We may likely agree that history taught for hundreds of years in our classrooms have conveniently omitted the contributions of people of color. Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans said it best, “So for those self-appointed defenders of history… they are eerily silent on what amounts to this historical malfeasance, a lie by omission.” We no longer can be afraid of our truth, marked both by tragedy and triumph, and may recall that in 2015 the Nevada Legislature and Governor Sandoval after a decade recognized the importance of multicultural education by passing AB234 which mandates:
“The standards for social studies must include multicultural education, including, without limitation, information relating to contributions made by men and women from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Council shall consult with members of the community who represent the racial and ethnic diversity of this State in developing such standards.”
Prior to being appointed by Senator Aaron Ford to the Nevada Council to Establish Academic Standards, I was honored to serve on the multicultural advisory committee working on these new standards. A final draft will be presented to the Council for final approval on June 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. (NDOE 9890 Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas) and I strongly encourage those interested in multicultural education to participate in this meeting and add your comments. The public can find the draft at http://www.doe.nv.gov/Standards_Instructional_Support/Nevada_Academic_Standards/SocialStudies/ or www.CCBlackCaucus.com. When reviewing the draft it’s important to note that NDOE will issue an Implementation Guide, not currently available, that will offer curriculum suggestions for school districts.
It’s long overdue that we integrate social studies taught in classrooms occupied by diverse students of color. This is about our future; an opportunity to also tell our stories. History!
Yvette Williams is a community advocate and Chair/Founder of the Clark County Black Caucus, a non-partisan community organization driven 100% by volunteer members registered to vote. Follow her on twitter @YvetteBWilliams or contact her at [email protected] for more information.
“The standards for social studies must include multicultural education, including, without limitation, information relating to contributions made by men and women from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Council shall consult with members of the community who represent the racial and ethnic diversity of this State in developing such standards.”
Prior to being appointed by Senator Aaron Ford to the Nevada Council to Establish Academic Standards, I was honored to serve on the multicultural advisory committee working on these new standards. A final draft will be presented to the Council for final approval on June 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. (NDOE 9890 Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas) and I strongly encourage those interested in multicultural education to participate in this meeting and add your comments. The public can find the draft at http://www.doe.nv.gov/Standards_Instructional_Support/Nevada_Academic_Standards/SocialStudies/ or www.CCBlackCaucus.com. When reviewing the draft it’s important to note that NDOE will issue an Implementation Guide, not currently available, that will offer curriculum suggestions for school districts.
It’s long overdue that we integrate social studies taught in classrooms occupied by diverse students of color. This is about our future; an opportunity to also tell our stories. History!
Yvette Williams is a community advocate and Chair/Founder of the Clark County Black Caucus, a non-partisan community organization driven 100% by volunteer members registered to vote. Follow her on twitter @YvetteBWilliams or contact her at [email protected] for more information.
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