Education Committee

Infused Curriculum
The Human Relations Commission's (HRC) Education Committee is composed of representatives from public and nonprofit organizations committed to addressing inequalities in education, and encouraging fair treatment and promoting mutual understanding and respect in Guilford County Schools.

Infused Curriculum

This project was initiated to explore the “infusion” of African and African American history within social studies, science, and mathematics text books for all grade levels in the Guilford County School System. Project outcomes include addressing achievement gaps, anti-social behaviors, and improvement of race relations by providing a heightened awareness of African and African American historical contributions.

The concept was fostered by Dr. Edward Robinson Jr., a native of Philadelphia and former professor of history, who was awarded a contract with the Philadelphia Public School District to pilot his vision of infused curriculum with 600 students in the seventh grade. His effort resulted in testing score increase of 63 percent in mathematics, 17 percent in English / reading, 81percent in science and 50 percent in social studies.

According to the school's principal, student participation increased from 20 in 1992 to 200 in 1993. Philadelphia’s computer-tracing system showed a decrease in anti-social behavior and disciplinary incidents by 80 percent within one school year, an improvement in self-esteem and interracial respect among students, and ultimately the institution of African and African American history as a mandatory subject for students in Philadelphia.

On May 21-22, 2008, Dr. Robinson was keynote speaker for three forums hosted by the HRC Education Committee.