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Presenters and residents urge KCSOS to make Heather Cox Richardson's "We Are America / 250" videos available as optional classroom resources
Summary
A historian presented the free "2 50 to 2 50" one'minute video series by Heather Cox Richardson and multiple community members urged the Kern County board to approve the materials as optional supplemental resources; trustees noted the board lacks authority to mandate curriculum but can share resources with districts and teachers.
A presenter (identified in public comments as Ellen Schaffhauser) told the Kern County Office of Education board on July 14 that the "2 50 to 2 50" ("We Are America") video series, created by historian Heather Cox Richardson, offers 1'minute historical segments designed for daily classroom use and is freely available online.
In a demonstration, the presenter described sample videos (including a piece on the Constitutional Convention and segments narrated by noted historians and public figures) and recommended classroom activities such as timeline insertion and short student-produced "memes" to encourage critical media literacy.
Members of the public who came forward during public comment strongly supported adopting the series as an optional supplemental resource. Sandra Fry said the series offers "digestible history" that can engage students and "celebrate what we love about America." (Sandra Fry). Anastasia Hopper called the materials "age appropriate," free, and relevant to the district's alternative education programs; she noted the videos are available on YouTube and Substack and urged the board to approve them as optional supplemental instructional material. (Anastasia Hopper).
Board members praised the presentation but emphasized limits on the board's authority. Trustee Mary Little told the presenter and public that the board cannot mandate classroom curriculum across all school districts; trustees said they can suggest or share the resource so teachers may choose to use it.
Outcome and next steps: The presentation was informational. Several trustees asked staff to circulate information about the resource to district staff and the board discussed the possibility that presenters could share the material with other local school boards. No board action to adopt curriculum was taken.
Sources: Presentation and multiple public comments during item 3.2; presenter demonstration (item 3.2).
