives.
Previous versions of the fourth-grade North Dakota history curriculum comprised six separate books, collectively totaling approximately 700 pages. This extensive volume presented a challenge for educators throughout the state. Crowton observed that this amount of material was "too much content for a semester or even the whole school year," making it difficult for teachers to cover the entire curriculum effectively within the academic timeframe. The new project seeks to streamline this content, making it more manageable and accessible for both students and teachers.
Beyond simply condensing material, the revision process allows for a critical "re-contextualizing history." According to Crowton, this opportunity enables writers to address past perspectives, as "as time changes, we realize the mistakes and the biases of previous generations." This commitment to presenting a more nuanced and accurate historical account will impact how events and figures are portrayed, ensuring the curriculum reflects current understanding and corrects prior inaccuracies. This re-evaluation is expected to provide students in districts throughout Burleigh and Morton counties with a more comprehensive and considered view of their state's past.
Furthermore, the revision facilitates the inclusion of newly available historical information. Writers are incorporating insights from previously unutilized sources, such as homesteading journals and diaries from earlier generations of state residents. These personal accounts offer unique perspectives that can significantly enrich the historical narrative, fostering a deeper, more personal connection for students to North Dakota’s heritage. Such additions can bring local history to life, illustrating the experiences of those who shaped the communities where students in Bismarck and Mandan live today.
The project remains in its early stages, with writers actively engaged in re-contextualizing the textbooks. Specific decisions regarding which content will be added or removed are still being finalized. Once completed, these updated books will serve as a foundational resource for thousands of young learners, providing them with a refreshed and more thorough understanding of North Dakota's rich history.
