00:09:14 Stephanie Davidsmeyer: Only answered questions will be seen by the audience, so don't answer them 00:09:18 Paul Pitre: Hello all. I am out here if you need me. 00:09:32 Lorenzo Alvarado: Will a copy of the PowerPoint be given to all participants? 00:10:11 Linda Clifton: Will session be recorded for listening later too? 00:12:38 Nicole DeLeon: Nicole DeLeon, STEM Specialist, ESD 105 00:12:40 Tracy Castro-Gill: Tracy Castro-Gill, ED of Washington Ethnic Studies Now 00:12:40 Randy Spaulding, Executive Director, SBE: Randy Spaulding, Executive Director, State Board of Education. 00:12:46 Lucy Martinez: What is the exact percentage of ethnic groups are we talking about? 00:12:57 Renee Lafreniere: Renee Lafreniere, OSPI CTE Program Coordinator 00:13:00 Dr. Susana Reyes: Dr. Susana Reyes, Member, State Board of Education. Thank you, everyone, for joining us today! 00:13:07 Diya Bailey: Diya Bailey, Federal Way Public Schools, High School Instructional Coach 00:13:13 Debbie Lacy: Hello! Debbie Lacy, Eastside For All, based in East King County 00:13:15 Vicki Bates: Hello everyone. Joining from Franklin Pierce Schools, Tacoma, the original home of the Puyallup and Nisqually nations. 00:13:15 Bill Mowat: Bill Mowat - Board Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) 00:13:18 Tami Smith: Tami Smith, 6-12 ELa/SS Facilitator, Federal Way Public Schools 00:13:18 MOHAMED BAKR: Mohamed Bakr, MCNA Executive Director, Muslim Community Network Association. Mbakr@muslimcna.org 00:13:19 Diane Sundvik: Diane Sundvik, Kennewick School Dist. Director 00:13:19 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Dr. Erica Hernandez-Scott (she/her/ella) - DEI Leadership and Learning Director, Professional Educator Standards Board 00:13:24 Michelle Harris: MIchelle Harris she/her, FACE/DEI Chair for Shoreline PTA Council 00:13:27 Sara Betnel (she/her): Sara Betnel (she/her) - Shoreline School Board member; parent of a 4th and 6th grader 00:13:45 Steve Welliever: Steve Welliever, taxpayer, parent, former educator 00:13:55 Richard Matters: Rick Matters, Spokane Community Against Racism, Spokane Branch of the NAACP, Spokane Public School Superintendent’s Racial Equity Working Group 00:13:55 Joslande Gracien: I’m a parent. Keeping an eye on Lake Washington School District on issues for Black students and students of color as I feel they are not being represented. I’d like things to be more equitable before having my kids in the school district. 00:14:05 Stephanie Davidsmeyer: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/resolution-intent-establish-ethnic-studies-washington-state-graduation-requirement 00:14:15 Marsha Cutting: Marsha Cutting, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Bainbridge Island School Board 00:14:28 Pui-Yan Lam: Pui-Yan Lam (she/her), Asian Pacific Islander Coalition - Spokane Chapter & Spokane Community Against Racism 00:14:38 Lorenzo Alvarado: Lorenzo Alvarado, building administrator at Davis High School and Chad Stover, teacher of Ethnic Studies class - Yakima School District 00:14:41 Nevet Basker: Nevet Basker (she/her), parent and community member 00:15:06 DAVID WITUS: David Witus, community member 00:15:18 Jenny Ho: Jenny Ho, Racial equity ptsa team-Seattle public schools 00:15:23 rita Green: Hello Everyone Rita Green NAACP Education Chair AK, OR & WA. Developer of Ethnic Studies Resolution for SPS. 00:15:46 Steve Smith: Steve Smith, Black Education Strategy Roundtable. 00:16:34 RyanBrault: Thank you everyone for joining! Ryan Brault, State Board of Education (Eastern WA Elected) Member 00:17:00 Vicki Bates: Thank you for centering student voice. 00:17:05 DAVID WITUS: David Witus, community member 00:17:14 Deanna Martinez: Hello, my name is Deanna Martinez, parent, member of Multicultural Advisory Council (B.I.), member of Kitsap ERACE coalition and member of Race Equity Advisory Committee of Bainbridge Island 00:17:25 Lorna Velasco: Lorna Velasco (she.her.siya), parent, community member, cultural arts producer. 00:17:39 Lin Crowley: Lin Crowley, APIC SPS co-chair, (She/Her), and Chinese studies Faculty at the Evergreen State College. 