Collection
Choices in Little Rock
Get resources for teaching a unit on the efforts to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, explored through the lens of civic choices.
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–8Duration
Multiple weeks- Human & Civil Rights
- Racism
Overview
About This Collection
Efforts to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock resulted in a crisis that historian Taylor Branch describes as "the most severe test of the Constitution since the Civil War." Our resources on Little Rock ask students to examine these events through the question, “How much power do ordinary people have to change the world?”
The resources in this collection provide multiple instructional-pathways for teaching this history, as well as student materials available in both English and Spanish.
Inside this Collection
Choices in Little Rock
This unit investigates the choices made by the Little Rock Nine and others in the Little Rock community during the civil rights movement during efforts to desegregate Central High School in 1957.
Choices in Little Rock Student Guide
This student guide, designed for Chicago Public Schools, contains all print materials students will need throughout the Choices in Little Rock unit.
Choices in Little Rock Student Guide (Spanish)
This Spanish language student guide contains all print materials students will need throughout the Choices in Little Rock unit.
Journal
This blank journal provides a space for thoughtful reflection and intellectual and emotional engagement with the materials.
Common Core Writing Prompts and Strategies: Choices in Little Rock
This resource provides writing prompts and strategies that align our Choices in Little Rock unit with the expectations of the Common Core State Standards.
Terrence Roberts on Segregation and Discrimination
Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, speaks about growing up in a segregated society and what still needs to be done to combat racism and discrimination today.
Terrence Roberts on Understanding History
Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, speaks about the importance of understanding the history of segregation and civil rights to combat racism and discrimination today.
The Role and Challenges of a Free Press
Reporters and media professionals discuss the functions and importance of a free press in a democracy.
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Students learn about the period of violence in the South from 1873-1876 and examine its role in influencing elections and ending Republican control of Southern state governments.
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Students explore the legacies of the Reconstruction era today, reflect on the idea of democracy as a continuous process, and consider how they can best participate in the ongoing work of strengthening our democracy.
Supporting Question 1: The History of the Angel Island Immigration Station
Students explore the supporting question “How did the Angel Island Immigration Station both reflect and enforce borders within American society?”
Supporting Question 2: The Impacts of Detention on Immigrants and Their Descendants
Students explore the supporting question “How did border enforcement at the Angel Island Immigration Station impact immigrants and their descendants?”
Supporting Question 3: Navigating the Borders of National Belonging
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