This inquiry, which explores the current debate on what should be done with Confederate monuments, engages students in historical, geographic and civic skills.

What is structural or systemic racism? Do you recognize it when you see it or experience it? Join us for a data-driven, deep-dive on this topic, where we will address: What is structural racism? How do we know it exists today? Does historical discrimination impact the present? What are the continuing effects on wealth, healthcare, housing and education? When does individual bias come into play? This presentation will explain the concept of structural racism, as well as demonstrate the roots of historical discrimination within housing (e.g. FHA/VA mortgage discrimination, redlining,…

In this evidence-based webinar, answer the questions "How and why were the “Black” and “White” “races” developed? and "How and why was anti-Black Racism developed? Using primary sources, visual diagrams, and historian quotes, trace the historical evolution of the social construction of race--through laws--during the Colonial era. Review historical evidence suggesting that racism did not lead to slavery; rather, slavery lead to racism. Discuss the narrative of racism as the myth of Black racial inferiority that white elites/slave owners created (“the story we tell”) to both uphold slavery,…

One way to facilitate productive classroom discussions about racism and unequal power structures is to engage students in developing the discussion guidelines. This demonstrates respect for students’ needs and a willingness to share power.  

Educators across the United States are at a loss at how to address race and racism in the classroom. They are admitting that they are not equipped when it comes to race; nor do they know where to even locate resources to help them. In turn, students are aware that they are not being exposed to historical truths. They are highly attuned into the racial tension in the United States and in their academic settings. Gaps are left and they have questions that are not being answered. Both parties are frustrated and left without the ability to learn skills on how to navigate difficult discussions on…

To acknowledge societal issues and problem-solve solutions that promote the common good, we cannot conceptualize current issues as “single factual narratives” or universalize our personal perspectives as the “one and absolute truth.” We should not debate whether systemic racism exists, but provide opportunities for students, precluding racist commentary, to analyze the data evidence and establish this conclusion on their own. Welcoming both conservative and liberal opinions into classroom discussion by using open race-related policy questions, like affirmative action, fosters an environment…

The following articles have been selected from our three main journals for K-12 teachers: Social Education, Middle Level Learning, and Social Studies and the Young Learner. These articles are grouped by topic for easy reference. Also included are recent current event responses that address racism and call for human rights education. NCSS Current Events Responses (2020)Teaching about Race and Racism in the ClassroomThe African American Struggle for Civil RightsSlavery and Its LegacyRacism and Discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and People of ColorHuman Rights EducationMiddle Level…

Hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), join NCSS and NCTE for a discussion with social psychologist Dr. Robert Livingston, Author of The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations. This event is free to all NCSS members. Please note, registrant emails will be shared with NCTE event staff to receive confirmations with Zoom access. Emails will be sent within 24 hours and a reminder one hour before the start of the event.    All Times Eastern

Jenni Gallagher, Jenni Conrad

The assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by rioters protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential election sent shock waves through the nation. Alysha Butler-Arnold suggests that teachers should take the opportunity to compare this event with occasions in U.S. history when white rioters used violence to contest elections in which the votes of African Americans were decisive. In her view, it is important to examine the bigotry underlying the riot of January 6 so that our country can “come closer to being a true democracy for all its citizens.” A distinctive feature of the…