2022 Black Well-being Final w links for Web 11.29.22 - Flipbook - Page 28
BLACK WELL-BEING REPORT 2022
BLACK FUTURE CO-OP FUND
Eurocentric approaches to education
In addition to representation, Black teachers bring their lived, racialized experience
with them to the classroom — and to the curriculum. Young Black folks and their
families are taking a critical look at the curriculum schools are teaching. In addition
to curricula, eurocentric teaching methods inhibit the ability of students to learn
and demonstrate mastery in a multitude of ways and on their own time.64
Practices that incorporate experiential learning, figurative and symbolic learning,
and direct engagement through interaction open possibilities for students to excel.
“When Black students don’t see themselves in the curriculum at school — when
they don’t see themselves as respected and important — they can rightfully feel
alienated and disengaged.” 65
In 2019, the state legislature mandated that OSPI create an Ethnic Studies
Advisory Committee to identify and make available ethnic studies materials and
resources for use in grades K-12. The nuance: It remains optional for graduation.
Each school district, in coordination with schools, families, and community-based
organizations can determine what ethnic studies material is taught and when it is
taught at the district level.66
House Bill 1149 was introduced to the Washington House of Representatives in
2021 with the goal to expand learning about social determinants of health, healthy
community building, and baseline understanding of public health, but it did
not pass.67
“When Black students
don’t see themselves in
the curriculum at school
— when they don’t see
themselves as respected
and important — they can
rightfully feel alienated and
disengaged.” 65
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