Emancipatory Education Now

Emancipatory Education Now is a student-led initiative at the SJSU Lurie College of Education that examines what emancipatory education – the critical evaluation of the systems and structures of oppression that maintain the status quo in our educational institutions – looks like in today’s society and advocates for the expansion of emancipatory education research, policies, and practices.

Spring 2021 Student Co-Hosts

• Abby Almerido – Graduate student, Educational Leadership
• Aminah Sheikh – Undergraduate student, Communicative Disorders & Sciences
• Ana Isabel Hahs – Graduate and credential student, Teacher Education
• Vaishnavi Sunkari – Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development, Public Health
• Victor Calvillo Chavez – Graduate student, Counselor Education

Watch the Spring 2021 Recordings

• Episode 1 | Meet the Co-Hosts

  • In this episode, you can learn more about our student co-hosts - Abby, Aminah, Ana, Vaishnavi, and Victor - through their name stories. They also share a preview of some of the topics they plan to discuss in more detail later this semester.

    The call to action for this episode: Exchange your name story with a family member, friend, colleague, or classmate!

    Additional resources shared in this episode include:

    - Asher, N. (2009) Decolonization and Education: Locating Pedagogy and Self at the Interstices in Global Times
    - The Four I's of Oppression

• Episode 2 | Decolonization in Education

  • In this episode, Victor leads a dialogue around decolonization in education. The co-hosts shared their insights framed by questions such as:

    - What is your initial reaction towards the reading? Do you have an example or question that came to mind after reading the article?
    - How would you describe the topic of decolonization to a student?
    - What would efforts to decolonize education look like?

    after reading the article “Decolonization and Education: Locating Pedagogy and Self at the Interstices in Global Times” by Nina Asher prior to the episode.

    This episode’s call to action: The effects of colonization can be experienced by the narrow thinking developed in the human mind. As we return to society, we must be more mindful in how we interact with each other. Decolonization begins with decolonizing one’s own mind.

• Episode 3 | High-Stakes Standardized Testing

  • In this episode, Aminah leads a dialogue around high-stakes standardized testing. The co-hosts shared their insights framed by questions such as:

    - What are your initial reactions to this reading? Do you have any examples or questions that came to mind after the reading?
    - How do you think standardized testing practices racial inequality and who do you think it affects the most?
    - How can we support students who are affected by the inequalities of standardized testing, when these practices are still in place?
    - What are possible standardized testing alternatives you would implement/want to see implemented in schools that would achieve racial equality and be accurate measures of a students knowledge? Or is this something we even need to measure?

    after reading the article "Meritocracy 2.0: High-Stakes, Standardized Testing as a Racial Project of Neoliberal Multiculturalism" by Wayne Au prior to the episode.

    This episode's call to action: Raise our awareness of how biases in standardized testing affect our students in order to provide support for students who are affected by these biases and find ways to help them succeed.

• Episode 4 | Inequality & Access in Education

  • In this episode, Vaishnavi leads a dialogue around inequality and access in education. The co-hosts shared their insights framed by questions such as:

    - What are some examples of initiatives at the classroom, school/university, state, or federal level that have been effective at creating a more equitable education for low income students? What are some examples of ineffective initiatives or missed opportunities?

    - How do you think race plays a factor in schooling in low income communities? The videos provided some examples. Did anything stand out to you?

    - In the Crash Course video, we saw that higher income parents are more likely to spend time with their children reading books and strengthening their cognitive skills. These higher income children enter school with more knowledge compared to a child from a lower income household. How can we support these young children early on to ensure that they are successful throughout their school journey?

    - FAFSA is a great way for students to get grants and money. However, do you think FAFSA is a simple process for low income families? Why or why not?

    After reading the article on the factors that count against low income students in the college admissions process, what were your thoughts/initial reactions? Do you think that students that attend schools with extremely low budgets will always have no hope towards attending good colleges since they don't have impressive extracurriculars or classes?

    after reading the article "5 Ways Elite-College Admissions Shut Out Poor Kids" by Anya Kamenetz and watching the videos "Higher Education for Low-Income Students," and "Schools & Social Inequality: Crash Course Sociology #41."

