The two framing questions, How far have we come?  Where do we go from here?  both serve as a useful springboard for young learners as they begin the academic year.

How far have we come and where are we going? Two essential questions that Mr. Sellers asked us to reflect on as we begin our school year. What was presented will better my instruction because I was inspired to tell stories of figures in history that students might not have heard before. Stories like George Elmore and Sarah Mae Flemming. Two pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement whose actions led to monumental change. Stories of everyday citizens that inspired change could be an excellent way to frame a history class in the effort to inspire our students to be agents of change. "We cannot change history but we can change our perspective for a more inclusive future."

It has to be about seeing the full picture of our history. Letting students know they are seen and can also see themselves in the stories and leaders we study in our history classes. Are we looking at artists, poets, writers that resemble our full student body? How well do we know our students so that we can make sure to incorporate them into the curriculum work we do in class. And then of course, how do we balance all of this with the required expectations by our respective Boards and State Ed depts. 

Gregory, I agree. I teach Ancient world history and these will be very good framing questions!

Our founding documents are imperfect, just like we are. We can be aspirational as part of the process to make it a more perfect union in which people do have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Inclusivity for those in our community to help them feel valued and welcomed. Teaching students to first love themselves and that they are loved.

In 2022, we're continuing to wage many of the struggles of the CRM. Those gains are under threat and it's only our capacity to dream of a better America that can enable us to win those fights. Thanks, Bakari. 

Teaching our students to " Learn how to dream with their eyes open" and to understand that it is our job to make America a more perfect union, even though the founding documents weren't necessarily made to include the right, freedom, and equity for all Americans. It becomes contingent upon them to love and listen to their neighbors perspectives even though their neighbors don't necessarily love them.

to fight for all children of minorities and those who are economically disadvantaged.

Thanks for this, Clarisse. “Chaos or community?” resonated with me too. The history of Anglo-dominated educational system and power structures continue to re-inforce itself and we have to be sure that history includes everyones’ story, so that we can build that community.

We hope this session kept you all engaged! Here are the links shared in the chat during the Bakari Sellers Keynote. If you missed the conversation, recordings will be available tomorrow so you can watch at your leisure. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-murder-of-emmett-till-j6dpye/

www.oerproject.com/bighistory/unit-1/101-scale

https://www.oerproject.com