Incorporating the History and Contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) into Social Studies

This workshop guides educators in meeting the requirements of New Jersey’s AAPI Curriculum Bill (S4021/A6100), which mandates integrating AAPI history and contributions into K–12 social studies instruction. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive materials that reflect cultural and economic diversity while addressing historical gaps and omissions. Teachers explore examples of grade-level units and resources that embed AAPI perspectives, from Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Chinese American contributions to railroad building and military service. The session provides practical strategies and vetted resources to ensure AAPI stories are represented authentically across the curriculum.

• The historic underrepresentation of Asian American and Pacific Islander voices, contributions, and experiences in social studies curriculum.
  
  
• Lack of accessible, inclusive instructional resources that highlight AAPI cultural and economic diversity.
  
  
• Difficulty for educators in aligning new curricular requirements with existing grade-level standards and units.

1. Implementing AAPI Curriculum Requirements: Participants will learn how to integrate AAPI history and contributions into at least two social studies units per grade level, ensuring compliance with state mandates while enhancing inclusivity.
   
   
2. Using Grade-Level Resources and Examples: Educators will gain access to practical resources, including lesson plans, nonfiction texts, media, and activities that embed AAPI contributions across topics such as immigration, labor, innovation, and civic participation.
   
   
3. Building Student Understanding and Representation: Teachers will develop strategies to ensure students see themselves reflected in history, fostering respect, cultural awareness, and critical connections between diverse contributions and the broader American story.