A developing state-policy debate over North Saint Paul may be relevant to families and taxpayers in mde runs program to help art teachers create anti-racist curriculum.
Cristine Trooien with Minnesota Parents Alliance told Alpha News that she believes the resources promoted by MDE represent the political views of the "radical left." “In this three-day long summer 2023 institute, participants will have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of culturally responsive and ant-racist curriculum development in and through the arts as it relates to Ethnic Studies,” MDE explains of an upcoming course that is an optional aspect of a program funded by the U.S.
Department of Education and led by MDE’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Center.
“Participants will explore the intersection of the arts and ethnic studies and unpack the connection between identity, social activism and the arts,” the course overview states.
“Participants will also investigate how the arts can empower students to reclaim, envision and create, centering their voices as counter-narratives against historical and contemporary injustices.” The course is called “Reimagining Arts and Ethnic Studies Summer Institute: Identity, Power, and Resistance in Education” and is taking place Aug.
An informational page about the course explains that teachers who participate will “have the opportunity to develop and pilot innovative and culturally responsive lessons or units of study during the following school year (2023-24).” The course is offered through MDE’s Culturally Responsive Arts Education program, which is “designed to advance equity and improve quality in arts education in Minnesota classrooms, schools and districts through the development and implementation of culturally responsive and anti-racist arts curriculum, instruction, policies, and practices.” “From June 2023 through September 2026, the Professional Learning + Action Cohort, made up of teachers, administrators, district leaders and other partners, will engage in ongoing professional learning culminating in the development and implementation of local Pilot Action Initiatives at the K-12 classroom, school and/or district levels,” MDE says.
Cristine Trooien with Minnesota Parents Alliance told Alpha News that she believes the resources promoted by MDE represent the political views of the state’s teachers union.
“There is a presumption made by educators, district leadership and the general public that the resources recommended by MDE have been properly reviewed, meet a high standard for politically unbiased content and educational excellence and represent ‘best in class’ options,” Trooien said.
As the measure advances, residents of North Saint Paul can follow amendments and contact Tou Xiong regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “MDE runs program to help art teachers create anti-racist curriculum”
