The City of Ali documentary delivers an emotional and impactful experience for any viewer, but it did not take long for the people behind its inception and production to realize the merit it would have in classrooms across both Louisville, Kentucky, and beyond. Aven Cook and Rachel Klein have created high-quality instructional materials to support the viewing and processing of the film. Ms. Cook and Ms. Klein are former English language arts teachers and current specialists in the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Poverty in the Jefferson County Public Schools system in Louisville, Kentucky.

This curriculum guide includes middle school and high school lessons designed to include principles of culturally responsive instruction, deeper learning, inquiry, interdisciplinary practices, and of course, content standards. Further, each set of lessons leads up to a culminating project that allows students to synthesize their learning and engage in research based on a personal topic of interest. Not only are there lessons and projects contained within, but also extension activities and a set of essay prompts. 

Only portions of the City of Ali documentary are available on PBS LearningMedia. Visit City of Ali to learn more.