    This episode's call to action: After our discussion, think about how San Jose State University aids low income students to continue attending classes. Find one resource that SJSU provides to support these students. Do you think this resource is helpful? Is there a resource that you would recommend to SJSU instead?

• Episode 5 | Antiracist Education

  • In this episode, Ana leads a dialogue around antiracist education. The co-hosts shared their insights framed by questions such as:

    - What was your initial reaction to the articles and the video? Did anything surprise you?
    - How would you define antiracist education?
    - What do you think are antiracist strategies for teachers? Do you agree with the ones presented in the video?
    - The first article discusses the need to go beyond ethnic studies courses and include anti-racist education in all subjects. How do you think schools and districts can accomplish this?
    - The second article discusses Trump-era policies that sought to prevent schools from teaching critical race theory and federally funded agencies from offering diversity training. While this is no longer an issue under the Biden administration, should we be concerned about such things happening in the future? What do you think is the likelihood of a future administration trying to enact such policies, and is there anything we can do about it in the meantime?
    - Can you identify any challenges to implementing strategies for antiracist education? How can we overcome these?
    - Why is antiracist education important to you? Why do you think it’s important that schools commit to antiracist education?

    after reading the articles "California schools, universities condemn anti-Asian attacks, offer support to students" by Carolyn Jones and Ashley Smith and "Diversity Work, Interrupted" by Colleen Flaherty and watching the video "6 Ways to be an Antiracist Educator" by Edutopia.

    This episode's call to action: Watch the video “Six Ways to be an Antiracist Educator” and try to implement at least one of those strategies in your classroom. Additionally, since many of these ideas are applicable beyond the classroom, think about what it would look like for you to implement such practices in your daily life. What can you do to combat racism in your community?

• Episode 6 | Stereotype Threat

  • In this episode, Abby leads a dialogue around stereotype threat. The co-hosts shared their insights framed by questions such as:

    - What resonated with you about this TEDTalk? Did anything surprise you or challenge your previous ways of thinking?
    - We started today’s sharing some of our layers of our identity. As you consumed Adichie’s talk on Single Stories, what single stories were coming up for you about yourself?
    - In the TEDTalk, Adichie references an Igbo word: nkali (9:37) - “to be greater than another.” She goes on to say that single stories exist because there are those who have the power to write the definitive stories of a person or group of people. Our media have the power of telling the story of people. What single stories do you see in the media?
    - Why is it important to understand the single stories of ourselves and others? Why is it important for those in education to identify when single stories exist?
    - We also read an article on some ways to address stereotype threat in the classroom. What are your thoughts on those suggestions? Is it enough? What else could be done?

    after watching "The danger of a single story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and reading "How Teachers Can Reduce Stereotype Threat in the Classroom."

    This episode's call to action: How are you purposefully providing opportunities for those you influence and who influence you to give you a more complete story of who they are? Let’s all build bridges across differences one story at a time.

Fall 2020 Student Co-Hosts

• Anne Lockmiller - Graduate student, Counselor Education
• Gabi Gupta – Undergraduate student, Sociology
• Jackie Lopez Rivas – Undergraduate student, Child & Adolescent Development
• Leslye Tinson – Doctoral student, Ed.D. Leadership Program
• Vinson Vũ – Undergraduate student, Business and Child & Adolescent Development

Watch the Fall 2020 Recordings

• Episode 1 | Meet the Co-Hosts

  • In this episode, learn more about our student co-hosts - Anne, Gabi, Jackie, Leslye, and Vinson - through their name stories. They also share a preview of some of the topics they plan to discuss in more detail later this semester and begin a dialogue regarding the implementation of ethnic studies at the California State University and K-12 levels.

    The call to action for this epside: Share your name story with a family member, friend, colleague, or classmate!

    A few additional resources they mention include:

    - California Assembly Bill 1460
    - California Assembly Bill 331
    - Other People's Children by Lisa Delpit
    - We Want to Do More Than Survive by Bettina Love
    - Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault
    - Pushout by Monique Morris

• Episode 2 | The Benefits of Ethnic Studies

  • In this episode, Gabi leads a dialogue with Anne, Jackie, Leslye, and Vinson as they dive deeper into the topic of ethnic studies and how the implementation of ethnic studies in education is empowering, engaging, and beneficial for all students. 

