#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Hi all! Amanda, Digital Innovation TOSA here from Campbell. Looking forward to hearing how others are addressing social justice in their schools! #CAedchat
A1: I initially think of equity, and realizing that as educators we have amazing power to influence change. We have power and can influence so much change for the better. #caedchat
A1: Social Justice is something we shouldn’t need to talk about but it clearly is needed. I think when we are empathetic educators and if we teach empathy to our students people will see with other’s eyes. #caedchat
A1: it means dispensing with the myth of neutrality and teaching as if the knowledge, skills, ethics, and a little motivation could make the world a better place #caedchat
A1: Start with a Cultural proficiency journey. Getting to know you Ss is key. It is essential for both Ts and Ss 2 examine their own backgrounds, biases, and beliefs. #caedchat
A1: I initially think of equity, and realizing that as educators we have amazing power to influence change. We have power and can influence so much change for the better. #caedchat
I think one of the problems is that Ts don't understand Social Justice. So "teaching it" is what people often say to teachers. But it has no meaning. #caedchat
A1: I think schools should function like families & communities. We separate for efficiency rather than collaborate & work as a cohesive unit. This is justice to me. #caedchat
I Like this Todd, where do you see tolerance fit in? I wonder about teaching tolerance because I prefer we think in terms of empathy. I wonder about the continuum of respect-tolernece-understanding. #caedchat
This is so true and was mentioned in many of the articles I read while researching this topic. Ts helping Ss to find love for themselves first. #caedchat
A1: Start with a Cultural proficiency journey. Getting to know you Ss is key. It is essential for both Ts and Ss 2 examine their own backgrounds, biases, and beliefs. #caedchat
A1: social justice education is explicit regarding injustice, systemic racism, and provides both skills and oppty for students to make a difference now #caedchat
I think the tolerance comes from understanding. Phil Boyte says that it is impossible to hate someone whose story you know...that has stuck with me as a student and as an educator...
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A1 an educator for social justice doesn't ignore when students need a safe place to discuss current events, problems on campus, or question class content. We may have to tread carefully but can't ignore. #CAedchat
Absolutely. Many ppl get defensive when confronted with the idea that they have privileges that others don't. It's important to understand and be sensitive to that, but still not avoid the topic.
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A1: I think schools should function like families & communities. We separate for efficiency. We should collaborate & work as a cohesive unit. This would just, kind. #caedchat
A.1: Committing to interrogating who/why/how of curriculum, pedagogy, classroom management, and professional communities-- keeping an eye out for hidden voices knowing we're never done. #CAedchat
A2: Benefits begin with the fact it starts the conversation, and for many, that's what they need. Students are receptive to the idea of equity, especially when it's shown that many people lack it. #caedchat
A2 Short term: Ss learn better and are healthier mentally. Longer term: a more just world. That's why I got into education in the first place.
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A2: Consequences include how much it both challenges students and educators because of our preconceived views. We must be purposeful with these conversations. #CAedchat
#caedchat A1: As an educator I feel it can be a daily fight. Sometimes we don't know what baggage our Ss come to school w/ so we have take each day a moment at a time. As an educator I have to be flexible & vulnerable.
A2: hard to fix what we can’t identify and describe. Also, I think it makes a huge difference for students who’ve faced injustice/inequity to see their experience matters and is addressed #caedchat
I believe this is why conversations with our Ss are necessary. Let’s talk about our changing world. Let’s reflect and be a part of the good that is in it.
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A2. Anytime you challenge the status quo you risk conflict. The benefit is that fierce conversation/actions can help us examine our personal beliefs/biases, and exact change for the better. #caedchat
A2: It is our moral imperative to assist Ts and Ss in developing skills that help them reflect on their own privilidge not in a way that shamed or causes guilt but as a means to shine a light on what we can do to ensure access 4 ALL #caedchat
#caedchat A1: As an educator I feel it can be a daily fight. Sometimes we don't know what baggage our Ss come to school w/ so we have take each day a moment at a time. As an educator I have to be flexible & vulnerable.
