The Truth in Curriculum: Are We Teaching the Full Story? | Season 4 Episode 45

In this episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I reflect on how and what we teach in our schools-and whether our students are getting the full story or just a curated version of history.
As an educator with over 20 years in public schools, I’ve seen how curriculum is often written from the victor’s perspective, leaving out critical context that shapes our understanding of the past and present. One recent example I encountered was the integration of baseball, often framed as a triumph for civil rights, yet rarely addressing the economic devastation it caused for Black communities by dismantling the Negro Leagues.
Why are we teaching surface-level narratives without deeper inquiry? Who is vetting our history, and why aren’t more educators and communities involved in shaping curriculum that reflects the full truth?
This episode is not about rewriting history-it’s about making sure students learn to think critically, question narratives, and understand how history impacts their communities today.
Call to Action:
• How do you approach incomplete or misleading curriculum in your school?
• As educators and parents, how do you ensure that students get a full and accurate perspective?
• What steps can we take to hold curriculum developers accountable?
Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Tags:
education, curriculum development, critical thinking, history education, equity in education, educational leadership, teaching history, black history, school curriculum, education reform, social justice in education, cultural literacy, storytelling in education, pedagogy, student engagement, civic education