FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2024
CONTACT: Will Whitmire, wwhitmire@skdknick.com; (954)-439-3395
New York, New York: The Black Education Research Center (BERC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, in collaboration with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), has officially launched Black Studies as the Study of the World: A PK-12 Black Studies Curriculum for New York City Public Schools. This curriculum aims to expand PK-12 students' knowledge of early African civilizations and contemporary Africa, African-American history, and the global contributions and achievements of peoples of the African diaspora, as well as to explore the enduring impact of racial inequality on society. The curriculum was developed through collaborative efforts involving BERC, the New York City Council, the Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) initiative, a group comprising educators, nonprofits, government leaders, and New York City Public Schools.
The curriculum was officially launched at BERC’s inaugural Summer Conference, “Black Studies as the Study of the World: Teaching Black Studies in NYC.” This conference brought together teachers, school leaders, and community educators to provide historical context, educational research, and experiential knowledge on what it means to teach Black studies in PK-12 classrooms. Speakers included: Thomas Bailey, President, Teachers College, Columbia University; NYC Council Member Rita Joseph, Chair of the Committee on Education; Dr. Sonya Douglass, Founding Director, BERC; and Black Studies experts from across the country. Their presentations and workshops provided educators with the necessary tools and insights to effectively integrate the curriculum into their teaching practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to implement it in their classrooms later this fall.
“Building a more equitable society begins with education,” said Thomas Bailey, President of Teachers College, Columbia University. “The launch of the new Black Studies curriculum, developed by TC’s Black Education Research Center, is a crucial step in this effort. This initiative builds on Teachers College’s long history of adapting teaching methods and curricula to meet the needs of all students in inclusive and supportive educational environments. Our faculty, students, and alumni are actively engaged in promoting culturally relevant and sustaining approaches to education. We commend the leadership of the New York City Council, New York City Public Schools, and our Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) initiative partners for their support and collaboration in bringing this exciting curriculum to life.”
“Every student should see their identity and history in their education. I am delighted to witness the culmination of this significant initiative in our schools," said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. "The Black Studies Curriculum's comprehensive and integrated approach will deepen our students' awareness of themselves and their communities. By incorporating pivotal narratives and voices into our arts, English, and history classes, we will enrich their educational experience and understanding of the world around them.”
The Black Studies Curriculum includes the study of traditional African cultures, the global migrations of African people throughout the African Diaspora, the continuum of the Black experience in the Americas from the 17th century to the present, African-American history in New York State, and Black history and heritage in New York City. The lessons are interdisciplinary, culturally affirming, and relevant to all NYC students as they study the history and contemporary landscapes of America, Africa, New York, and the world. The curriculum was introduced during the 2023-2024 school year as a pilot in 120 schools in 18 school districts across all five boroughs. It reached nearly 6,500 students and will now be available to the entire PK-12 school system for the 2024-25 academic year beginning in September 2024. The curriculum will also be available as open-source material for educators nationwide. It is intended to be a national model for school districts across the country.
"The official launch of the new PK-12 Black Studies Curriculum for New York City Public Schools is monumental for our scholars and our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “For the first time, our public school students will have the opportunity to learn about the contributions and legacies of early African civilizations, African-American history, and the modern-day African diaspora. It is crucial that our students see themselves reflected in textbooks and learn about the diverse and immense impact that people of African descent have had on our nation and throughout the world. This curriculum was made possible by the Council’s historic investments, which I’m proud to have secured as Speaker and as the former Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus. I look forward to our strong continued partnership with the Black Education Research Center at Teachers College and the entire Education Equity Action Plan Coalition to deliver Black history to all of our classrooms.”
BERC received $8.35 million dollars through the Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) initiative from the New York City Council to develop the Black Studies Curriculum for the city’s public schools and provide professional learning for teachers. The initiative has been a chief priority for New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. It is the largest single grant Teachers College has ever received from the Council and played an instrumental part in the research and development that went into the curriculum.
“As the first district-wide PK-12 curriculum of its kind, the Black Studies as the Study of the World curriculum will enrich the student learning experience in New York City public schools,” said Dr. Sonya Douglass, Founding Director of the Black Education Research Center. “This curriculum reflects decades of scholarly research, community organizing, policy advocacy and leadership committed to ensuring students have access to lessons that infuse the experiences of people of African descent in the U.S. and throughout the world. It is now essential that the curriculum is available and accessible to as many New York City schools and students as possible, and we are proud to have the opportunity to prepare educators to implement the curriculum in their classrooms.”
BERC is part of the landmark three-year Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) initiative launched by the New York City Council in 2021. It includes the United Way of NYC, the Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY), Black Edfluencers United (BE-U), and the Eagle Academy Foundation. EEAP’s goal is to develop the first PK-12 Black Studies curriculum for the city's public schools. Since then, BERC has led a team of influential Black Studies scholars and New York City classroom teachers to create a historic curriculum for the city. These experts in world history, American history, literacy, and culturally relevant curriculum and teaching have developed more than 100 lesson plans across 14 grades, aligning them with NYC’s Passport to Social Studies, New York State social studies standards, and the Next Generation standards for English language arts, history and social studies. Lessons can also be modified for students with disabilities and English language learners.
Amid the country's debate on whether students should learn about inequality and systemic racism in public schools, and state legislation banning and curtailing the teaching of African-American history, a national poll of 1,000 U.S. registered voters conducted by brilliant corners Research & Strategies on behalf of the Black Education Research Center (BERC) at Teachers College revealed that an overwhelming majority (85%) agree that students should learn about the history of slavery and racism in this country and how it continues to affect us today. The Black Studies Curriculum will help ensure that all students learn more expansive Black histories from Africa, the African Diaspora, and the United States to fill gaps in the textbooks and to fortify their knowledge of the world.
For more information on the Black Studies Curriculum, please visit WeTeach site and https://www.blackedresearch.org/bsc
About Teachers College, Columbia University
Founded in 1887, Teachers College, Columbia University, the first and largest graduate school of education in the United States, is perennially ranked among the nation’s best. Teachers College’s mission is to create a smarter, healthier, more equitable, and peaceful world. Teachers College engages in research and prepares professionals in its three main areas of expertise—education, health, and psychology— to work with public and private entities in local, national, and global communities and inform public policy. Students choose from among 150 separate programs to earn graduate degrees, which are conferred by Columbia University. While it is closely affiliated with Columbia University and collaborates with it on many programs, the College is an independent, autonomous institution with a separate, independent governing board, president, and financial endowment.
About the Black Education Research Center (BERC)
The Black Education Research Center (BERC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, conducts and analyzes research focused on improving the educational experiences and outcomes of students of African descent in the U.S. and throughout the world.