A2 benefits are connecting w/ it Ss, learning their perspective, strengthening bonds. Consequences could be admin or parents feeling like not my place to address in my class. Seen as preaching my personal beliefs. #CAedchat
A1: I’m embracing social justice this year. My teaching, my plan book (https://t.co/OUNB1pH5lL), the first novel we read (Harriet Tubman bio), ELA EngageNY Human Rights Unit, etc. Also, I weave it into my classroom management, too. #caedchat
A2. Difficult conversations. Hard to stay on track. Emotional. Many can shut down or tune out. Crickets. #caedchat But on the upside, building community. Finding common ground. Aligning our ideal with reality.
A2: Sadly, I have seen teachers get raked over the coals for social justice convos. Suggest prepping admin first, so they can help w/parent concerns #CAEdChat
A2 I think about the wealthy white suburban Ss I taught primarily. They are the ones who will have power in the future. Will they use that power to perpetuate inequality, or make a better world?
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A2: starting the conversation consequence: there’s rarely enough time to make changes quickly so once there is injustice, it’s hard to correct #caedchat
A2: that too. Fear of conflict mustn’t stop us though. We anticipate potential issues, proceed thoughtfully, ethically, and understand that goal of education is not always harmony and resolution #caedchat
Beautifully put Leila. When we talk about innovation and the student lead classroom I sometime hear, “School worked for me so it will work for these Ss if they just tried harder.” We must help them see how different school is for some. #caedchat
A2. Incorporating parameters into an eductional equation which were not present decades ago is relevant more today than every. Ex 1 Cultural parameters #caedchat
For some, it seems to be when educators begin advocating for a position rather than presenting the information (both sides...whether you agree with it or not) and letting students make their own conclusions.
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A2: Sadly, I have seen teachers get raked over the coals for social justice convos. Suggest prepping admin first, so they can help w/parent concerns #CAEdChat
A2: Benefits--it's the only way to dismantle systems that don't serve everyone. Consequences--every social system (big & small & esp. an inequitable one) protects itself. #CAedchat
A3 We are using restorative circles on a pretty regular basis. This allows all of our students to have a voice, builds relationships, and promotes a community awareness. #caedchat
Where's the line? No, we don't want to indoctrinate, but I'm also not going to say there are "some fine people" on both sides of the Charlottesville march. How do we balance that? Some issues don't have two sides.
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A3: Involving your community to provide opportunities for our students! Tomorrow, we have a Superior Court Judge coming to talk about WWII Japanese internment and Fred Korematsu day (all arranged by an idea from a parent!)
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A2: Benefit is developing socially aware Ss & citizens. Challenge can sometimes be parent opinions on sensitive topics being discussed in class #CAedchat
Best part is that the Ss came up w/it after reading a story in Wonders. It was not in the teacher's plans, but she let them pursue it because they cared about the topic. #CAEdChat
A3: I highly highly recommend that all teachers get familiar with @facinghistory - an incredible wealth of high quality materials and PD w/ solid scholarship at the core. #caedchat
A3: We are hoping to host a day of student voices through literacy and the arts focused on issues related to social justice in the Spring. Still working out the details. #caedchat
A3: We are spending a lot of our time reflecting on ways to be a part of our community and connect our social studies learning to the history we are making now. #caedchat
A3: We are hoping to host a day of student voices through literacy and the arts focused on issues related to social justice in the Spring. Still working out the details. #caedchat
A3 We are really trying to build our school community. We have cross grade level collaboration teams where Ss in grades 4-8 meet twice a month to build their understanding of community. #caedchat
A3: I highly highly recommend that all teachers get familiar with @facinghistory - an incredible wealth of high quality materials and PD w/ solid scholarship at the core. #caedchat
A3. When interating in a laboratory setting with college students, we try to emphasize that there are many important aspects to a successful education. Understanding your 'strengths and limits' are critical toward future success. #caedchat
A3 My team uses TCI HSS activities that simulate injustices in the past, my grade team bought a series of graphic novels like MARCH & read other novels, I teach a comprehensive Sex Ed Unit that addresses gender, STI, Harrassment, etc. #caedchat
One of the APs at the HS where I taught gave a talk to student about his parents, who were interned at Manzanar in WWII. It was a moving and powerful talk, and my Ss told me about how it affected them.
