The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism have strengthened calls for a national gut check. Recognizing the disproportional impact of the pandemic on already oppressed communities, folks from a variety of backgrounds are looking at how schools are designed and saying, “I don’t want to return to normal. Normal isn’t good enough.”
So, where do we start? For White people working in education, I think the answer is, “Somewhere. Anywhere. The thing is to start.” Learning what it means to be an anti-racist and use anti-racist approaches is among the best initial moves White folks can make when they seek to keep our systems from returning to normal. Many organizations and individuals have shared resources over the past few months. To help choose which resources to prioritize, below is a list from a variety of organizations and educators that will help bolster the necessary work of educating ourselves and taking action.
There is always more to learn, but here’s a place to start.
Anti-racism reading lists and tools
- Anti-Racism Resources for All Ages
- Resources for Understanding and Supporting Black Lives Matter
- Project Implicit
Diverse voices to amplify
Anti-racism in school systems
- How to be an Antiracist Educator
- Four Ways Schools Can Support Teachers to Become ‘Actively Anti-Racist’
- 5 Steps Toward Cultural Competence in Schools
Teaching Anti-racism in classrooms
- 15 Classroom Resources for Discussing Racism, Policing and Protest
- Unboxing Equity
- Black Lives Matter at Schools Week of Action
Updating Curriculum
- Social Justice Mathematics and Science Curricular Resources for K-12 Teachers
- #DistruptTexts
- Attention School Leaders: Students are Demanding Anti-racist Curriculum and Instruction
Anti-racism and remote learning
- Distance Learning Toolkit from Diversity Talks
- Culturally Responsive Education Hub Remote Learning Section
- Online Teaching can be Culturally Responsive
Professional Development Tools
- Disrupting Inequity: Having Brave Conversations About Bias
- Culturally Responsive Education Hub
- Racial Equity Tools
This blog is part of the Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative at KnowledgeWorks.