Someplace Central School District
Intercity, New York
January 14, 2007

Chair of Multicultural Curriculum
123 School Drive
Intercity, NY 12345

RE: Curriculum Changes

Dear Parents, Teachers, Students and the Greater Community:
Hello, My Name is . I have been employed by the Somewhere Central School District for the past seven years as a social studies teacher in Somewhere Central High School. I have recently received the honor of appointment as Chair of Multicultural Curriculum. Intercity is a small community that has been rapidly changing in population and demographics, it has been bestowed upon me the responsibility of bringing the curriculum current and in accordance with the needs of our diverse student population.
As a product of a bi-racial union I understand the importance of a multicultural curriculum. Establishing a curriculum sensitive to the needs of students, one in which they can identify and see the relationship of their lives to education and schooling, will encourage students to become life long learners.

Curricular changes will not occur overnight. Changes will be in the form of a well collaborated plan carried out in a cooperative manner. All levels of schooling, from the federal level to the grassroots level of the classroom, will be active participants in bringing about the necessary changes. The changes must cohere to high academic goals and standards dictated by all levels. Curricular change is a process that includes parents, teachers, students and the greater community.

Our most immediate area of concern is the social studies curriculum for grades 9-12. Traditionally the curriculum division is as follows:

9th Grade
Global History & Geography Part 1
(Beginning of time -16th Century)

10th Grade
Global History & Geography Part 2
(Beginning of time -16th Century)

11th Grade
American History
(16th Century- Current Events)

12th Grade
Participation in government (PIG)
Economics

Global History & Geography part 1 and 2 touch on Latin America, Asia, Africa and India yet the concentration, is European history. Grade 11, American History does not encompass the idea of the three Americas (North, Central and South) but rather the focus is solely on United States History. In 12th Grade the PIG and Economics courses are designed to empower students to become active and successful participants in society. Yet, if the curriculum of the previous three years does not allow the student to relate their being to history and society, what interest will students have to participate in a society, that relates little to them.

They key concepts of the K-12 social studies program are: History, Geography, Economics, and Civics, Citizenship and Government. All school and life experiences, from birth to adulthood, influence a person’s perception. The information a student receives has a direct effect over what the student will be able to do. It is important that we present pertinent information to students so that they may participate in an articulate, informed and meaningful interpersonal manner.

Due to this, the following changes will occur in the New York State curriculum for Social Studies.

9th Grade
Ancient Times
3500 BC – 500 AD
Civilization in Mesopotamia,
Egypt, Oceania, Ancient India and China,
Greece and Rome

10th Grade
Middle Ages
500 AD – 1500 AD
Dark Ages in Europe, Rise if Islam
Maya civilization, Mongol Conquest, Renaissance

11th Grade
Modern Era
1500 AD - 1800 AD
Conquest of the Americas, Liberal revolutions, Industrialism, World war, Space Age

12th Grade
Economics
20th Century: Conflicts, Issues and Trends
Participation in government (PIG)
Government and Citizens role in society.

The above, changes in curriculum framework, reflects more accurately the natural progression of the history of the world and encompasses a more diverse approach to teaching to a multicultural audience.

I am always available and open to discourse regarding the matter of improving multicultural representation in curriculum. I welcome you to contact me regarding any questions or comments you may have. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thank you for your time and have a pleasant day.
Yours Truly,


Chair of Multicultural Curriculum