Mark Gaskins

The Intersection of Race and Gender in Education: Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Black Girls

By

In a world where education is meant to be the compass guiding us towards a brighter future, an intricate dance of identities unfolds within its walls. Step onto the stage where race and gender intersect, and you’ll witness a symphony of unique challenges faced by Black girls. 

It’s time to pull back the curtains, unravel the complexities, and shed light on their extraordinary journeys. Get ready to embark on a transformative exploration, where we unmask the obstacles, celebrate resilience, and pave a path towards a more inclusive educational landscape. 

Brace yourself for a captivating journey where race, gender, and education converge to create a powerful narrative of empowerment and change.

Unveiling the Educational Maze: Navigating Race and Gender Discrimination

Education, meant to be a pathway to success, becomes a complex maze when race and gender discrimination come into play. Let’s first uncover the challenges faced by Black girls as they navigate this intricate educational landscape.

The Walls of Bias in Racial and Gender Inequality

The intricate web of biases entangled in the perceptions of Black students extends beyond the influence of others. It is further intensified by the prevailing worship of material wealth and the absence of profound self-awareness rooted in the wisdom imparted by African ancestral teachings. Consequently, Black students find themselves still searching for a profound understanding of their true identity, intricately connected to their remarkable lineage.

Unseen biases infiltrate educational environments, leaving an indelible impact on the journeys of Black girls. These biases, firmly entrenched in anti-Blackness and racism, create a formidable barrier in academic settings that both Black girls and boys must navigate. It is crucial to identify the individuals responsible for carrying these biases and acknowledge the pervasive influence of preconceived notions, in order to effectively address and dismantle the walls of inequality.

Black girls navigate the intersection of race and gender, facing unique challenges shaped by societal expectations, stereotypes, and cultural influences. Understanding these complexities is crucial for supporting their educational journeys.

The Twists and Turns of Disparity in Education

Black girls encounter significant academic disparities, facing an achievement gap rooted in unequal resource allocation, discriminatory practices, and systemic barriers. Addressing these disparities is essential for fostering educational equity.

The discriminatory disciplinary practices disproportionately affecting Black girls not only impede their academic progress but also perpetuate systemic injustices,. Startling statistics reveal that Black girls are 5 times more likely to receive out-of-school suspensions than their white counterparts. Rectifying this deeply entrenched issue becomes paramount in fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment that nurtures the potential of every student, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Navigating the Maze: From Black Girls to Black Women

Culturally responsive teaching recognizes and values the cultural backgrounds and identities of Black girls. By understanding gender inequalities and racial equity, integrating their experiences into the curriculum and creating inclusive classrooms, educators can empower and engage Black girls in their learning journey.

At the same time, mentorship, support programs, and fostering positive self-image are essential for empowering Black girls. Celebrating their achievements, promoting leadership, and building a sense of community can enhance their resilience and enable them to thrive in the educational maze.

Empowerment through Identity: Unlocking the Key to Success

Source: CBC

Culture and identity are intrinsic aspects of an individual’s being, influencing their educational journeys. In this section,, we delve into how culture and identity shape the experiences of Black girls, showcasing the transformative power of representation and introducing innovative teaching methods that embrace diversity.

Weaving a Tapestry of Culture and Identity

Culture and identity serve as threads that weave through the educational journeys of Black girls, shaping their perspectives, values, and aspirations. While white children benefit from readily available history books, teachers, statues, and national monuments that celebrate the heroism and leadership of their ancestors, 

Black children in America often struggle to find positive depictions of their own origins. Recognizing this significant disparity, it becomes clear that one of the formidable hurdles Black children must overcome is the restoration of a positive self-identity rooted in their pre-captivity African ancestry, prior to the harrowing experiences of enslavement and forced labor imposed by the “peculiar institution.” Understanding and acknowledging these historical and cultural influences becomes imperative in providing meaningful educational support to empower Black girls and foster a sense of pride in their heritage.

