"The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies" (Blog #4)

 This week I read “The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies” by Christine E. Sleeter.

 While reading this the main topic that I got out of her article is the importance and the strong impact that ethnic studies in schools can bring. She starts off the article with the story about Carlos. Carlos was not a huge school lover, and he found it very boring. One day he encountered a friend who told him about this "Chicano ethnic studies"class. Carlos decided to give it a try and he absolutely was hooked, "The curriculum was centered with his reality." 

 The article then goes on to talk about the lack of information that is in history books and school books that kids are reading. She talks about the lack of information about the racial violence against African Americans during slavery. The only information that they do include is always positive, they never talk about the negative, why?

 Going back to the only including positive history, the only time that other parts of history is being taught is during a certain time. For example, in the article many African American students voiced their anger when they realized that the only time black history was finally being taught was only during black history month. They felt as this was a force upon the teacher, not a want. 

Overall I think this article highlighted the importance on their being representation everywhere but mostly in schools. It benefits the students, parents and educators.