00:18:06 Bill Mowat: Bill Mowat - Board Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) 00:18:11 Anthony Wartnik: Tony Wartnik - Community member 00:18:48 Linda Clifton: Linda Clifton, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle representative to OSPI Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee. 00:19:26 Alissa Muller: What are your reflections on the call for “windows and mirrors” – students seeing themselves in their education? 00:19:29 MARK BLEDSOE: she said it all! 00:19:53 Michele Aoki: Michele Anciaux Aoki, WA Assoc for Language Teaching 00:21:18 Lucy Martinez: I’m confused what this has to do with eduction system, we don’t even have reading, writing and math mastered? 00:22:45 Ping Ping: Hi I am Ping Ping, from Spokane, faculty at Spokane Falls Community College, teaching sociology, also a commissioner in CAPAA. My daughter just graduates from Ferris High School. 00:25:55 MARK BLEDSOE: Mark Bledsoe- Parent & Community Member working on Equity & Social Justice for the Puyallup School District. 00:26:30 Jenny Ho: That representation is powerful. In narratives, in students, staff, resources, etc. Windows and mirrors are a beautiful metaphors for how we can design inclusive learning experiences that go against racist stereotypes, bias, and historical silence. 00:26:45 Vicki Bates: Yes! Our historical approach to social studies has not been broad enough! 00:27:21 rita Green: Thank you for clarifying. 00:27:27 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Will it sit in social studies? 00:27:32 Renee Lafreniere: That is an important clarification---thank you! 00:27:36 Vicki Bates: Inclusion within the existing credit requirements is key - thank you! This also communicates ethnic studies is not an add on, but core for all students. 00:28:36 Lin Crowley: Thank you for the clarification. 00:29:02 Jenny Ho: Pui-Yan Lam, thank you for mentioning that intersectionality and going deeper into complexity. 00:29:07 Ryann Louie: Good points Pui-Yan 00:29:13 Michelle Harris: Using Windows to look into other lived experiences can also be an opportunity to grow empathy for others and work to reimagine the education system. 00:29:31 Pui-Yan Lam: Thank you, Ryann and Jenny. 00:29:34 C Manuel: Ethnic Studies sounds like a wonderful college elective. Let's let those who have a desire and interest to explore every culture in the nation to do that on their own time. This requirement will more than likely lead to more polarization in students who don't yet have the maturity and intellectual mind that many adults here have. 00:29:59 Erica Hernandez-Scott: I agree, Mark. 00:30:05 Tracy Castro-Gill: Research and evidence points to the opposite outcome, C Manuel. 00:31:00 C Manuel: But really, it's elective material. 00:31:08 Ador Yano: Thank you, Lin and Put-Yan, for your comments on API history education. 00:31:33 Tracy Castro-Gill: Research and evidence suggests when it's only an elective, it isn't as effective. 00:31:33 Ador Yano: *Pui-Yan 00:31:47 Vicki Bates: Thank you for working from your positionality as a religious leader to advance racial equity work, Rick. 00:32:01 Alice Thavis: C Manuel, I couldn't disagree more. This is critical content to help our students grow up and become citizens of the world. 00:32:04 C Manuel: Actually research suggests just the opposite. 00:32:08 Ryann Louie: yes Rita 00:32:21 Tracy Castro-Gill: OMG Hi Rita! 00:32:38 rita Green: Hi Tracy! 00:32:40 Pui-Yan Lam: Yes, I agree with Rita. It must be embedded in all subjects. 00:32:48 MARK BLEDSOE: I associate myself with Rita’s comments! 00:33:30 C Manuel: Students receive plenty of history and world cultures. The ELA literature is very cross cultural. 00:33:48 Alissa Muller: In your opinion, what should be the purpose of ethnic studies? 00:34:01 C Manuel: Thank you Steve. Communism comes to mind. 00:34:02 Tracy Castro-Gill: Students are telling us it's not. 00:34:09 Alissa Muller: That is discussion question two when Tracy finishes. 00:34:29 Lucy Martinez: I 100% disagree, ethnic studies should be an elective, like Spanish or shop classes, not a requirement. Between this and sex ed. being forced on our kids, will they ever know reading, math and writing which will get them into college and the real world? 00:34:48 C Manuel: Yes-Lucy!! 00:34:59 rita Green: Ethnic Studies is not and should not be an elective. Ethnic Studies should be embedded in every subject matter. All ethnicities have, does and will continue to add value to our society. 