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Some of our PBL has that goal in mind. Our 5th grade does an explore unit to dig into what the Escondido community is all about. This allows all of our students to share what "their Escondido" is all about. It is a start. #caedchat
A2: I teach questioning assumptions in our society & standing up for human rights or injustices is part of what makes our country strong. Also, as an ‘out’ teacher, I feel I am causing people to question many status quo ideas just by... existing. #caedchat 🏳️🌈
A3: our entire leadership team ( all management classified and certificates) working with @RBLindsey41and@DrDBL book study Cultural Proficiency for School Leaders #caedchat
A3. University level -- We have started to have visiting speakers meet with undergraduates for an Q&A session to ask about their respective educational paths. #caedchat
A3 We are using restorative circles on a pretty regular basis. This allows all of our students to have a voice, builds relationships, and promotes a community awareness. #caedchat
I agree w that...& I don't think you have to...showing the story without editorializing or framing it beforehand is my bigger concern. Most people were justifiably horrified, but we came to that conclusion on our own...just want the same opportunity for our students!
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We had "Families" at one of the schools I worked in. Every adult had a group - even the nurse, custodian, etc. It really built a schoolwide culture of compassion. #CAEdChat
Erin and I can give you more info pretty easily - and (shameless self-promo) you can read a bit about Social Justice Humanitas HS in my book! #caedchat
In reply to
@DKriedeman, @palysocjustice, @E_Angell, @ebloom
A4: I am being a better listener and teaching my Ss to do the same. Listening intently, taking time for conversations, sharing real world stories with them, making learning meaningful. #CAedchat
A3 Pt2 I will say that my campus has wonderful community connection and lots of evening events to bring families together on our military base. I often stress how important our serving parents are to our entire country. #caedchat
It was offered! I was not really aware of who Fred Korematsu was before, so this was a powerful learning experience for me as well as our students!
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A4 My school is such a cool place because we reflect all the different aspects of our Escondido community. I think by allowing our students to all work together collaboratively opens the door to better understanding what our community is all about. #caedchat
Circles themselves are great as an instructional tool and a getting to know everybody tool. Not all circles are restorative. Restorative circles have been good to get understanding between the parties. Restorative discipline of any kind is good!! #caedchat
We’ve also had a big push in our district for more mindfulness work w/Ts & Ss. Baby steps, but seeing positive change already in Ss & Ts practicing #CAedchat
In AP Gov we are looking at how structures, processes, and traditions are getting in my students' way. I try to model political activism while giving students space to find their own beliefs #caedchat
#CAedchat I also listen and chat with my students on a daily basis. I find myself teaching them not only the content that my lessons require but also meet them on a personal level and try to make as many connections that I can so they can understand.
A4 I want my Ss to start seeing the world through a mathematical lens-many problems are argued with numbers/statistics. Goal is to find an issue, analyze it mathematically and take action. #CAedchat
Totally! I love collaborative work because the many perspectives are brought to the table and empathy is necessary to make work happen successfully. #CAedchat
A4 My school is such a cool place because we reflect all the different aspects of our Escondido community. I think by allowing our students to all work together collaboratively opens the door to better understanding what our community is all about. #caedchat
A4. In World Lit we are examining issues through literature, research, and dialogue. It’s a new class for me and I’m looking for more ways to tackle this. I’m open to suggestions, if you have them! #caedchat
And Ss are can be taught to honor everyone's strengths they bring to the table. They are able to see the various things that make each member valuable. #caedchat
A3: Over the course of the year, through reading (Maniac Magee), civil rights lessons (@facinghistory), & real experiences (school garden, outdoor ed camp) we try to dispel stereotypes & grow new relationships that cross old economic & social barriers. #caedchat
A3: I highly highly recommend that all teachers get familiar with @facinghistory - an incredible wealth of high quality materials and PD w/ solid scholarship at the core. #caedchat
A4. When discussing limited resources, I give examples of where you can find better parks & green space in Los Angeles (and why) and how to advocate for change 🌱🌳 https://t.co/Ll4bip6kOd#caedchat
