The curriculum director, Michael Roccoforte, said the grant let the district hire experts at the university.

Mr. Adams was also the school's curriculum director.

Some curriculum directors added that it is emotionally difficult to discuss a current event when teachers and students have spouses, parents or other relatives in the gulf.

Later, the teachers would hold a no-confidence vote in his curriculum director, an open challenge to him as well, he still believes.

His father, also retired, was the curriculum director at the research, development and acquisition division of the Navy.

"My own position is that that's not enough," the curriculum director for the Granby school system, Karen Richards, said.

Last month, the school board suspended its curriculum director, Kathleen Bartley, for 30 days without pay for her involvement.

"I think historically speaking, our expectations were a little low," said Vincent Franco, the Harrison school district's curriculum director.

The initial success has prompted Don Holt, the curriculum director, to plan more classes for fall.

In New London, the curriculum director for the public schools there, Mark Kristoff, said black history lessons should not be limited to one month.