An Analysis of the Secondary Education Curriculum Development Project for Muslims in America: From Understanding to Action

This article explores the challenges faced by states today dealing with large Muslim indigenous and immigrant populations and the benefits of using education as a means to integrate these communities into the mainstream of a particular society. The authors argue that education is the most effective path towards integration. Therefore, they have created an education curriculum targeting high school students adapted from the 1960s Social Studies Curriculum Movement in the United States. This movement originated out of the turmoil of the Civil Rights Era. It significantly aided the better integration of African-Americans into mainstream U.S. society by extending education benefits to this community, and by educating mainstream America regarding the experiences of African-Americans and their histories. This curriculum, however, has not been updated for the demographic challenges of today, namely Muslims. This project’s educational curriculum focuses on educating mainstream America regarding the history, culture, and development of the Islamic world. At the same time Muslim communities in the United States must also be studied to ascertain the unique experiences of both indigenous and immigrant populations. Both parts are incorporated into the curriculum in order to educate simultaneously mainstream society and Muslim populations, therefore, benefitting both groups as mutual understanding is increased. In turn, this facilitates the integration of minority populations while respecting their traditions and cultures.