LM Feb 2023

Conversation ... cont’d.

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Illinois recently adopted new social science learning standards based on some of the work of the Inclusive American History Commission. What should educators know about these new standards? The Illinois State Board of Education has done a thorough job in that area. What I’m going to suggest is around implementation with fidelity. I would encourage school administrators to ensure that those standards are, not only being implemented, but that you select and put forth a curriculum that actually aligns with those standards. How concerned are you about the increasing polarization of politics and education? To say I’m concerned about the polarization of politics and education right now would be an understatement. I am actually over concerned. The reason that I am over concerned is I believe that there is a deliberate attempt to create mass confusion. That mass confusion is centered around the difference between Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching. It is important for all educators to realize that there is actually a very distinct difference between the two. Critical Race Theory is not being taught in a greater majority of pre–K through 12th grade classrooms in America’s public schools. It is being taught in college at the graduate level. Critical Race Theory is very, very different from Culturally Responsive Teaching. It’s more of a study related to the injustices that African Americans have experienced as it relates to their interaction with law enforcement. Culturally Responsive Teaching is what should be happening in America’s

Any tips or advice for superintendents about how to approach Black History Month in their districts? It is an opportunity to engage your students, your staff and your community wherever possible about the history and the contributions that black of Americans have made to society. We are much better when we work together on topics of this nature at the local level. The key is to use it as an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about black history and then try to continue learning more throughout the school year. What’s next for PUSH Excel and how can people get involved? We are committed in 2023 and beyond to taking our work to the next level. We need your support and cannot do it alone. We are taking some of the content from our critical thinking series entitled Shaping America’s Education Agenda and making the content free of charge. The sessions were virtual so that educators can log in in the evening and gain a form of professional development about advocacy topics around equity. We are also working to provide professional development hours to educators for participating in our critical thinking series events as well as launching a new professional development series. That will also be held virtually and in person at our headquarters. People can learn more at our website, pushexcel.org. K–12 educational classrooms. It is about the need for teachers and administrators to engage in professional development and other training so that they can better educate students of all backgrounds.

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Celebrating e B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H February 2023

14 LM February 2023