Photos: Stanford history curriculum at L.A. Unified

Daniel Buccieri teaches World History at Venice High. “History isn’t a set of answers I’m passing down to kids,” he says. “It’s more a set of questions and problems.” (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 26, 2014 6 AM PT

L.A. Unified teachers are overturning the traditional textbook approach to history with a free, online curriculum developed by Stanford University that teaches students to probe provocative historical questions.

Stanford history curriculum at L.A. Unified

Brad Fogo, director of curriculum development for Stanford History Education Group, talks with history teachers at Venice High. So far, 385 Los Angeles Unified teachers and administrators have attended Stanford-led workshops this year. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Venice High teacher Soni Lloyd is using a free history curriculum from Stanford University that aims to hone students’ critical-thinking skills. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Jamar attends a history class at Venice High. Only about a third of L.A. Unified high schoolers were proficient on state standardized U.S. and world history tests last year. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

At Venice High, Daniel Buccieri’s 10th grade students said their teacher’s approach has completely changed their attitude toward history. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Chrestine Peart listens during a World History class at Venice High. With the Stanford University curriculum, her classmates say history is exciting. They understand it. They even remember it. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)