Renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass said it best: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” The inherently racist curriculum that is currently being taught fails to provide our young scholars with an accurate view of American history. To counteract this, we require Critical Race Theory in education. The Village Method supports this initiative.
Lawmakers around the nation are deciding, as we speak, to ban Critical Race Theory and stop state funding of schools and federal agencies that go against their decisions. The efforts of anti-racist educators are under clear attack. We believe there is no time to waste. At this rate, systemic racism in education will continue to affect the vast majority of our youth.
Diversity training, as many call it, was categorized as one of the most divisive concepts in America’s history. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it’s a clear example of how efficient disinformation is. Let’s take a look at what teaching Critical Race Theory entails and whether it’s worth the collective effort or not.
Critical Race Theory In Education: Learning the Basics
We are forever indebted to legal scholars and their arduous work for social justice. The Critical Race Theory emerged during the ‘70s and ‘80s. This innovative framework closely mirrored the inclusion efforts of the Civil Rights Movement. According to its developers, racial inequity and White privilege are both embedded in all institutions, laws, and policies.
Critical Race theorists such as Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Alan Freeman paved the way by trying to explain racial disparities in a manner that was as straightforward as humanly possible. This nation’s history speaks, for the most part, of prevalent racial oppression that affects our daily lives. It’s only fair to give our children the answers that they seek.
It is beyond unfair to establish financial penalties for school districts that want the implementation of Critical Race Theory in education. Our children are fully deserving of an education system that cares not only about their academic achievements, but also about their mental well-being and personal empowerment.
Critical Race Theory In Education: Why Is It Necessary?
As we’ve previously mentioned, Critical Race Theory is under attack. Young scholars need to understand why school segregation is still a thing and why racial bias might end up affecting their lives once they leave the school’s premises.
It is not individual bias that affects racial groups. The problem at hand is much more complicated and subtle than any of us would’ve expected. Thankfully, Critical Race Theory promotes an in-depth outlook on racial inequality.
By implementing Critical Race Theory in Education, we’ll finally provide our young ones with the shield of knowledge and empowerment. Critical Race Theory is so much more than just recycled Civil Rights legislation. It is our children’s rare chance to take a closer look at their country’s history, flaws, failures, as well as its triumphs.
Critical Race Theory In Education: Seeking Alternatives
School boards are getting multiple complaints about race conversations taking place in classrooms. As a consequence, after-school programs stepped up by providing family engagement activities and Social Emotional Learning initiatives.
Alongside anti-racist educators and fully involved parents, our children have more opportunities to thrive academically, as well as on a personal level. Critical Race Theory is a central part of all family engagement activities that many culturally empowering after-school programs are providing.
A new Afterschool Alliance research shows that after-school programs are a smart investment for working families. We believe that family engagement breaks the barriers between home and school, and provides parents with a rare glimpse into their children’s academic journeys.
The best alternative for Critical Race Theory in education is to seek out culturally affirming after-school programs. Make sure that they only hire anti-racist educators who strive for racial equality and go beyond curriculum materials. It’s important to note that family engagement activities and Social Emotional Learning are a byproduct of Critical Race Theory, since they both address the issues initially highlighted by legal scholars.
Always choose after-school programs that empower and educate our children on the subject of racial justice. Don’t settle for anything less. Systemic racism in education is not something that should be taken lightly.
It’s Time to Implement Critical Race Theory In Education!
It might take longer than we thought to bring this affirming framework to each school district. Meanwhile, we can challenge the limits of free speech by drawing inspiration from the relentless attitude of last century’s law professors. The unabridged story of our people needs to be heard.
For this main reason, The Village Method was established. Our after-school program revolves around the necessities of our youth and their families. To us, family engagement and Social Emotional Learning are fundamentals that help us raise strong children, precisely as Frederick Douglass suggested.
We need your help as we begin to challenge systemic racism in education! Get involved now and help us build villages of strong, empowered children! We are deeply grateful for your support and hope you’ll stay tuned for many more insightful articles!
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