Teaching Ethnic Studies

On March 16, 2021, we invited a panel of teachers from SCUSD to share about the teaching of Ethnic Studies. We invite you to view the powerful presentations, and share your own story about experiences with Ethnic Studies in your school.

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Ethnic Studies Webinar Panelists

On March 16, 2021, Black Parallel School Board hosted a highly informative web presentation featuring teachers from the Sacramento Unified School District (SCUSD).

Ethnic Studies is a 9th grade graduation requirement in SCUSD, and the panel of teachers eloquently explained their own educational experiences and how the Ethnic Studies framework is different from the traditional social studies and history frameworks.

Watch the video below, and we promise you’ll be enlightened by what the teachers share and what they explain about the purpose of Ethnic Studies.

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Screenshot of zoom.us (3-16-21, 5-55-02 PM)

Presentation on Ethnic Studies Held March 16, 2021

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Hallmarks of Ethnic Studies Discussed in the Webinar

Curriculum as Counter-Narrative
Curriculum from the perspectives of people of color

Criticality
Structural analysis of racism and colonialism that works toward dismantling multiple forms of oppression

Reclaiming Cultural Identities
Deep knowledge of where students come from that challenges deculturalizing processes; learning about the historical contributions of their communities

Intersectionality and Multiplicity
Attending to students’ multiple social identities and their positions within intersecting relations of power

Community Engagement
Community-based pedagogies and experiences that bridge classrooms to community and social movements

Pedagogy That Is Culturally Responsive and Mediated

Drawing upon students’ lived experiences and sociocultural environments; intentional design of learning spaces

Students as Intellectuals
Respecting and fostering students’ curiosity, thinking, and intellectualism

Educate Yourself About Ethnic Studies

Support Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies courses help students develop a better understanding of the world around them, and learn how to interact with people different from themselves.

The pedagogy of ethnic studies draws upon students lived experiences in social cultural environments. Ethnic Studies courses cultivate critical thinking, civic engagement, and the ability to reflect on one’s own life story within the context of a broader historical narrative.

BPSB invites you to learn about Ethnic Studies and support Ethnic Studies teachers and their students.

Visit Ethnic Studies Classes

Talk to Ethnic Studies teachers and visit their classes to learn what it is being taught and what students are learning.

Read Up About Ethnic Studies

Read positive articles and books about Ethnic Studies, and learn about the purpose, framework, and pedagogy of the discipline. Don’t let the media make conclusions about Ethnic Studies for you.

Communicate to the District

Attend SCUSD Board meetings and express your support of Ethnic Studies and why you think such courses are important to the education of your children.

Attend BPSB Meetings

Attend Black Parallel School Board meetings on first the Saturday of each month, and share what you have learned about Ethnic Studies.

Become an Ethnic Studies Teacher

If you are a parent or student, think about becoming an Ethnic Studies teacher.

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Attend BPSB Monthly Meeting

The Black Parallel School Board meets the first Saturday of each, from 10-12pm.

Each of our meetings are packed with information and discussion about important issues impacting the education of African American children in and outside the Sacramento Unified School Distract.

Each meeting concludes with a community input from participants who share announcements and important information and feedback.