At the same time, we need to focus on identity development when it comes to combating racial and gender discrimination: examining the development of personal and racial identities among Black girls. This includes exploring how they navigate their multiple identities and the challenges they face in reconciling societal expectations with their authentic selves.

The Transformative Power of Representation

Representation plays a vital role in empowering Black girls, providing them with role models and expanding their possibilities.

In the realm of education today, it is crucial to highlight the remarkable journeys of inspiring Black women who have triumphed across diverse fields. These exemplary figures, such as Mary McCloud Bethune, Anne Turnbo Malone, our Forever First Lady Michelle Obama, Quinta Brunson, Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD, Loretta Lynch, Maya Angelou, Misty Copeland, and countless others, illuminate the path with their achievements. 

Delving into their stories allows us to not only understand their origins but also comprehend the challenges they faced to reach their current positions. By presenting the full spectrum of their experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—we ignite a spark of inspiration within individuals, enabling them to envision themselves in these narratives and believe in their own potential to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Embracing Diversity: Innovative Teaching Methods

Innovation in teaching is essential for creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for Black girls. Here are some possible actions:

  • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Introducing culturally responsive teaching methods that honor and incorporate the cultural backgrounds and experiences of Black girls into the curriculum. This approach promotes engagement, relevance, and a sense of belonging in the classroom.
  • Diverse Perspectives: At The Village Method, we wholeheartedly embrace the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives into our educational materials and activities. We go the extra mile by inviting guest speakers, presenters, and authors to share their books and engage in interactive discussions with our young scholars. Witnessing the profound impact of having success readily accessible within the classroom is truly remarkable. It’s an exhilarating experience to witness young minds opening up to new possibilities and realizing that success is well within their reach.

Nurturing Resilience: Cultivating the Blooming Flowers

The educational journey of Black girls is not without its emotional challenges. These include navigating societal pressures, stereotypes, discrimination, and the impact of systemic inequalities on their mental, physical and emotional well-being.

Black girls who experience earlier physical development than their peers often face unjust consequences for wearing clothing that their counterparts can wear without repercussions. The lack of context surrounding this differential treatment further exacerbates the issue. A child, unaware of the underlying biases, may not comprehend why their choice of a tank top, reflecting their natural physical growth, is viewed negatively when their Asian peers wearing the same attire do not encounter scrutiny.

When providing professional development and training to educators, we need to focus on highlighting the unique intersectionality of race and gender and how it influences the emotional challenges experienced by Black girls and examining the complexities and addressing the need for targeted support.

One of the focus points should be creating safe and supportive environments for our youth. This can include:

  • Fostering Emotional Well-being: Highlighting the significance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments that prioritize the emotional well-being of Black girls. This includes promoting mental health awareness, providing counseling services, and implementing culturally sensitive approaches to support their emotional growth.
  • Empowering Relationships: Emphasizing the role of educators, parents, and communities in fostering empowering relationships that uplift and support Black girls. Building strong connections and networks that nurture their emotional well-being and provide guidance and encouragement.

Breaking the Chains of Racial and Gender Discrimination with the Village Method

In the educational landscape, the emotional challenges faced by Black girls are profound, but their resilience is awe-inspiring. By delving into these challenges, we shed light on the importance of creating safe and supportive environments that foster their emotional well-being. As we celebrate their strength and triumphs, it becomes clear that nurturing resilience is vital for cultivating the blooming flowers within the community.

However, this journey towards resilience cannot be undertaken alone. It requires a village, a collective effort from educators, parents, and communities. Together, we can create an ecosystem that nurtures the emotional growth of Black girls, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.

Let’s cultivate a nurturing environment where the blooming flowers of resilience can flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of Black girls and shape a brighter future for all. Join us in The Village Method!

Is High School Counseling Efficient Enough to Support All Students?

By

The American School Counselor Association published a State of the Profession report highlighting that only 13% of the high school counselors who completed the survey were African-American. White school counselors make up a staggering 72%. Inclusivity in education should visibly impact high school counseling. ScholarPrep Nation is here to offer culturally affirming solutions.

