During a pivotal time in American history, there is a desire to uncover the truth about the foundations of the systems surrounding us. The introduction of AP African American studies seeks to answer those very questions. Mr. Binns — an integral part of the History Department — is enthusiastic about the course’s future and ready to give it life.
The implementation of AP African American studies has been underway for years by CollegeBoard, the well-known administrators of the daunting AP Exams, SATs, and more. However, during this school year, selected districts nationwide have been given the chance to pilot the course. To the high school’s benefit, we have been given the gift of time and will take this year to plan and prepare. While some schools jumped straight into their curriculum, West Orange High School has the opportunity to “smooth out any bumps in the road”, according to Mr. Binns.
Prior to the school year, Mr. Binns had the opportunity to develop the curriculum with educators from across the country at a summer institute. There, he was able to connect with other teachers who will share the “glows and grows” of the course at the end of the pilot program, before WOHS begins teaching it.
One noticeable challenge Mr. Binns has faced while developing the curriculum has been in deciphering what aspects of history are most important to impart versus what may not be as important. He explained it was as if there was a train set, and each part of the train played a crucial role in its development. How could they decide where to start and where to finish?
Mr. Binns described that AP African American Studies will explore the role of African Americans in developing the United States. He expressed the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives and emphasized that representation matters. Mr. Binns hopes to encourage his students to connect what has happened in the past to what is happening today. With this knowledge, he hopes his students will consider how they can play a role in shaping a better future.
This senior year course will operate like any other. Come May, there will be an AP exam that students will gain exposure to with DBQs, LEQs, and multiple-choice tests. This exam will similarly be worth college credit. However, there will be one new aspect of the class. In an effort to extend student learning beyond the classroom, an independent research project of the students choosing will be completed. As Mr. Binns put it, it will be simple and engaging.
Anticipating his first year teaching an AP course, Mr. Binns is ready to tackle this new experience head-on. He wants students to know that, while AP has its burdens, it’s okay to fail, it’s okay to accept feedback, and it’s okay to try again. Each obstacle will make you a better student and a more confident person. Mr. Binns expressed that his main goal will be to support his students so they leave the classroom with a positive attitude toward the course. He hopes this will encourage engagement among future students.
When Mr. Binns received the opportunity to teach AP African American Studies, he immediately agreed. With a course as important as this, he understood the implications of its addition to the WOHS catalog. He shared how he would feel proud to see it through. Born and raised in Rockaway, NJ, Mr. Binns appreciated the diversity of the West Orange community, and he “always wanted to be a part of it”, inspiring him to teach at the high school and assist in this undertaking.
Mr. Binns has acknowledged that the upcoming year will inevitably present challenges, but he expects to learn alongside his students and will ensure no pressure is placed on the incoming class. He has nothing but high hopes for the course.
The impact of AP African American Studies is undeniable. In putting on a “fresh pair of glasses” and exploring the history of the United States through a “new lens”, students will be exposed to a new interpretation of the well-known — and oftentimes biased — lessons they have learned throughout their education. Further, Mr. Binns hopes the adoption of this course will set the stage for several diverse programs to become available to the students of West Orange High School.
