Racial Literacies and Social Studies: Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning

This volume collects the work of historians, researchers, and classroom teachers to define what it means to be a racially literate educator and citizen. It emphasizes the importance of U.S. history narratives and curricular frameworks to incorporate the histories of racial/immigrant groups, and how teachers can enact instruction that promotes and/or impedes students' racial literacy. The book also highlights the importance of the social studies classroom as an educative space to have deep and meaningful experiences in teaching about race and racism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

This comprehensive volume brings together the insights of historians, researchers, and classroom teachers to establish a clear definition of what it means to be a racially literate educator and citizen. History classes should serve as inclusive spaces where all students gain a comprehensive understanding of their predecessors' legacies, providing a foundation for understanding and making informed decisions in contemporary society. However, the historical experiences of people of color often remain marginalized or overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. To address the complexities of teaching and learning about race in the history classroom, the chapter authors address a series of critical questions related to curriculum, instruction, student learning, and teacher education. These include exploring how U.S. history narratives and curricular frameworks can incorporate the histories of racial and immigrant groups, examining how teachers in specific contexts enact instruction that promotes or impedes students' racial literacy, understanding what students learn or fail to learn from race lessons in history, and developing strategies for educating the next generation of teachers to become racially literate. By utilizing this resource, readers can empower all young individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to critically examine the nation's legacy of racial inequality and comprehend the historical movements aimed at disrupting it. The book is organized into four sections, each focusing on different aspects of teaching and learning about race, ethnicity, and immigration. The first section explores the curriculum, highlighting the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and histories into the social studies curriculum. The second section examines social studies instruction, discussing effective strategies for promoting racial literacy and challenging stereotypes. The third section focuses on student learning, exploring how students engage with and interpret historical evidence related to race and ethnicity. The fourth section addresses teacher education, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach about race and racism. Overall, this volume serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and community members who are committed to promoting racial literacy and equity in education. By fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807766576