 

How exactly are African-American students impacted by this unequal representation? With the college application process becoming more and more mystified, it is now time to tend to our current school environments. While most high school counselors are dedicated to their work, they could easily become overwhelmed and fail to efficiently support everyone, including African-American students.

 

In today’s article, we’ll carefully examine the limitations of high school counseling and seek efficient solutions that will benefit every student, regardless of socioeconomic background!

 

Learn How High School Counselors Can Advocate for Inclusivity in Education

It’s no secret that Black students need more Black counselors. Most counseling programs refuse to glimpse into the everyday life of our youth. Furthermore, most high schools choose a reactive approach whenever African-American students fail to keep up with the default expectations. Most of the time, accumulated knowledge gaps result in a lack of college success.

 

Having high school counselors of color to look up to can be an invaluable addition to the current school staff. Theoretically, the school counseling profession advocates for equity right from the get-go. In fact, inclusivity in education continues to be an ideal rather than a part of daily school life. 

 

The emotional toll of racism is dramatic enough by itself. A professional school counselor must extend so much more than just academic support. For example, Social-Emotional Learning can be an incredibly useful tool as we begin to pave the way for a more equitable educational system. 

 

When treated fairly and able to interact with Black counselors, the students will have an easier time visualizing themselves in the future, as well as tending to their college applications.

 

High School Counseling Tailored for the First-Generation College Student

woman standing near blue concrete wall

Image Caption: Unsplash

Most students of color don’t have siblings that could serve as role models for them to pursue higher education. First-generation college students tend to look up to their high school counselors and regard them as their most reliable source of support. They expect full acceptance, understanding, and motivation. 

 

The college application process is often accompanied by the need for financial aid awareness and the exploration of career paths, among many other things. Consequently, those essential steps toward college can seem much more complicated than they really are. The last thing we need is discouraged, frightened students. 

 

Things could be dramatically simplified! Considering the fact that first-gen students are a stable college enrollment population, they should become one of the main priorities of high school counselors. Not all first-gen students are necessarily low-income, contrary to popular belief. They simply lack the necessary resources and information in order to conquer the college application process.

 

Enhancing Your High School Counseling Efforts With ScholarPrep Nation

We get it. As a school leader, you have a lot on your plate. What if your school counselors cannot efficiently manage their time any longer? The inflow of future college students can become overwhelming after a while. For this reason, you need reliable solutions that offer culturally affirming solutions for your African-American students.

 

ScholarPrep Nation is a renowned college access program dedicated to the needs of students of color. Our experts will ensure the college success of your high school students, regardless of all present limitations. Here is a brief list of what we expertly provide:

 

  • An online, nationwide network
  • On-demand Academic Mentorship
  • Expert advice from our certified Educational Consultants
  • Fully customized scholarship search
  • Fully personalized college essay writing
  • Being paired with an expert ScholarPrep Navigator (coach)
  • Personality assessments
  • ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Tutoring
  • Monthly webinars and Accountability Meetings 
  • …and so much more!

 

ScholarPrep is dedicated to helping each child discover their uniqueness. Our innovative and culturally empowering approach is guaranteed to get your high school students into the colleges of their dreams. Together, we can now permanently demystify the college application process!

 

Ready to Empower Your High School Students All the Way to College Enrollment?

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, principals can shape not just the goals of the school or the teacher, but also the goals of the high school counselor. Bearing this in mind while mixing the current counseling efforts with the expertise of ScholarPrep Nation, college success can be achieved.

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your African-American students’ needs and preferences. We’d be more than happy to help you figure out an effective strategy!

 

Discovering An Afrocentric Approach to College Admission

By

It’s been shown that white students have an advantage in the college admission process. Why is that, you might wonder? This has everything to do with how Black youth, particularly first-generation college students, are being aided on their road to college. ScholarPrep Nation strongly supports the academic journey of each student in need of expert guidance.

