The Power of Ethnic Studies: Empowering Students and Challenging the Status Quo

💪Ethnic studies is empowering, liberating, and transformative for students.

📚Research has proven that ethnic studies has positive academic and social outcomes for students of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

📜The history of ethnic studies dates back to the 1960s, with student-led movements advocating for its inclusion in college and high school curricula.

🌎Ethnic studies promotes cultural relevance and decolonization by centering the experiences and contributions of marginalized communities.

⚖️Despite its success, ethnic studies faces challenges, including lack of visibility, limited resources, and political opposition.

What is the goal of ethnic studies?

—The goal of ethnic studies is to empower students, challenge dominant narratives, and promote understanding of the histories and experiences of marginalized communities.

Are there any proven benefits of ethnic studies?

—Yes, research has shown that ethnic studies improves academic performance, increases student engagement and attendance, and fosters a sense of belonging and pride.

Why is ethnic studies still invisible in K-12 education?

—There are various reasons, including lack of resources, limited professional development opportunities for teachers, political opposition, and systemic barriers.

What subjects are covered in ethnic studies?

—Ethnic studies encompasses a wide range of subjects, including the histories, cultures, contributions, and struggles of various racial and ethnic groups.

How can I support the inclusion of ethnic studies in schools?

—You can support the inclusion of ethnic studies by advocating for its implementation in your local school district, supporting organizations and initiatives working towards ethnic studies, and promoting diverse and inclusive curricula.

00:07The speaker introduces themselves as an educator with experience teaching Ethnic Studies.

00:33The speaker highlights the empowering and transformative nature of ethnic studies for young people.

01:19The speaker shares a personal story about their grandmother's experience of being punished for speaking Spanish in school.

03:58The speaker reflects on their own educational experience and the lack of representation and understanding of their own cultural background.

05:32The speaker discusses the history of ethnic studies, including student-led movements in the 1960s that led to its inclusion in college and high school curricula.

06:41The speaker highlights the success and academic outcomes of ethnic studies programs, such as higher graduation rates and improved performance in reading, writing, and math.

08:23The speaker discusses the struggles faced by ethnic studies programs, including opposition and attempts to ban them, as seen in the case of Tucson, Arizona.

10:19The speaker shares their own experiences and efforts to create and share ethnic studies curriculum, emphasizing the importance of decolonization, cultural relevance, and community responsiveness.