Urban Education and Facing History: Douglass High School in Memphis

In Memphis, Tennessee, students at city schools experience extraordinary moments of reflection through a unique Facing History elective. Through course work that fosters academic rigor, critical thinking, and writing skills, students create powerful connections between their own lives and the choices people have made at critical moments in history.

Despite a challenging social and economic environment, students in these classes continually demonstrate their resilience, says Steve Becton, Facing History's Senior Associate for Urban Education and Organizational Initiatives. Through the Facing History experience, these young people become engaged and energized as they realize their ability to impact their school and their community.  As a teacher, Becton says: "It's exciting to watch them get it."

Find out about our Fall 2012 Conference in Memphis, Engaging Education: Rethinking Learning, Teaching, and Achievement in Urban Schools.

Go deeper with Facing History and urban education. Read about the impact a Facing History education can have on students in urban settings worldwide.