 

Although we continue to push for inclusivity in education, the college application process is still confusing. The solution? To permanently demystify the college and scholarship application processes while raising awareness on topics surrounding financial aid or standardized tests. All applicants deserve a fair chance at college success. For this reason, we should explore an Afrocentric approach.

 

In today’s article, let us decide whether an Afrocentric approach to college admission would be appropriate or not. In the context of the ongoing racism in education, it would be wise for school leaders to adopt a more culturally affirming counseling strategy.

 

College Admission Seen Through Afrocentric Lens

What exactly is Afrocentrism and how can it enable institutions to aid their students as the college search commences? In a nutshell, Afrocentrism deals with acknowledging and celebrating Black youth’s African heritage. College admission is often unpredictable and admissions officers tend to make their own rules. We need a considerable perspective shift. 

 

Dr. Asa Hilliard is the classic example of a professor dedicated to exploring Afrocentric pedagogy. Among many other achievements, he dared to envision a brand-new K-12 curriculum that infused Afrocentric knowledge into every single subject. His passion for African culture and tradition continues to be forward-thinking years later.

 

Similarly to Dr. Hilliard, other scholars with a penchant for African studies are undoubtedly worth studying throughout one’s K-12 years. To ignore the lifelong work of such anti-racist geniuses is to consciously sabotage the growth of our youth. Furthermore, healthy self-awareness levels have the power to bring about the desire for academic achievement. 

 

College admission counseling should become culturally affirming and eager to nurture Black excellence. Equipped with the Afrocentric vision to achieve college success, the young scholars will be aptly guided to fill in their college applications as early as junior year, without the stress caused by uncertainty and confusion.

 

Equitable College Admissions Rely On Inclusivity in Education

As colleges weigh new admissions strategies and seek to support diversity, they continue to disregard the biggest, most inconvenient issue ━ racism is affecting the college admission process. That is to say, no matter how efficient and culturally empowering college admission counseling is, most students will face racism head-on due to overly-selective colleges that block the equal access of each applicant.

 

Legacy preferences in college admissions continue to perpetuate unfair circumstances. This concern raises civil rights implications that are impossible to ignore. The lack of transparency regarding the scholarship and college application and admission processes negatively impacts our youth. Consequently, Black students are much more likely to face student debt.

 

Although most high school counselors are dedicated to creating a more equitable academic environment, they are often taken aback by the students’ academic achievement gaps. Instead of taking a proactive approach, they may be inclined to resort to punitive measures. This stifles the efforts of college counseling throughout the nation, creating race gaps that are difficult to manage. However, there are culturally affirming solutions worth considering.

 

ScholarPrep Nation: An Afrocentric College Access Program

Medium shot smiley graduate student
Image Credit: Freepik

Financial aid, extracurricular activities, or Advanced Placement classes could certainly impress the admissions officer. However, Black youth must be given the right tools and resources in order to aptly tackle the college and scholarship application processes. As soon as these two are well taken care of, college admission could become considerably easier. 

 

ScholarPrep Nation doesn’t care solely about the young scholars’ test scores. Our mission is to ensure college success and familiarize the students with what awaits them post-high school. Our expertise in terms of college and scholarship applications is meant to take the pressure off high school leaders and counselors.

 

African-American students deserve to get into the colleges of their dreams. Unfortunately, they often lack the tools and resources in order to make the best decisions.Their academic achievement levels rely on our combined efforts. Together, we can boost college counseling efforts and help students apply without any confusion or stress.

 

Help Black Youth Access Higher Education Now!

Becoming college and scholarship-ready cannot happen overnight, especially not during one’s senior year. Instead, college graduation levels are determined by how well we assist and guide young scholars as early on as possible.

 

ScholarPrep Nation possesses the cultural and academic expertise you’ve been looking for. Allow us to prepare your African-American students for collegiate success in an efficient and professional manner. 

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your school’s goals and needs! We’re here to help you every step of the way. Inclusivity in education is entirely achievable. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Take the Pressure Off High School Counselors With These 3 Steps!

