Colorblindness: The New Racism?
The Fall 2009 issue interrogates the statement, “I don’t see color.” Racial “colorblindness”—the idea that ignoring or overlooking racial and ethnic differences promotes racial harmony—erases students’ identities and closes educators’ eyes to the experiences of their students.
This issue highlights the importance of understanding and affirming student experiences. For white educators, that means learning to talk about race and racism. For all educators, that means practicing culturally relevant instruction. It involves looking at school policies that may push children of color out of school and into the justice system. Read on to learn about these critical steps—and more.
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Features
Colorblindness: the New Racism?
Kawania Wooten’s voice tightens when she describes the struggle she’s having at the school her son attends. When his class created a timeline of civilization, Wooten saw the Greeks, the Romans and the Incas. But nothing was said about Africa, even though the class has several African American students.
Prom Night in Mississippi
A new documentary film looks at a school that held its first racially integrated prom in 2008.
Our Journey to Kindergarten
For one family, finding a kindergarten classroom meant getting honest about race, class and privilege.
What Can This Student Teach You About the Classroom?
She was always smarter than the curriculum allowed her to be. Now one Miami student is showing future teachers how to keep students engaged.
Learning to Roar
Parents find grassroots power.
Speak Out for Understanding
Students with learning disabilities create a documentary film to share their wisdom.
Relevant: Beyond the Basics
Monica Edwards taught a class of primarily African American and Latino students. Her initial inability to reach them turned into a lesson.
Inclusion on the Bookshelf
In fiction, children with disabilities are often still segregated, labeled, lonely and lost. These titles will help bring your school’s library into the age of inclusion.
Pushed Out
Zero tolerance policies were supposed to end school violence. Instead, they’re pushing students out of school and into the justice system — and children of color are paying the highest price.
Talking Race
Making a space where teachers can talk about difference.