00:35:02 MARK BLEDSOE: Thank You Tracy for the clarification on that! 00:35:09 Michelle Harris: Typical history and world culture studies are full of inaccuracies and mistruths. Embedding ethnic studies in all subjects will have such an important and positive impact on all students. 00:35:11 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Thank you, Tracy. 00:35:19 Alissa Muller: In your opinion, what should be the purpose of ethnic studies? 00:35:22 Vicki Bates: Thank you, Tracy, for your persistent leadership in this work. 00:35:39 rita Green: Research does show that everyone benefits from ethnic studies. 00:37:25 MARK BLEDSOE: Thank You Erica…you left nothing out! 00:38:00 C Manuel: An Ethnic studies requirement isn't going to help my kiddo to get into an elite institution of higher learning. If anything it will hinder her from meeting other STEM requirements. 00:38:31 Linda Clifton: Mutual and self-understanding. I want to appreciate what some speakers here have already said about complexities of identity within each group we are centering...Asian, Asian-American, Black, Jewish, all. What Nevet is saying about the integrative potential in this study. 00:38:36 Lucy Martinez: This isn’t a child classroom problem, it’s a parent/neighborhood/society problem. Are children are under enough stress and requirements. In my kids HS, they don’t even have American flags, only gay rights flags and BLM signs. So no, students don’t need more forced agendas of people who have guilt, start in your homes first. 00:38:37 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Ethnic studies builds bridges 00:38:45 Joslande Gracien: It needs to be embedded into schools. The polarization we are seeing now is the lack of education people have on history and ignorance and fear. Which all can be addressed if people at a young age could see and try to understand our multicultural world. 00:40:07 C Manuel: Tracy, please quote your research. 00:40:28 Ryann Louie: yes Tracy 00:40:39 C Manuel: Let's not be nasty Tracy. 00:40:41 Ryann Louie: agree with Tracy, do your own research 00:40:48 Lucy Martinez: Tracy, please leave links for your research. It sounds biased, not legit. 00:40:54 Vicki Bates: Institutions of higher education, generally, expect students to recognize multiple perspectives and to consider them in impacting their communities. Applications prompt for this information. I have had friends whose students were struggling to be admitted to undergrad and medical school without the ability to articulate this and to give evidence of their work in these areas. 00:41:02 rita Green: C Manuel you do not appear to be listening. Ethnic Studies is NOT an additional class. It should be embedded in current classes so there will be no takeaway from your student. e.g. you can add ethnic studies in STEM classes. Who built the pyramids? And how were they constructed mathematically? 00:41:12 Steve Welliever: Research just done in the San Diego area showed negative effects of Ethnic Studies on academics 00:42:14 Pui-Yan Lam: Ethnic Studies enhances students’ critical thinking skills as it enables students to examine and assess the histories and current affairs critically. It is an important foundation for a democratic society. 00:43:36 C Manuel: So let students who have in interest in diving into their own background do that as an independent study or self-directed assignment. 00:44:06 Tracy Castro-Gill: In terms of STEM fields, research indicates students of color have higher rates of dropping out of STEM majors and report that lack of representation is a factor in their attrition. 00:44:20 Tami Smith: https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/What%20the%20Research%20Says%20About%20Ethnic%20Studies.pdf 00:45:00 Tami Smith: Recent research review about Ethnic Studies 00:45:42 Alice Thavis: Appreciate that resource, Tami. 00:46:00 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Ethnic studies integrates high impact teaching and learning in a context that makes sense for students. 00:46:03 C Manuel: Tracy,I imagine that an ethnic studies requirement will not make a significant difference in the drop out rate of students of color in STEM majors. 