By

The American School Counselor Association states that the activity of school counseling is over a hundred years old. Throughout the decades, the role played by school counselors has been under constant debate, as well as subject to change. Now, ScholarPrepNation is on a mission to take some of the pressure off high school counselors.

 

What was once known as vocational guidance has now become an essential step in college preparation for our kids. High school counseling is meant to target so much more than just the developmental and academic needs of the students. In fact, the school counseling profession is about guiding our young adults in the direction of their aspirations.

 

In today’s article, we’ll reveal the three steps that school leaders can follow in order to relieve some of the pressure that is currently being experienced by high school counselors. Continue to read and discover the latest advice!

 

#1: Encourage High School Counselors to Advocate for Inclusivity in Education

Let’s picture this ━ the senior year begins and most students, particularly Black youth, begin to feel anxious about the scholarship and college application processes. Even worse, most first-generation students start to feel less and less prepared for this new academic chapter. What exactly is the root cause of the confusion surrounding higher education? In the long run, inclusivity in education is just as important as academic support.

 

Black youth deserves to feel like they are a part of the community, that they are heard, valued, and seen. Also, their families need to feel that their contributions and expertise are needed and put into practice. High school counselors must make a conscious effort to push for inclusivity in education without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or coercive methods that might discriminate. 

 

Regardless of their families’ socioeconomic backgrounds, every single child is capable of greatness. For that, anti-racist practices must be put to good use. Things such as initiating conversations about race, exploring family engagement, or discovering Critical Race Theory would end up empowering students. 

 

Consequently, the children won’t only speak up, but they’ll also experience a growing sense of curiosity as to what their academic and career plans should look like. A culturally affirming approach will never fail, it will eventually become the ultimate stepping stone toward college success.

 

#2: Demystify the College and Scholarship Application Processes

As mentioned above, there is a sense of confusion and anxiety as far as the college application process is concerned. For this reason alone, it’s extremely important to understand how high school counselors can help 9th graders plan ahead for academic and career development.

 

By the time they’ll reach senior year, individual counseling will inform students about financial aid, career exploration, and last but not least, the scholarship and college application processes. The country’s top-tier institutions are currently failing to advocate for inclusion and representation 

 

Both the children and their families could potentially end up feeling overwhelmed. For this reason, students who fall off track in regards to their academic and social skills might be left behind. This unfair dynamic can be easily avoided if we just start looking for solutions early on.

 

#3: Introducing ScholarPrep Nation: Making College Success Achievable

Happy college students communicating with their professor in a hallway
Image Credit: Freepik

As we’ve previously seen, most high schools need to make solid contributions to the school counselors’ work. The good news is that school leaders have plenty of effective options to choose from that will certainly benefit Black youth.

ScholarPrep Nation could be the perfect choice for your institution. We connect your students with academic advisors, college recruiters, and mentors who are happy and ready to help the kids prepare for college. Our mission? To demystify the academic journey!

 

We do this by offering everyone access to an online and nationwide network. Consequently, the children will have a rare opportunity of thriving both academically and socially. Isolation is a certain way of perpetuating loneliness and confusion. This has to stop.

 

We need to bridge the gaps between high school graduations, college admissions, and scholarship admissions. With ScholarPrep Nation, this is now entirely achievable. 

 

Pave the Way to College Success With ScholarPrep Nation!

ScholarPrep Nation is the expert solution you’ve been looking for. A culturally inclusive and affirming college access program, we’re entirely dedicated to demystifying the academic journey. We help you take the pressure off your high school counselors and ensure that the students know exactly how to prepare for college.

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your school’s goals and needs! We would be honored to help your students achieve academic excellence!

How to Help Students Beat College and Scholarship Application Anxiety

By

Most students find the college application process rightfully overwhelming and intimidating. As for the scholarship application process, it should be widely recognized as the optimal step toward reducing the chances of student debt. Funding one’s education is vital at this time. For this reason alone, institutions and school leaders should confidently access the expertise of initiatives such as ScholarPrep Nation.

