"The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies" by Christine Sleeter

    The reading, "The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies," by Christine Sleeter had a lot of helpful information based on her research. She explained how the mainstream curricula once tried to include more diverse information, but then regressed and is centered around "Euro-American" experiences and historical figures, and how that can negatively impact students from different cultures and backgrounds. I chose three quotes that reflect and support her views on this right from the text. 

Quote 1: "Beginning as early as elementary school, students have been found to respond to curricula based partly on what they learn and experience in their homes and communities" (p.3).

    This is overlooked a lot in history textbooks that focus mainly on white historical figures while minimizing or even erasing the contributions of POCs. Ethnic studies makes education more inclusive and gives students a more accurate representation of history, including their own.

Quote 2: "White fifth graders believed that the Bill of Rights gives rights to everyone, about half of the Black children pointed out that not everyone has rights" (p.3).

    There's a lot of students who aren't interested/ lose interest in school because the curriculum doesn't reflect their own histories and experiences. Students from diverse backgrounds are more likely to pay attention and participate in ethnic studies courses, which supports academic motivation and success.

Quote 3: "White adults generally do not recognize the extent to which traditional main- stream curricula marginalize perspectives of communities of color and teach students of color to distrust or not take school knowledge seriously" (p.4)

    Like Sleeter said, mainstream curricula mostly focuses on European and American perspectives, making the achievements of white historical figures popular while marginalizing or overlooking the experiences and achievements of POCs. Marginalized groups are often underrepresented, making them feel disconnected from the material and less likely to engage with it seriously. There has been resistance from white parents and educators when it comes to these programs, but I don't think they recognize how important they are to the students because they are only concerned with their (white) children.

    Ethnic studies can help students develop a better understanding of social justice issues. That can empower students to become active in their communities and advocate for change. For example, students who learn about the civil rights movement through an ethnic studies program might be more likely to engage in current social justice movements or be motivated to vote and be part of a bigger cause.

"The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies"