Researchers Anna Shapiro and Ashley Woo of RAND present findings from teacher interviews on instruction about the Holocaust and other topics tied to Jewish life.
The recently launched Network for Jewish Identity & History in K–12 Education — supported by the One8 Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Lubetzky Family Foundation, The Russell Berrie Foundation, and others — held its inaugural convening July 28–30 at George Washington University, hosted by The Collaboratory: A Center for Jewish Education.
This groundbreaking event brought together educators, curriculum developers, professional development experts, and organizational leaders to tackle a pressing challenge: the lack of accurate, research-driven instruction on Jewish history, identity, antisemitism, and Israel in non-Jewish K–12 schools. Participants represented a wide range of organizations shaping this work including the Institute for Curriculum Services, Anti-Defamation League, Facing History and Ourselves, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
"The energy and commitment we witnessed from participants demonstrates the field's readiness to move beyond fragmented efforts toward a unified, research-driven approach to education on Jewish identity and history in K-12 schools,” said Ben Jacobs, co-director of The Collaboratory. “The Network is now positioned to improve how Jewish history and identity are taught nationwide, creating lasting impact in communities across America."
Network members engage in small group discussions.
At the heart of the convening was the Framework for Jewish Identity & History in K–12 Education, a comprehensive roadmap for age-appropriate, high-quality instruction. Keynote sessions highlighted significant gaps and challenges in existing curricula, while collaborative sessions aimed to build a strong network of educators and partners committed to improving K-12 public school instruction on Jewish history and identity nationwide.
“The Network is now positioned to improve how Jewish history and identity are taught nationwide.”
Lisa Capelouto, chief program officer at The Russell Berrie Foundation, underscored the urgency of this work in light of rising antisemitism. “Far too many students leave high school without a sufficient or accurate understanding of Jews, Jewish history, or Israel because educators often lack the necessary resources to address these topics effectively,” she said. “Through this network, we hope to build the field of Jewish education and inclusion in K-12 schools and create stronger connections, shared tools, and strategies that work to help students understand and stand up to antisemitism.”
Looking ahead, the Network will launch four working groups this fall focused on dissemination strategies, enhancing the Framework, research use, and professional learning. Ultimately, this powerful collaboration of funders and organizations hopes K-12 students will graduate with deeper knowledge of Jewish identity and peoplehood, the ability to recognize the origins, nature, and manifestations of antisemitism, and a more nuanced understanding of the central role that Israel plays in Jewish identity.