Race Essentialist Curricula

[canpakes]

So, to the OP. It takes some time to dig into, as it talks about evidence that has been "uncovered," mostly consisting of cherry picked quotes designed to inflame racially resentful white people. Most importantly, it doesn't place the organization it criticizes in any other context. So, here it is: https://www.nais.org This is a voluntary association of independent schools. Independent schools are a subset of all private schools.

Not only that, but I’d challenge ajax to read the material referenced within his opening post, and to address the content that he takes issue with:

”So, I read this article by Professor Bree Picower, called ‘Using Their Words: Six Elements of Social Justice: Curriculum Design for the Elementary [School] Classroom,’ and it just was absolutely fascinating, and I thought that would be really helpful for me framing my year about what I hope to accomplish,” …

Read that document here:

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1105049.pdf

I’d imagine that more ‘conservatively aligned’ folks can find several things to question about the approach outlined in this doc. Personally, I’d be concerned about the material being introduced at age-appropriate levels. I’m more in favor of children first being allowed and supported in playing and interacting as children, than necessarily being immediately recruited into ‘social justice’ causes as interpreted and selected by certain adults. But, if a critic of these approaches would also bemoan that people should be responsible (of course!), and ‘be the change that they want to see’, then it is vital that students are taught how to effectively advocate for themselves, and sooner rather than later.

Per the linked paper:

“Although students may not “win” some of the campaigns that they engage in during Element Six, they are developing the mindset that when something is unfair, responsible and caring people do something about it. In contrast with most mainstream ideology that tells students “that’s just the way it is,” or “life isn’t fair,” engaging in social action instills the response, “I can make a difference.” Elementary teachers may not have students who will be able to read War and Peace (Tolstoy) by the end of third grade; rather, they are providing the skills that will eventually enable their students to be able to read and comprehend such a text. The same is true with social justice education. Elementary students may not end child labor across the globe, but they are building the mindset and the skill set needed to eventually engage in social activism with winnable goals.”

I note that this paper is now a decade old, but with it being an election year, it’s apparently time to use it as a prop in the culture wars. ; )

[Some Schmo]

There are (still!) guests who read this board, and I suspect he wants to influence them.

I suppose that could be true. In fact, he may consider himself a warrior willing to take flak for his views that many others would also express if only they had his courage. I could see him imagining that about himself, for sure.

I have agreed with Ajax on occasions. And at least he is there to express and explain his views, rather than distract, disrupt and insult like AM.

Over the years we've been posting on the same board, I've agreed with him a few times too. Occasionally, he's said reasonable things.

I have a quibble about your second comment there: certainly, he's here to express his views, but explaining them is not in his wheelhouse. When asked for clarification on things, he most often deflects/changes the subject. Nobody answers a question with another tangential question like ajax does.

But to your point, no, I don't think ajax is as disruptive as our two trolls here lately (or one troll with every personality known to Real Housewives of Utah) . I don't consider ajax a troll. He, like all of us, has said trollish things in the past, but I wouldn't consider it his reason for posting here. By the same token, I also don't consider him a good faith conversationalist.

[Moksha]

I don't consider ajax a troll. He, like all of us, has said trollish things in the past, but I wouldn't consider it his reason for posting here.

If Ajax is accidentally cut, blood would come out, as opposed to a couple of posters who would emit a green fizzy fluid capable of eating a hole in the earth's crust.

[Res Ipsa]

So, to the OP. It takes some time to dig into, as it talks about evidence that has been "uncovered," mostly consisting of cherry picked quotes designed to inflame racially resentful white people. Most importantly, it doesn't place the organization it criticizes in any other context. So, here it is: https://www.nais.org This is a voluntary association of independent schools. Independent schools are a subset of all private schools.

Not only that, but I’d challenge ajax to read the material referenced within his opening post, and to address the content that he takes issue with:

”So, I read this article by Professor Bree Picower, called ‘Using Their Words: Six Elements of Social Justice: Curriculum Design for the Elementary [School] Classroom,’ and it just was absolutely fascinating, and I thought that would be really helpful for me framing my year about what I hope to accomplish,” …

Read that document here:

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1105049.pdf

I’d imagine that more ‘conservatively aligned’ folks can find several things to question about the approach outlined in this doc. Personally, I’d be concerned about the material being introduced at age-appropriate levels. I’m more in favor of children first being allowed and supported in playing and interacting as children, than necessarily being immediately recruited into ‘social justice’ causes as interpreted and selected by certain adults. But, if a critic of these approaches would also bemoan that people should be responsible (of course!), and ‘be the change that they want to see’, then it is vital that students are taught how to effectively advocate for themselves, and sooner rather than later.

Per the linked paper:

“Although students may not “win” some of the campaigns that they engage in during Element Six, they are developing the mindset that when something is unfair, responsible and caring people do something about it. In contrast with most mainstream ideology that tells students “that’s just the way it is,” or “life isn’t fair,” engaging in social action instills the response, “I can make a difference.” Elementary teachers may not have students who will be able to read War and Peace (Tolstoy) by the end of third grade; rather, they are providing the skills that will eventually enable their students to be able to read and comprehend such a text. The same is true with social justice education. Elementary students may not end child labor across the globe, but they are building the mindset and the skill set needed to eventually engage in social activism with winnable goals.”

I note that this paper is now a decade old, but with it being an election year, it’s apparently time to use it as a prop in the culture wars. ; )

Age appropriateness was what came to my mind as well. Of course, the first two elements are appropriate (and. in my opinion, necessary) at all grade levels.

[Morley]

Not only that, but I’d challenge ajax to read the material referenced within his opening post, and to address the content that he takes issue with

Ajax didn't read the piece he pasted. He only read what his handlers said he should think about the piece.

He's basically MG, posting content and links that he can't be bothered to look at, himself. It's not a good faith exercise.

[Some Schmo]

Ajax didn't read the piece he pasted. He only read what his handlers said he should think about the piece.

Typical of the religious mind, he starts with a cherished conclusion and looks for data to support it, rather than let data lead to beliefs (and get in the way of his cherished conclusions).