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Reflection #4

Reading: The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies 

Video: Short History of Public School 


Reading "The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies" by Christine Sleeter was very informational as a future educator something I could agree on. She makes many strong points throughout her writing specifically including ethnic studies in school. She points out that these programs not only help students learn better but support their social development. Another key point is how ethic students help students especially those that come from a disadvantaged background, connect with their history and culture. Teaching students properly on ethnic studies helps avoid stereotypical content and allows for students to be properly and respectfully educated on history. Sleeters writing reminds us that education should not only focus on academics but also on fostering a fair and inclusive society. It inspires us to rethink what we teach in school to create a more equitable educational experience. 





Sleeter also talks about how a lot of the textbooks that are being read as curriculum are not necessarily the best textbooks. She points out how whites continue to receive the most attention and appear in the widest variety of roles, dominating story lines. African Americans usually receive only a sketchy account historically, being featured mainly in relationship to slavery. Asian Americans and Latinos appear mainly as figures on the landscape with no history. Native Americans appear in the past. Immigration is represented as a distinct historical period that happened mainly in the Northern, rather as an ongoing phenomenon. These texts say little to nothing about race relations, racism, or any racial issues. When textbooks primarily talk about whites or say only negative things about colored people, it can cause colored students to feel less engaged or lose their sense of belonging. Education should prepare students for a multicultural society. Unfortunately these textbooks fail to address a diverse experience and can limit students understanding and empathy toward different cultures. Also, inaccurate information can affect a students self-esteem and how they view their own culture. As a future educator I never want to make a student feel out of place or feel they need to question who they are as a person, it's just not fair. 

Comments

  1. Derya GungorFebruary 23, 2025 at 6:44 PM

    Hi Dakota! I agree with you completely about how lack of representation in school can also affect a student's own self image and self belonging in their community. I also touched on the same topic in my blog as well, that by not teaching students about diversity of cultures, we are not preparing them to operate in a multicultural society as we live in, here in the U.S.

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