 

African-American students and their families deserve to be engaged and made aware of all the demands and opportunities that come along with college success. It’s only fair that inclusivity in education becomes one of the top priorities of school leaders nationwide. Financial aid is what any student needs. 

 

By demystifying the college and scholarship application processes, we could directly address the racial inequity in your school or community. In today’s article, we will offer you the tips and resources necessary to empower African-American students to go after their college dreams with total confidence! Read on and discover new ways of thinking!

Addressing College and Scholarship Application Anxiety

Perhaps the first and best step when it comes to helping Black youth move past their apprehensions is to intently address their concerns. The 2021 Report on the Condition of Education showcased that 29% of Black youth aged 25 to 29 held a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 45% of the white population. 

 

What is missing, you might ask? Engagement, empowerment, and the right to inclusivity in education. Our youth feels disadvantaged because most public schools in our country disregard their basic needs and concerns. The K-12 years must serve as preparation for college success. Otherwise, college and scholarship application anxiety will undoubtedly ensue.

 

A great college application form that stands out from the rest of the crowd requires consistent preparation. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, knowing how to write engaging essays, or being a young expert at financial literacy ━ these are all major components of college success that cannot occur overnight. 

 

Engaging African-American Students and Their Families During The K-12 Years

The formative years that comprise K-12 education are the perfect opportunity for introducing college awareness. High school counselors and the administration already have plenty to deal with. In fact, the average student-to-school-counselor ratio is 464 to 1. Instead, the ASCA recommends a ratio of 250 to 1. 

 

As we speak, schools are missing the bandwidth to provide the necessary support for individual student needs. Consequently, Black youth may fall off track and not receive the solutions they deserve. Instead of a reactive approach, we’re going to need one that is proactive and inclusive. 

 

The National Association for College Admission Counseling launched a step-by-step middle school curriculum that is meant to help young scholars become familiarized with concepts such as college awareness and planning. Yes, middle school is not too early for college readiness!

 

Exploring one’s options early on is the best way to take some pressure off the administration in the long run. As soon as the children are encouraged to seek their interests and career goals, they’ll have a much easier time filling out their college application forms as high schoolers. 

 

Family engagement activities are also an excellent way to bring parents and educators closer together during the K-12 years. This fruitful collaboration should be both culturally affirming and respectful. With time, parental engagement will not only pave the way to college success but will also dismantle centuries of racial inequity in schools!

 

Scholarship Application Requires an Expert College Access Program

Image Credit: Freepik

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a must-have in regard to the scholarship application. A common misunderstanding about the FAFSA is that it only helps young scholars apply for federal student loans. 

 

In truth, it connects them to advantageous grants and scholarships. Financial literacy should be an integral part of the high school curriculum. Factually, the scholarship search usually ends up being an extremely nerve-wracking process.

 

Fortunately, the ScholarPrep School Program was designed to empower African-American students while taking some of the pressure off high school counselors and the school administration. Engagement and empowerment must be expertly achieved, along with impressive results. 

 

Together, we can develop college and career plans for each of your students. Academic achievement doesn’t have to be a riddle waiting to be solved. Instead, it should be an entirely achievable goal. Let’s make college admission as straightforward and as inclusive as possible!

 

Reimagining Education With ScholarPrep Nation

Students of color deserve to be expertly guided throughout their academic journeys. For too long, they have been confronted with racial inequity. The time for inclusivity in education is now! With the expertise of ScholarPrep Nation, Black youth can finally take back its power!

 

Contact us now and find out how you can bring value to your school/community! We’d be more than happy to hear from you and offer you the expert assistance that your students of color wish to access!

4 Ways to Promote Anti-Racist Teaching in Schools

By

We are at a point when we need to critically examine why anti-racist teaching is a crucial component of institutional and social change. How can White educators teach anti-racism if they are out of touch with the systemic racism and biases that Black children are so familiar with? The Village Method is here to provide answers and contribute to the quest for social justice.

