I was part of a group of teachers who developed the Michigan Department of Education's Social Studies Standards. Our "Celebrating Diversity as we Cherish Unity" lesson plan put into action the Social Studies Vision Statement. This defines the purpose of social studies as, "to prepare young people to become responsible citizens ... to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a pluralistic, democratic society in an interdependent world."

My art and music teacher colleagues at Best Middle School would like to work on other social studies projects with me. Our building principal will try to facilitate ongoing, similar projects. As president of the teachers' union, I often appear before the Ferndale Board of Education. It was a pleasure to present this project to the Board members, who were very enthusiastic in their support.

My students had very positive reactions to this project. Most had never visited the DIA, but all said they would like to visit again. One student said that Rivera's murals were "like tattooing the wall." Another student said "This history and art stuff can be fun."

School contact information:

Mr. Michael S. Miller, Social Studies
Best Middle School, Ferndale School District
24220 Rosewood
Oak Park, MI 48237
Phone: (248) 547-0880
Fax: (248) 586-0878