Katrina curriculum features NYC schools

Posted by Philissa at 2:05 PM

Columbia University's Teachers College, with the support of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, has developed a curriculum based on Spike Lee's documentary "When the Levees Broke." The curriculum, titled "Teaching the Levees," is intended for students in high school and older and addresses many of the social and political issues raised by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. It also encourages "citizen action through further study, community service, service learning, and political action," according to its website. I hope schools in New York and nationwide will be able to find space in their busy testing schedules for Teaching the Levees.

Two New York City schools that have already used Katrina as a tool for learning are featured in videos on the curriculum's website. One video depicts Beacon School students' trip to New Orleans to volunteer in rebuilding efforts there. Another shows a vibrant classroom discussion at a Brooklyn high school about the political implications of natural disasters.

TC is hosting a launch event Sept. 6 that will feature a panel discussion moderated by New York Times columnist Bob Herbert; you can RSVP through tomorrow.