00:46:13 Lin Crowley: Thank you for sharing the resource, Tami. 00:46:20 Vicki Bates: More STEM... research showing cross-difference teams in the workplace more effective in innovating, creating ideas others build on in subsequent work. 00:46:45 Tracy Castro-Gill: Your imagination does not align with the data. 00:46:49 Michelle Harris: The student panels were recorded and can be accessed. I found them powerful and important when looking at students perspective. They were overwhelmingly in support of Ethnic studies and more equity within the system of education. They spoke of representation and feeling heard. 00:47:52 Steve Welliever: DEI and CRT-based ethnic studies grows gaps, harms achievement: https://cferfoundation.org/pr_102021/ 00:47:53 Linda Clifton: Well said, Vicki! 00:49:52 rita Green: Well said Anthony 00:51:04 Joslande Gracien: C Manuel we’ve been doing a lot of that. We can’t keep doing more of the same expecting different results. 21st century issues need 21 century solutions. 00:51:13 rita Green: Lin Crowley - Connect and work with each other 00:51:21 Carolyn Hathaway: It is not enough to dismiss concerns expressed here as not relevant because there is ‘research’ that we have not analyzed. Community concerns need to be addressed. We agree Ethnic Studies are important. It should be incorporated in teacher training and every subject. Where is the evidence that it has to be a separate curriculum? 00:51:21 Erica Hernandez-Scott: When we ignore human differences, school perpetuate and reproduce society. When we attend to difference, the students can transform and improve society. 00:52:14 Erica Hernandez-Scott: How we put it together and who teaches it matters. 00:53:10 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Lorna, that can happen in ethnic studies. 00:53:23 Michelle Harris: Absolutely Erica! 00:53:33 Lucy Martinez: It’s ironic how quick OSPI is to dump adult issues ie. sex and ethnics and concerns on educators to deal with and raise children instead of parents doing it first at home. When did school educators need to be forced to parent these kids re: sex and ethnics, and not educate? Have we thought about history classes incorporating this concern? 00:54:25 MARK BLEDSOE: Lorna, Its great to hear how ethnic studies has shaped you as a person! Thank You for your comments. 00:54:33 Tracy Castro-Gill: In terms of ethnic studies causing anti-whiteness - this is why professional development on how to teach ethnic studies is more important than what to teach. Additionally, the current experience for most students in K-12 education is anti-Black, anti-queer, anti-immigrant, anti-Latinx, anti-Islamic, etc. 00:55:05 Joslande Gracien: I highly recommend this book for anyone who can’t see why we need ethnic studies in schools : Bringing Up Race https://www.amazon.com/dp/1728238560/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8HBSNKE77QRDR66RQSES 00:55:30 Richard Matters: I agree with you, Jenny Ho. 00:55:32 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Agree! Tracy, the preparation for teaching ethnic studies is critical. 00:56:04 Joslande Gracien: How we teach ethnic studies and who teaches it is so important. 00:56:06 Lucy Martinez: If it’s about anti-anything, then maybe you as a parent need to get involved and help your own children have confidence and good self esteem. This starts at home, not in the classroom, ridiculous!!! 00:56:12 C Manuel: Which will be one more burden for teachers to take on instead of it being taught in the home. 00:56:23 MARK BLEDSOE: Jenny I share your thoughts! 00:56:24 Joy Randall: Amplifying student of color voices….I partnered with students in LWSD for the video “Students of Color Speak Out”. The call of students to be represented in curriculum and to be simply seen as part of history and of our nation is vital. 00:56:28 Alice Thavis: Agree 100%, Jenny! 00:56:50 Joslande Gracien: I really don’t think people are full of hate. It’s fear that drives those hateful behaviors. What if we took out the fear with education? 00:56:52 Quentin Morris: This all feels to me as if we are building a new Tower of Babel. Every one is unique and brings a unique experience and history. If not presented well, and I am skeptical of the “experts” and Tracy” unpresented data” that tribalism will not be the objective result. 