Listening and Learning: Educational Stakeholders' Reflections and Perspectives on Implementing an Antiracist Curriculum for Middle-Schoolers

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Many middle schools are working to disrupt racial injustice. While there has been a focus on the outcomes associated with these efforts, there has been less attention paid to the process. Moreover, research has taken a myopic approach, focusing on one factor (e.g. teachers or administrators) rather than examining how these elements work in union or discord. To disrupt racial injustice, we must learn from those on the proverbial front lines and understand the process of doing anti-racist work in the current socio-political context. This symposium brings together practitioners and a researcher who worked collaboratively an implement a developmentally appropriate anti-racist curriculum for middle school students to discuss their perspectives/experiences and learn from others' best practices for doing anti-racist work.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Middle-Level Education Research

Chair

• Chelsea Kaihoi, University of Virginia

Papers

• Perspectives of a Researcher: Developmental Science: Why It Matters for Middle School and Justice - Johari Harris, Kennesaw State University

• Perspective of a District Administrator: Doing Antiracist Work With Uneasy Teachers and Administrators - Neeley Minton, Albemarle County Public Schools

• Perspectives of a Teacher: Struggling to Feel Heard and Supported While on the Front Lines. - Lars Holmstrom, Albemarle County Public Schools