Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Post

In the spring of 2018, the then superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools charged the Curriculum & Instruction Department and the Office of Equity with exploring instructional content that truly reflected the diversity of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, with particular attention to those who have been historically marginalized in our society and within our existing curriculum, primarily those of African descent. All students need to see themselves represented fairly throughout our course of studies. Recognizing the greater community’s advocacy for and expertise in cultural relevance, an advisory group provided an inclusionary approach to re-envisioning our teaching and learning content through a lens of cultural equity.     This Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee comprised of #pittsburgh scholars and professors, current and retired educators, PPS board members, and community leaders offered a plethora of experience, expertise, and advocacy in the teaching and learning of African American studies. The Committee considered a myriad of topics, including curriculum, credentialing, staffing, grade level implementation, and budgetary implications, to advance recommendations and guidelines for the development of “Ethnic Studies” in both PreK-12 ELA and Social Studies curricula. One recommendation the Advisory Committee made was the Grades 9-12 Ethnic Studies course which would be offered across content areas to focus on major social, political, and cultural themes rather than dates, places, and historical events. An “ethnic studies” approach will require teachers to present content and create learning opportunities that are designed to help students understand how content associated with civics, history, economics, sociology, race, power, and social class relates to their ability to become civically engaged and informed citizens. We are seeking respondents to the attached RFP for Ethnic Studies Curriculum and Instructional Materials. Perhaps you are a scholar or curriculum writer with deep ties to Pittsburgh and can provide our District with what's demonstrated in the RFP, but you must act soon as the deadline is December 22. Share this with a colleague or your network. More details here: https://lnkd.in/giSDC8vq