Scituate is not the most diverse town regarding different ethnicities and races. Likely as a result of this, I have noticed both a lack of understanding and misconceptions held by peers as I progress through my academic career–myself included. This has been shown through the inability to come up with answers about Black history in classes or incidents of racism or hate off school grounds. It is important to mention when regarding the history of Black Americans and knowledge of Black American culture, everyone has room to grow–especially in Scituate. This includes me, as I recognize I am not better or more knowledgeable than my peers.
Therefore, to combat this, Scituate High School would benefit tremendously from offering AP African American Studies as a class moving forward; it would provide an essential perspective and amplify students’ understanding of history regarding Black Americans. AP African American Studies is a course that has been in the works, according to the College Board website, for decades. Moving forward, any school can begin offering it starting with the 2024-2025 school year.
After researching the course, it was clear the curriculum would add depth to the Black American history we learn in regular classes, and many students are interested in the topic. Students believe the history curriculum could be doing more to voice different perspectives, as it currently focuses mainly on a Eurocentric perspective. As it pertains to Black American history, the majority of what is covered today focuses primarily on the series of tragic events that have affected this marginalized and underrepresented group. While this is important to discuss, there should be a balance that teaches students about the countless contributions of Black Americans over the last several centuries. It is acknowledged that the teachings regarding African Americans have improved immensely over the years, but there is room to grow.
Offering AP African American Studies would fill some of the gaps left open through taking the required courses–like World and US History. Having a specific course dedicated to learning about Black American history would provide a perspective students wouldn’t get otherwise.
One of the Advanced Placement English teachers at Scituate High School, Catherine Hall, who teaches AP Language and Composition, agrees with the importance of adding African American Studies to the history department. To meet our district objective of diversity and inclusivity, she stated, “This mission extends beyond clubs and programs,” and the course would be “a substantive academic commitment toward this goal.”
In Scituate Public Schools, we have made strides regarding inclusion and diversity; this consists of an Anti-Racism club, a Love, Inclusion, and Trust (LIT) program, and additional discussions of Black American history in classes. All schools can begin offering AP African American Studies in the 2024-2025 school year, and it is the logical next step in what we are already doing. According to a form I created for my peers, the majority are interested in taking the class, most responding with a “maybe” or a definite “yes” when asked about taking it–only 16 percent of students said they wouldn’t take the class. In a discussion with jamele adams, the SPS director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, he agrees, stating he doesn’t anticipate enrollment being an issue if we were to offer the class.
Mr. adams supported the introduction of a similar course, African American History, in Natick, MA, in recent years. Additionally, several schools across Massachusetts have been piloting AP African American Studies over the past few years–Duxbury, Weymouth, and Milton included. I have full confidence that many students would take the course, and all we need now is a teacher to lead and administer it. Special training would not be required, according to the College Board, and only workshops are recommended. Of course, it is vital to understand the value of teaching a college-level course, especially considering this may be a more mature topic. At the same time, I am optimistic that our teachers at Scituate High School will not only be interested in my idea but would be able to teach the course exceptionally well.
If the SHS history department supports the class, the process may be easier than we anticipated. I recently learned that new courses must be presented by the 15th of December, which is a very short deadline. That being said–it is not impossible. I would be willing to dedicate time and energy into meeting the deadline. Equally important, I recognize that the price of textbooks may be an issue. That being said–it is not impossible. I truly believe that we can have this course in Scituate with support from students and teachers as early as next year.
Do we have the will to make it happen?