00:57:11 Vicki Bates: It's wonderful to hear voices representing different disciplines/areas of work (education, judicial, church), different roles in students' lives (yay, parents), and different ethnicities and religions express a vision for a community in which all of our students and families are valued, honored, and truly included in our learning and community-building. Thank you - this has been inspiring today. Our kids need and want us to provide these improved experiences for them. 00:57:26 Steve Welliever: CRT concepts found in Ethnic Studies are already losing in Federal District Court in Nevada (Clark vs Democracy Prep); racist, Marxist, unConstitutional/Civil Rights violating curricula have no place in our schools 00:57:57 C Manuel: Exactly!! Thank you Yariela 00:57:59 Joslande Gracien: Seeing is not the same. As talking about race. 00:58:20 Tracy Castro-Gill: ethnic studies is a vehicle to teach reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills. There is no mutual exclusivity. 00:58:23 Lucy Martinez: Thank you, Yariela!!! Common sense, yes!! 00:58:31 C Manuel: Thank you for sharing your perspective 00:58:59 Quentin Morris: The diversity on this call is exactly indicative of the almost infinite numbers of cultures. As long as we do not push this into the oppressor v. Oppressed agenda… 00:59:00 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Ethnic studies is the history of the U.S. 00:59:02 Diya Bailey: I hear a little confusion between multicultural education and ethnic studies. Ethnic studies is not multicultural education 00:59:31 Vicki Bates: When students see themselves and have a sense of belonging, they are more engaged in math, science, ELA, social studies... This is not an add on. This is part of 'fixing' what we have. 00:59:42 Tracy Castro-Gill: Right? People from all over the world make up US History... What is "US History" sans multiple identities? What does that even mean? 00:59:44 Diya Bailey: Ethnic studies is US history - examining master narrative and counter-narrative 00:59:47 Pui-Yan Lam: Thanks you, Jenny, for your comments. I teach race relations at the college level and have my students to reflect on their earlier education. Many of my studnets would share that they wished they had learned more about the histories and current issues related to different racial groups before college. 00:59:52 Lucy Martinez: Exactly, history of the US isn’t even being taught in our own schools now with no US flags!!! Thank you again, Yariela for your concern and voice. 00:59:53 rita Green: Yariela - We’re Not introducing something else. This is not an addition. Our education is not doing well due to the lack of days/time spent in school. You need ethnic studies Tobe included in subject matter so that we can connect and work better together. Our society is broken because of the lack of understanding of others. 00:59:59 Alissa Muller: Next discussion question: How should Washington State incorporate ethnic studies as part of high school graduation requirements? 01:00:04 Quentin Morris: Yariela! Well spoken 01:00:57 Diya Bailey: Lucy, I'm not sure what school you are at, but I can assure you that every classroom in my school has an American flag and the pledge is said every morning. I believe that is the case for all state schools. 01:01:14 Joy Randall: Yariela….unfortunately shortsighted and overly focused on assuming that all kids are exposed to a setting that supports diversity. That’s not the norm. 01:01:30 Michelle Harris: There are so many students who feel erased and forgotten by our system of education. Embedding ethic studies in all subjects will benefit all students. 01:01:30 Alice Thavis: There's a US flag right in front of my son's school. So if that's your argument against an ethnic studies course, consider it moot! 01:02:17 Jenny Ho: Thank you. Yes, the students have spoken. We are here to advocate their needs and voices. 01:02:49 Tracy Castro-Gill: yes, Erica! 