Is teaching The 1619 Project more honest? Is using Howard Zinn's A People's History... more honest? What do you consider a "more honest teaching of US History?"
Using Zinn or 1619 as 1 resource is a good thing. As many perspectives as possible.
My personal idea of honest is not skipping events. I was never taught about the Tulsa massacre. I think teaching Nat Turner's rebellion from Nat's perspective is also important.
Not skipping the forced assimilation of Native Americans (Carslie School).
Also teaching about how our country has continued to evolve and move towards a "more perfect" union is important.
Teach the flaws AND how they led to improvement as a country. Focus on the ideals and how that allows for our greatness.
So much history is not included. Not from the perspective of the oppressed. That is why Zinn is so powerful. Not as a primary source but a perspective. Same with 1619. The podcast provides different ideas that students can explore.
A good history teacher will provide thought-provoking questions that students can explore. A good history teacher will facilitate learning from a variety of perspectives.
Teach students to critically look at multiple sources. Read Jefferson and Lincoln. Analyze their words and then look at Zinn. Compare and contrast.
An honest look at our history will be uncomfortable at times. However, a constant reminder of our ideals will provide balance.
The current problem is the uncomfortable is being used in politics to create a negative narrative about teachers. The uncomfortable lesson without context can easily be used as propaganda, and it is.
My experiences tell me that most k-12 teachers do not know what CRT is, or at least why it is such "news". Most are taking pd classes and enjoying a much deserved summer break before returning in a few weeks.
Yes, like every profession there are a few extremes. But that should not define the teaching profession or any profession.