A4. Outside of the classroom, we are attempting to get local politicians from various districts (wide range of diversity) to come talk about local participation in local issues affecting governments. #caedchat
A4- we have been implementing Thinking Maps, each time students have to identify who’s point of view the map is from. Great to see how Thinking/ thoughts change based on POV #caedchat
A4 as a science T, so many social justice connections/conversations like water insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, sex ed/family/gender, genetically no such thing as race. Trying to use resources by @WeAreCTAhttps://t.co/4P1NjsAZ1e#caedchat
I was thinking 5th grade might be an approx. lower age limit for @facinghistory with students. But all teachers could benefit from learning. For example, I had never heard of eugenics before FHAO
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In reply to
@elena_SF_CA, @facinghistory, @facinghistory
I think even at a younger age, Ss become aware because of the adult interactions they have. @facinghistory could benefit adults and that effect would then be shared with littles. #caedchat
I was thinking 5th grade might be an approx. lower age limit for @facinghistory with students. But all teachers could benefit from learning. For example, I had never heard of eugenics before FHAO
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In reply to
@elena_SF_CA, @facinghistory, @facinghistory
A4: As a district admin I am committed to ensuring that all kids have the opportunity to explore things like the arts as well as STEM if you’ve never tasted an oyster how do you know if you like them! #caedchat
A5 Realizing that everyone has their own things they're dealing with (social issues effect people differently) and we should all be empathetic. #CAedchat
A4: As a district admin I am committed to ensuring that all kids have the opportunity to explore things like the arts as well as STEM if you’ve never tasted an oyster how do you know if you like them! #caedchat
Thank you Karla! Some Ts are afraid to touch on those issues out of fear they will “say the wrong thing?” We need more passionate educators who show students they are willing to be uncomfortable to help answer questions. #caedchat
A5. When you educate and empower the student, then the gift (hopefully) will get propagated throughout the community to the regional level -- and possibly further. You never know how strong the propagation of a good lesson/message can be. #caedchat
agreed. I’m thinking of the specific content that FHAO has developed. Genocides, lynching, forced sterilization… not much for elem. education #caedchat
One day when my class was inside on a rainy day, a handful of students started talking about, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” I was nearby, but not involved in the discussion. I was amazed at how thoughtful these 10 year olds could be about such sad & serious issues. #CAedchat
A5. When we engage the community, students involve parents and siblings. Outreach not only extends the lesson to impact a greater number of learners, but strengthens the fabric of society. I ❤ empowering my students by having them teach others. #caedchat
A5: #metoo movement resonates strongly w/ current challenges our district. Problem-based learning of immediately relevant social justice issue. #CAedchat
I have been pleased with the level of empathy the students are expressing as we read *A Thousand Splendid Suns.* They are learning about a culture most know little to nothing about and they are very open. #caedchat
A5: I have seen the power it can have...a small group of parents w children with special needs came in to classes to show others some of the challenges students w autism face. It made our students more accepting, patient, & protective of these wonderful kiddos
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A5. An example might be of teaching 'sustainable living' to college students. The choices made as professionals have been shown to be traced back to lessons learned in college. Student testimonials have been given to us. #caedchat
@principledlady If you don't say the wrong thing sometimes, perhaps you're not talking enough? Educators need to be heard - therefore they need to speak. But my admin knows that i do that. #caedchat
In reply to
@DKriedeman, @karlacalbear, @WeAreCTA, @principledlady
A5. Therefore, your instruction is helping to define the world in which we live tomorrow. In light of that realization, we should live in a more equitable world than that in which we live today. More Social Jusitce. #caedchat
A6: I’d love to see more family and community involvement. I open up my class to family members in hopes they’d like to share about their culture. Any opportunity to bring the outside in and vice versa is valuable. #CAedchat
A6 Part of what we do is help our Ps have a common understanding of what we do. Our principal hosts coffee with the principal and our family liaison leads Parent University classes. I can see how brining our parents in for restorative circles could also add to this. #caedchat
