First, listen….
Student: It wasn’t until I took an AP class my sophomore year where the books we read were by authors of color. I became really interested in who gets to choose the books that I am taught in school. I found out it’s up to the teacher to find a way to buy these books that are not on the usual approved list. That didn’t make sense to me. I am now involved in a student-led group to have more student voice in deciding things like the books we read. All students should get to read these books, not just the AP class or the new ethnic studies elective. All our classes should have authors of all histories.
Then, learn…
- https://www.npr.org/2020/06/06/870910728/your-bookshelf-may-be-part-of-the-problem
- https://ncte.org/blog/2019/04/decolonizing-the-classroom/
- www.generationup.net
- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/senatebill48faq.asp
During #GlobalDiversityAwareness Month and all year round, California State PTA and National PTA have position statements and resolutions that give us authority to act on behalf of our racially diverse students and their families:
- http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/equity-all-children-youth/
- http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/freedom-to-learn/
- http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/inclusiveness-and-diversity/
- http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/school-desegregationintegration/
Then, Take Action…
We recognize that each PTA and school community will have different solutions, but these are great places to start:
- Attend the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee’s Listening Sessions November 16, 17, 18 and 21, 2020 https://capta.org/resource/listening-sessions-on-race-and-racism/
- When your PTA raises funds for your library request that a certain percentage of the funds be spent on racially diverse authors. We want all children to see people who look like them on our library shelves.
- Include students in your PTA! We have lots of tips on ways to include student participation in your PTA ( http://toolkit.capta.org/membership/involving-students/). One of the best ways to include students is to invite them to our Legislation Conference which will have a Racial Injustice and Social Advocacy theme this year. More information about the dates and cost will be released soon, so be sure to visit our webpage from time to time to get updates. https://capta.org/programs-events/legislation-conference/
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Click here to read part 2 of this series.
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