Norwalk Schools To Remove 'Inaccurate' Textbook From 4th Grade Classes

Last week, the school district said it became aware of concerns regarding "an insensitive comment" in the textbook, the post said. After an internal review of the book and how it explicitly addressed slavery in Connecticut, "we have deemed the content in the textbook inaccurate," the post said. 

"The content is simplistic, insensitive, and can be regarded as offensive to many," said a Facebook post from the Norwalk Public Schools. "The portion within the textbook minimizes the impact and implications of slavery."

Use of the book will be discontinued as effective Jan. 3, the district said, "because of the nature of this content and the negative implications it can have on student learning." 

An Elementary Integration Committee of central office administrators and Curriculum Instruction Site Directors will work during December to incorporate different Social Studies resources into the Connecticut history studies for fourth grade. 

Parents of students in fourth grade should look out for a letter and email with more details from Michael T. Conner, chief academic officer for Norwalk Public Schools.

"Our district long-term strategy is to formally adopt a Social Studies program aligned to Connecticut’s new College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Social Studies Framework," the post said. During January, Conner will work with the Board of Education's Curriculum Committee and other stakeholders to develop an ad-hoc committee to make a recommendation for an official program adoption by May.

For any questions, contact the Curriculum Office at 203-854-4143.

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