    The call to action for this episode: Reflect on and discuss a time from your K-12 experience where you learned a view of history that you later learned was untrue or didn't portray the full story!

    A few additional resources they mention include:

    - Terisa Siagatonu "Ethnic Studies" - ALL DEF POETRY
    - "The Student Strike That Changed Higher Ed Forever" by Karen Grigsby Gates and Sheeren Marisol Meraji on NPR
    - California Assembly Bill 1460
    - California Assembly Bill 331
    - "Stanford study suggests academic benefits to ethnic studies courses" by Brooke Donald on Stanford.edu
    - The Kenneth and Mamie Clark Doll Experiments
    - "The Ongoing Battle Over Ethnic Studies" by Melinda Anderson on the Atlantic
    - "The Long, Bloody Strike for Ethnic Studies" by NPR
    - Code Switch by NPR
    - The Black Women's Liberatory Pedagogies: Resistance, Transformation, and Healing Within and Beyond the Academy edited by Olivia Perlow, Durene Wheeler, Sharon Bethea, and BarBara Scott
    - The VS Podcast: "Michael Lee vs. Grief"
    - Angela Davis on Spotify
    - The Radiolab Podcast: "The Miseducation of Larry P"
    - Rethinking Ethnic Studies edited by R. Tolteka Cuauhtin, Miguel Zavala, Christine Sleeter, and Wayne Au

• Episode 3 | California Proposition 16

  • In this episode, Leslye leads a dialogue with Anne, Gabi, Jackie, and Vinson as they dive deeper into the topic of California's Proposition 16 and the implications of universities and government offices ability to factor in someone’s race, gender or ethnicity in making hiring, spending and admissions decisions.

    The call to action for this episode: Research and discuss the upcoming California propositions so you can make a well-informed decision on election day, which is Tuesday, November 3, 2020! Eligible California voters can register to vote by Monday, October 19, at sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration

    A few additional resources they mention include:

    - California Proposition 16, Repeal Proposition 209 Affirmative Action Amendment (2020) by Ballotpedia
    - "The legacy of Prop. 209: Black students continue to be underrepresented, poorly resourced" by Francesca Munsayac on DailyCal
    - "In Defense of Affirmative Action: A Guide for Asian American Students" by Olivia Mayeda on Brown.edu blogs
    - "The impact of Proposition 209 and access-oriented UC admissions policies on underrepresented UC applications, enrollment, and long-run student outcomes" by Zachary Bleemer on UCOP.edu [pdf]
    - "Prop. 16 Would Bring Affirmative Action Back To California, Critics Say It’s Not Necessary" by Shalina Chatlani on KPBS
    - Election 2020 Guide: Proposition 16 - Affirmative Action by CalMatters
    - "California Prop 16, affirmative action, explained" YouTube video by CalMatters
    - "CSU trustees endorse repeal of affirmative action ban" by Ashley A. Smith on EdSource
    - "Prop. 16 to reinstate affirmative action in state universities, employment if passed" by Blake Evans on DailyCal
    - California Educators Urge Voters to Support Prop. 16, Equal Opportunity for All by California Teachers Association
    - Prop 16: Opportunity for All by League of Women Voters of California
    - "Meet Edward Blum, the Man Who Wants to Kill Affirmative Action in Higher Education" by Sarah Hinger on ACLU

• Episode 4 | Cultures of Power in the Classroom

  • In this episode, Anne leads a dialogue with Gabi, Jackie, Leslye, and Vinson as they dive deeper into cultures of power in the classroom.

    The call to action for this episode: Take some time to invest in your own cultural responsiveness - utilize the resources below as a starting point!

    - Other People's Children by Lisa Delpit
    - "The Activity Gap" by Alia Wong on the Atlantic
    - "Every kid needs a champion" by Rita Pierson on TED YouTube channel
    - ted.com/
    - Culturally Responsive School Leadership by Muhammad Khalifa
    - Jamila Lyiscott on YouTube
    - Anna Akana on YouTube
    - Lilly Singh on YouTube
    - The Nod podcast by Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings
    - Readings for Diversity and Social Justice edited by Maurianne Adams

• Episode 5 | Restorative Approaches that Decolonize Education

  • In this episode, Jackie leads a dialogue with Anne, Gabi, Leslye, and Vinson as they discuss restorative approaches that decolonize education and are trauma-informed.