 

Anti-racist teaching is an invaluable tool that can disrupt the widespread influence of white supremacy. By incorporating teaching practices centered around systemic racism and Social Emotional Learning, we might have a great chance to undo racism and racial trauma. If after-school programs could implement anti-racist pedagogy, so can schools.

 

However, we have a long way to go. Awareness and personal reflection are a must. Find out the 4 ways to promote anti-racist teaching in schools!

 

#1: Address White Privilege Right Away

Bursting the bubble of systemic racism in education is achievable. What we need to focus on is teaching and learning all there is to know about the color lines that continue to divide us. The average White student attends schools where 77% of the student body is of their race. The same cannot be said for Black or Hispanic students. 

 

An openly anti-racist educator must actively pursue the subject of race and equity work. Although they might not have direct experience of what it means to be subjected to systemic racism in education, they can surely learn from others. Racial and social justice are synonymous with a solid knowledge of minorities’ histories. Culturally affirming after-school programs are already starting to explore the richness of diverse cultures and traditions.

 

When we aim to address White privilege, we must first take a look at the history of segregation in education. The Brown v. Board of Education landmark decision came almost a hundred years after the end of the Civil War. Its main goal was to end racial segregation. It demanded that our children enjoyed equal educational opportunities. However, inequality in education remains an issue.

 

#2: Implement Critical Race Theory in Schools 

Anti-Critical Race Theory bills are slowing down the overall efforts of anti-racist teaching. Systemic racism in education is rampant. Furthermore, all institutions are unjust towards people of color. An anti-racist curriculum must include this valuable piece of information.

 

Professor and lawyer Derrick Bell is one of the central figures of the Critical Race Theory movement. He challenged the legal system and was motivated by the multitude of school desegregation cases he’d encountered throughout his career. His undeniable genius paved the way for the possibility of teaching Critical Race Theory in schools. 

 

We recommend that you read his 1980 article from the Harvard Law Review titled ‘Brown v. Board of Education and the Interest-Convergence Dilemma’. Sadly, you might find it extremely relevant and evocative of what our children are battling against right now. It suffices to say that the banning of Critical Race Theory in schools is unjust and meant to normalize systemic racism in education. 

 

#3: Teach African-American History Respectfully and Accurately

Image Credit: Freepik

When was the last time our children were given some enlightening information about Frederick Douglass in History class? We would be surprised and pleased if that was the case. Most likely, our children are taught that Africans migrated to the U.S. which completely ruins our attempt at racial justice in the classroom.

An anti-racist teaching practice requires deep critical thinking. Students deserve to understand the significance of being taught the real version of events. Reading literature that points out the violations of our ancestors’ human rights will connect students and serve as an opportunity for classroom discussions.

 

The anti-racist approach hides nothing from our children’s sight. Instead, it nurtures them and enables them to consistently identify racial biases in their day-to-day experiences. This active process of self-awareness is ultimately empowering. 

 

From kindergarten to higher education, Social Emotional Learning and the teaching of our people’s achievements, not only their struggles, can motivate our children to revolutionize organizational structures as adults. The social construct is inescapable, and therefore it needs to be acknowledged.

 

#4: Make Use of the Social Emotional Learning Framework

The emotional toll of racism speaks volumes about the need for Social Emotional Learning in schools. Young people are overwhelmed by the constant systemic injustice that they are subjected to. Social Emotional Learning encourages self-reflection and teaches our youth how to improve their mental health and make use of soft skills in order to succeed at school and in their future careers.

 

Promote Anti-Racist Pedagogy Starting Today!

Our 4 ways of promoting anti-racist pedagogy will surely help parents, educators, and students navigate the ever-changing social and educational landscapes. Engaging students in anti-racist teaching is the optimal way to give a voice to minorities and fight systemic racism in education. White privilege is something that should never be taken lightly.

 

The Village Method is an active supporter of anti-racist teaching. We represent one of the few culturally empowering after-school programs that are currently available for our youth. If you resonate with our mission, make sure to get involved! It takes a village to raise a child!