Can Detroit students see themselves in their course work? District wants them to weigh in.

In August, students in the state’s biggest school district will form a group to weigh in on the district’s social studies curriculum as part of a process to ensure course materials are equitable and representative of the majority-Black student body.

The new Social Studies Student Think Tank will serve as the main outlet for Detroit Public Schools Community District students to give suggestions and formulate initiatives to shape their own educational journey, said Elizabeth Triden, executive director of science and social studies for DPSCD’s Department of Curriculum.

“We know as a department, and as a field of education, that the materials available on the market for social studies are not reflective of our students,” said Triden. “So, we knew as soon as we adopted materials that there were going to be required adaptations to ensure that our students saw themselves and their histories in the materials.”