It can be difficult for teachers to examine discrimination and other social justice issues in the classroom without having the discussion break down.

With an animal-centered perspective, the Challenging Assumptions curriculum keeps the conversation focused on solutions and similarities rather than problems and differences.

The result? Students become compassionate thinkers with the knowledge and power to transform their own lives, their schools, and the world.

Download Free Curriculum Kit

Student Outcomes

Promotes character, moral development, and higher-order thinking skills

Student Engagement

Taps into students’ enthusiasm for social justice issues

Curriculum Quality

Uses a standards-aligned curriculum created by educators

Curriculum Compatibility

Fits seamlessly into an existing curriculum across subject areas

PART ONE

Exploring Speciesism and Discrimination

A basic framework for students that investigates social norms and personal assumptions that contribute to speciesism and other forms of injustice

PART TWO

Incorporating Compassion Into the Curriculum

Resources for teachers to use in their existing mandated lessons, including activities and recommendations from other teachers for integrating the materials in the classroom

PART THREE

Service-Learning Project

A chance for students to put their knowledge into practice designing and executing solutions to animal-related issues in their communities

“Challenging Assumptions is an amazing resource. I have created lessons around
social justice [and] political activism. My students really respond to it.”

⁠—Nina Otazo (Jane Long Academy, Houston)