01:02:57 Michelle Harris: Yes!! 01:03:03 Ryann Louie: agree with Erica 01:03:05 Deanna Martinez: I did not get to take an ethnic studies class till my first year in college. I would often sit in that class thinking “why was I not taught this earlier?”There were a lot of negative feelings to understand that I was taught a one perspective history during my previous 12 years. It laid the ground work for distrust of teachers and the education system in the US. To those that are concerned and not feeling it is necessary, Im here to say I have had the experience, I’m one human that is part of the data that backs up teaching ethnic studies, and have you ever considered that “our education system” is broken because we have taught history from one perspective? 01:03:17 Jenny Ho: Yes! Transforming how we do every class! 01:03:45 Joslande Gracien: Yes!!!!! 01:04:21 Randy Spaulding, Executive Director, SBE: Resources on Mastery Based Learning: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/our-work/mastery-based-learning-work-group 01:04:47 Vicki Bates: How a part of high schools: As a course that meets a SS requirement AND integrated across content areas - through the learning goals, criteria in the selection of materials, professional learning for teachers. Love the transformational ideas offered by Erica - the mastery learning pilots could help us advance this, perhaps? Might ethnic studies be a focus in those pilots? 01:05:27 rita Green: Have to jump off. Thanks for the discussion. 01:05:42 Marsha Cutting: I hope that ethnic studies can teach the multiple stories within each ethnic group. Not all Mexican Americans followed Delores Huerta, though many did, and they accomplished important work. By the same token, not all whites supported the White Citizens Councils in the south, though far too many did. I never learned about whites who did antiracist work, and I wish I had. Research in this area exists (crossculturalsolidarity.com) and I hope it can be included. 01:05:48 DAVID WITUS: Alissa I could not quite understand your term “mass rebate learning …” something like that? 01:06:20 Diane Sundvik: Many comments are being made about ethnic studies being a college/university course. 36% of our WA high school graduates don't go to college/university. www.wsac.wa.gov 01:07:14 MARK BLEDSOE: Well said Tracy! 01:07:31 Ping Ping: Sorry I am slow in responding to question 2: I know many students have identity crisis: who am I? Can I be a Chinese and American at the same time? How? I think Ethnic Studies 's purpose is to make students to be an open-minded American, they are proud of their cultural identity/ethnic identity but also be an engaging American. If they don't know the accurate and complete history, it is extremely hard for them to be a productive person in the rest of their life. America is a country composed of diverse ethnicities. This can't be changed. 01:07:41 Erica Hernandez-Scott: Thank you, SBE! 01:07:43 Lin Crowley: Thank you for sharing the link and glad to know the board of education already start working on the mastery-based learning. Please continue sharing the curriculum development for such teaching. I do have to take off for another meeting. Thanks. 01:08:25 Alissa Muller: @David: Mastery-based learning. You can learn more here: https://www.sbe.wa.gov/faqs/mastery_based_learning 01:08:47 Lucy Martinez: At the back to school night at my kids HS, there was not one US flag inside a classroom, only gay flags and BLM signs. Yes, there is a flag outside but kids don’t stand outside for 6-7 hours. 01:08:49 Ping Ping: can you send me the power point file that you share in the screen in the beginning of this meeting? my email is: ping9615@yahoo.com thanks a lot! 01:08:55 Joslande Gracien: Can we have more of these meetings 01:09:13 Michelle Harris: I really appreciate the opportunity to join today and am grateful for the work being done to bring ethnic studies to our schools. 01:09:49 Jenny Ho: Thanks Tracy. The Equity in Education Coalition is putting on a Decolonizing Education Conference next week. One of the workshops featured is from the WA Ethnic Studies Now organization. Learn more: https://www.decolonize-education-conference.org/workshops/ 01:10:11 MARK BLEDSOE: Thank You! 01:10:17 Steve Welliever: Compelled speech- 1st amendment will be violated by ES! 01:10:30 Pui-Yan Lam: Thank you to all of you who are working on the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. 01:10:55 Tracy Castro-Gill: thank you!