After black students in Virginia found themselves unable to earn enough credits in demanding ap mathematics and science courses, fcps did not increase its commitment to providing additional tutoring, high standards, or true accountability. Rather, they came up with a workaround: an AP African American Studies class that will focus on topics such as “black joy.”
in other words, black families having reunions, celebrating soul food holidays, engaging in culturally-themed community service activities, etc., rather than the traditional academic rigor that truly prepares students for higher education.
The primary objective of the AP African American Studies course is to artificially inflate ap passing rates and the transcript grades of black students.
As part of their coursework, students organize “black joy family reunions,” which include games, music, and conversations surrounding how macaroni and cheese represents cultural strength. The students’ teacher, Sean Miller, describes the class as providing a “holistic” perspective. Translation: if the numbers do not appear to be strong in calculus then switch gears and provide an environment based on joy.
The College Board released its national framework for AP African American Studies, and Virginia schools immediately implemented the program, including those identified by governor Youngkin’s executive order as teaching divisive concepts.
However, the affront to academic integrity does not stop here. This is the same system that spent years promoting critical race theory lite, implicit bias training, and affinity groups that divide children based upon their racial/ethnic backgrounds. For example, a Rhode Island district’s “african american studies” curriculum appears to be an activist’s playbook — outlining “white affinity groups” and “black affinity groups” for teachers. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that authentic learning is secondary. Public schools are not failing by mistake; they are failing by design.
There has always been a clear solution to address the issues described above. Remove the race-based shortcuts. Demand excellence from all students regardless of background. Return parental control through school choice options such as charter schools and home school options which work. Some push back has occurred in Virginia, but other states must follow suit.
Public education was supposed to be the great equalizer. Instead, it has become america’s great dumbing down machine—funded with your tax dollars & protected by politicians afraid of being called racist when reporting truthfully on how bad things really are. Black kids deserve better than pity classes & lowered bars. Every American kid does.
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