A5: Finding a cause to work with gives students a feeling of empowerment and brings empathy and connection. Causes let students practice using the empathy that we teach #caedchat
A6: We’ve been doing coffee chats and we did one book club with parents this year. It’d be great to have a school wide project that gives back or supports the community. #CAedchat
A5: The community where I teach has a majority of folks who support social justice issues & who value our diversity. Each fall we hold a HUGE International Night with food & entertainment. It’s not political or controversial, but it is valuable. #CAedchat
I recall the years I had a community book event (like a big book club) how surprised people were; many (most?) adults underestimate teens, and kids were surprised at feeling of authority/leadership #caedchat
I don't really use FHAO lessons since they don't fit my curriculum, but you can always adapt the methods for younger students or other subjects - you can do Facing Math and Ourselves if you are open-minded #caedchat
In reply to
@CohenD, @KrisciaCabral, @facinghistory
A6. Inviting the community onto your campus is a start toward breaking down 'barriers' betwee community and school (i.e. an unknown). We are starting to invite the community to Q&A forums (will begin this semester) to demystify science to the community. Student led. #caedchat
Oh my off the top of my head there has been classes about understanding the CELDT testing, understanding our curriculum, how Ss use iPads in the classroom, digital citizenship issues, etc. #caedchat
Even when I taught FHAO class using FHAO books, I didn’t exactly use their lessons/prompts. Key concepts, methods and materials were really helpful though #caedchat
In reply to
@MisterA, @KrisciaCabral, @facinghistory
Generally the parents ask what they like for Principal coffee at my school. Parent University depends on your parent population. This week it is about then new ELPAC test for our ELL learners, I think. #caedchat
Yes, our school could layer in a social justice project before our International Night. There’s always so many ways families can support their communities. #caedchat
A6: We did a presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences with our parents at back-to-school night. Had them do a small "test" to see how many they had. Used PollEverywhere so parents could see they weren't alone. Crazy powerful. #caedchat
A7 Books build a community. Reading a common novel with your Ss opens the door for building empathy, allows Ss to see other perspectives, and inspires deep conversations. #caedchat
A7: I think sometimes kids find the most empathy when they are connecting with a character. These our great opportunities to find ways to reach Ss and talk about issues that are sometimes hard to bring up. #CAedchat
A7: I mean, we have thousands of adults who identify as Hufflepuff or Gryffindor… and many more who know what I’m talking about with my having to name it. #bookpower#caedchat
Yes! I love how books can do this for a classroom full of readers at ALL different levels of learning! Interpretation, discussion, compassion…books are a wonderful gift! #caedchat
A7 Books build a community. Reading a common novel with your Ss opens the door for building empathy, allows Ss to see other perspectives, and inspires deep conversations. #caedchat
I taught my students MAIZ which I learned from @LA_ROOTED We prepared each student's favorite dish #caedchathttps://t.co/wgisfpL2wN the families were involved by providing the recipes
A7 Think of the impact of Diary of Anne Frank. There are so many good books these days about different issues. Sometimes it's easier to talk about an issue through a book. #CAedchat
Then in high school, we get to more literature where we’re not sure who we’re rooting for, or if we should, or why. So lit. also helps us handle nuance, ambiguity, unresolved conflict, etc. #caedchat
A7: For example, I just finished reading Wonder. One cannot finish that book without gaining understanding and empathy. Love that it was told from multiple points of view! #caedchat#choosekind
A7: Literature can create that "third point" where students can explore their views on issues without targeting real people (yet). It gives a place to practice your activism and explore what-ifs. #caedchat
#caedchat A4: We like to watch CNNStudent News & we discuss social injustices in the world. Ss create these conversations and identify 1st world issues to 3rd world issues to bring awareness. When a topic hits home, we sit and listen to each other. Sometimes Ss offer suggestions.
A7. Reading a book forces a student to become creative. How many countries, nations or different worlds - have you explored through authors works over the years? Plus, you compare your interpretation of characters and events with others which encourages diversity. #caedchat
Great chat @KrisciaCabral. @CAedchat folks take the time to reflect on all we learned from@each other tonight and find a way to share with others. Love to you all #caedchat
