Building Better Citizens: How to Foster a Positive Conversation on Race in the Classroom
1. Building Better Citizens: How to Foster a Positive Conversation on Race in the Classroom Stephen Menendian Attorney and Senior Legal Research Associate, Kirwan Institute October 5, 2009 Source: Lester, Julius. Let’s Talk About Race
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6. [U]nless our children begin to learn together, there is little hope that our people will ever learn to live together. - Milliken v. Bradley (1974) Thurgood Marshall
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8. The Logic of Diversity Diversity of Identity, Beliefs, Experiences Diverse Perspectives Better Outcomes Source: Scott Page, “A Logic of Diversity II” (available online)
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10. Toolbox View ABD EZ AHK FD Alpha Group Diverse Group ADE BCD ABC BCD ACD BCD AEG IL
11. Multidisciplinary View Econ Soc Math Hist Alpha Group Diverse Group Econ Econ Econ Econ Econ Econ Polisci Bio
31. Abstract Liberalism Frame - Responses [Reframe Merit] What is Merit? Is merit test scores? Or does background and life experience matter? [Question equal opportunity assumption] Are schools equal? Do all schools offer the same number of AP classes? Do all schools offer the same number of IB classes? Why do we have racially segregated schools? [Question assumption that only individual hard work matters] Sure – individual hard work matters, but do institutions also matter? Why do students work so hard to get into good colleges? [Question Govt. Intervention Frame] Should the government provide social security benefits to old people? Should government provide public education?
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Editor's Notes
* The work we do at the Kirwan Institute often involves audiences that are receptive of our message. - “Open but skeptical” * We are not often asked to defend our positions in this environment; however, the general public we encounter on a daily basis is not necessarily as receptive. * With the Kirwan Mission & Vision statement obliging us all “to assist in reframing the way that we talk about, think about and act on race and ethnicity,” we want to use this time to practice these skills as they arise in contexts beyond Kirwan. ***** Goals of this Brownbag: -This is intended to be an exercise that helps us all become more comfortable addressing race when it comes up in everyday situations. -We want to provide a collaborative environment in which we can hone our communication skills and share speaking strategies. -This is meant to be a learning process for us all. We don’t have the answers either. There may not be universal answers. the individual characteristics of both the person theoretically saying these fictitious statements and each of your individual attributes will shape responses. We’re open to entertaining a variety of possibilities coming from numerous perspectives.
The research is clear that
Contact theory suggests in order to most effectively impact self-esteem and cultural fluency, there must be noncompetitive, collaborative contact between students with equal status from diverse backgrounds.
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