In the fall of 2015, the 51ΑΤΖζ Executive Committee approved the For a complete history of this statement, please read Millie Davisβs blog, . In the position statement, we list the following benefits of incorporating ethnic and cultural studies programs at the K-12 level:
- They βhelp create diverse and inclusive classroom environments that promote learning and activism;β
- They βincrease enrollment, reduce truancy and dropout rates;β
- They βprepare youth to be college- and career-ready by promoting critical thinking and self-empowerment;β
- They βcan result in higher test scores and greater self-esteem for students;β
- They reflect βthe growing diversity of student populations in [US] schools,β and
- Students develop a βcross-cultural understanding that encourages respect for other people.β
These benefits matter and make a difference, particularly to populations who have long felt ignored, disrespected, and marginalized. In the coming weeks, members will lend their voices to describe and discuss the importance and impact of ethnic and cultural studies. If you have a story to share, please feel free to send it to Lu Ann McNabb at lmcnabb@ncte.org and we will happily publish.