For this post, we’d like to revisit a collaboration between Boston Public Library and the Digital Commonwealth Inc. nonprofit. In 2022, BPL and DC Inc. applied for and received grant funding to hire an Education Fellow, with the goal of increasing usage of DigitalCommonwealth.org resources in the classroom. Lara DeRose worked with local educators, agencies, and other stakeholders over the course of her yearlong fellowship. We spoke with Lara about her work and how primary sources in social studies can benefit kids across Massachusetts.

Can you give us the elevator pitch for what you’ve designed?  Researching Massachusetts teachers’ needs, we discovered that many of Digital Commonwealth’s resources connected to local history embedded in the elementary history and social science standards. There is also a dearth of curriculum resources for those early grade levels, as districts focus their resources on math and literacy in elementary school. In response, we built a model third grade unit that would teach students to properly research and interpret primary and secondary sources while having fun learning local history.  While this work was successful, curriculum development is arduous, and not a pathway that will be successful without a dedicated team or individual responsible for developing high quality, research-based educational curricula that can be tailored to MA communities. This process must be ongoing.

The current standard for curriculum units used in MA classrooms is very high, and a partnership might be the best option[…]. While hiring an individual with proficiency in instructional design, educational technology and content creation is a possibility, this might limit the ability to perform other important outreach activities. Clear roles and responsibilities should be defined within this team or for the individual connecting them to particular “fresh” content that has been or is being added [to the repository]. Collaboration with stakeholders, such as community librarians, museums, and grade level educators, will increase [the] success and use of these materials. Continuous feedback and updates from educators will ensure that the curricula remain relevant, engaging, and effective, allowing for iterative improvements over time.

Is there anything else in the country like what you’re designing – nevermind for free?!

Since we met with DESE [Mass. Department of Elementary & Secondary Education] last summer, they have acknowledged the lack of high quality instructional materials for elementary social studies. They have recruited several curriculum development groups that are releasing a few “Investigating History” grades 3 & 4 sample lesson plans to pilot this year. I see this as an opportunity for Digital Commonwealth to “crosswalk” their resources with the release to share how teachers can use Digital Commonwealth in conjunction with Investigating History. Digital access to Investigating History is free to all Massachusetts teachers.

Does local history/localized education have much of a role in schools nowadays?

Yes, local history is part of the frameworks educators are required to teach. Learning about local history can give students context when moving on to state, national or international topics and a deeper understanding of civics. Students will not only have a better understanding of social studies themes like “change over time” but local history topics will also increase families’ appreciation of their regional history and their local government.

What have been your favorite aspects of the work to this point? 

My favorite aspect of this work was exploring primary sources in Digital Commonwealth from local museums. As a former history teacher, I love collecting the individual stories that will connect students to history. This year I often fell down rabbit holes exploring photographs, artifacts, and letters. I am excited to stay connected with Digital Commonwealth, sharing and supporting opportunities for outreach.