    The calls to action for this episode:
    1) Explore your mindfulness/ self care - it’s for everyone! 
    2) Critically think of personal experiences: what went well, where was there room from growth, what was something you needed/wanted in your academic experience? 
    3) Connect with yourself/others

    A few additional resources they've shared include:

    - "Healing the Harm in Schools" by Michelle Chatman at TEDxUStreetWomen
    - "Restorative Practices: A Guide for Educators" on the Schott Foundation for Public Education
    - @theslowfactory Instagram account
    - Californians for Justice website
    - "What Teachers Need to Know About Restorative Justice" by We Are Teachers
    - Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
    - Decolonizing Wellness Instagram post by @theslowfactory
    - Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique Morris
    - "How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime" by Nadine Burke Harris
    - "It's Movement Time" by Las Cafeteras
    - "Radical Self Care" by Angela Davis
    - GoNoodle games
    - Calm app

• Episode 6 | Cultivating Belonging and Creating Safe Spaces

  • In this episode, Vinson leads a dialogue with Anne, Gabi, Jackie, and Leslye as they dive deeper into how schools and communities can create a safe and supportive school environment with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth.

    The calls to action for this episode: 

    SJSU Students, Faculty, and Staff 
    - Attend the belong@SJSU (Campus Climate survey conducted earlier this year) town halls (Nov 12 & 13 - Thursday & Friday 1:00-2:30pm)  to learn more about the key findings from the survey or watch the recordings once they become available.
    - Students & faculty: add pronouns to your Canvas account; students: add pronouns to your MySJSU account; Everyone: add pronouns to your zoom name

    SJSU Staff

    - If your institution utilize resources to staff development resources to attend (conferences) professional development opportunities
    - Advocate and listen to your students

    SJSU Students

    - Get Involved with the Solidarity Network
    Students at SJSU Apply to Leadership Today linktr.ee/sjsuleadershiptoday. This retreat is focused on diversity, social justice, and cross-cultural communication (Applications due November 9, 2020)

    Everyone

    
    - Introduce yourself using your common name (the name you go by) and pronouns (if you feel comfortable sharing)
    - Incorporate gender inclusive language into your vocabulary (y’all, folx, beautiful people, scholars, everyone, students, class, team)
    - Take the time to educate yourself about different communities, identities, and listen to others to learn about their stories and experiences
    - Check out the Book Boat Podcast
    - Take care of yourself and your loved ones during this election season, prioritize your mental health and overall well-being.
    - It takes everyone to make a difference to let people be themselves.

    A few additional resources they've shared include:

    - "The Post-Modern Queer Youth Experience" by Nate Monson at TEDxWartburgCollege
    - GLSEN School Climate Survey
    - Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2020
    - Information Resource Guide Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth on the Santa Clara County Office of Education website [pdf]- myprounouns.org
    - Using Pronouns on the SJSU Pride website
    - Being There for Nonbinary Youth on Teaching Tolerance website
    - The Genderbread Person on genderbread.org
    - queerkidstuff.com
    - Jammidodger YouTube channel
    - Every Student Matters: Cultivating Belonging in the Classroom by Michael Dunlea on Edutopia
    - "Students' Sense of Belonging at School is Important. It Starts with Teachers" by Evie Blad on EdWeek

• Episode 7 | Now What?

  • In this episode, Brian leads a discussion with Anne, Gabi, Jackie, Leslye, and Vinson as they reflect upon how participating in Emancipatory Education Now has shaped them.

    The calls to action for this episode:

    - Speak out in whatever way you're comfortable - it all matters
    - Take the time to process information and actively listen to others
    - Get comfortable with being wrong and embodying a growth mindset
    - "Apply yourself to supply your wealth" - Kendrick Lamar
    - Live Black Lives Matter rather than merely talk Black Lives Matter