Boston Busing and Desegregation: An Examination of this Topic’s Inclusion in the Boston Public Schools Curriculum

Boston Busing and Desegregation: An Examination of this Topic’s Inclusion in the Boston Public Schools Curriculum

This paper discusses the recent addition of the topic of Boston’s court-ordered desegregation and the resulting busing riots into the Boston Public Schools history and social studies curriculum. It examines the reasons why the topic was not previously included, the factors that led to its present inclusion, and the reactions of teachers and parents. The paper also looks at the potential long-term impacts of the curriculum addition and makes suggestions for its improvement in the future. It draws on interviews with teachers, community leaders, and members of the BPS history department.

Paige Wallace