Freedom Friday

Dr. Charles Cole III tells us about his insightful report, 'Oakland 2023 24: Proficiency Over Pageantry.' They address the significant disconnect between grades and actual proficiency levels among students, with a particular focus on the Black community's struggle to access quality education. Dr. Cole underscores the necessity of community involvement, agency, and self-reliance, urging parents and communities to actively partake in their children's educational journey.

The discussion highlights the systemic issues within the education system, the dangers of inflated grades, and the collective responsibility needed to ensure all children achieve meaningful educational outcomes. By encouraging awareness, navigation, and community duty, Dr. Cole's insights provide a roadmap for addressing educational disparities and fostering systemic change.

Let's explore the essential elements of a great school and why everything from safety and cultural inclusivity, to overall educational design are so important, Chris and Sharif delve into the impact of school policies on childhood, the role of educators in shaping a positive learning environment, and the need for age-appropriate education on historical injustices. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning and a student-centered approach. The conversation covers the importance of culturally safe and inclusive education, the impact of teachers on students' experiences, and the need for cross-cultural learning. It also addresses the concepts of racism, white supremacy, and anti-blackness, emphasizing the need for a more human-centered approach to education. Let us know in the comments, what makes a good school in your mind?

Brightbeam CEO, Chris "Citizen" Stewart and Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, explore the importance of high-quality curriculum in education. The conversation covers the issue of teachers sourcing curriculum from unreliable websites and the need for better quality control. The role of parents in monitoring curriculum and engaging in conversations with teachers is emphasized. Chris and Ismael also highlight problems with bad curriculum, such as the lack of guidance or reliance on biased perspectives. Humanizing education and focusing on pedagogical skills are identified as key factors in improving curriculum quality. The conversation delves into the importance of effective teaching, the need for teacher support and professional development, and the challenges of curriculum and "indoctrination."

Malcolm X was born 99 years ago last weekend. In this powerful conversation, Ish, Sharif, and Chris delve into his multi-faceted legacy, debunking myths, and exploring his enduring influence on black thought, activism, and the quest for racial justice. From his early years and evolving views to the misconceptions surrounding his stance on violence and separatism, the conversation offers a nuanced examination of Malcolm X's contributions and the global resonance of his message. The discussion also touches on contemporary issues, drawing parallels between Malcolm's teachings and modern-day challenges in the black community, emphasizing the importance of self-love, critical consciousness, and education in the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Chris, Ismael, and Sharif are here to talk all things teachers and teaching. The guys debunk myths and discuss the challenges and realities of the profession. This episode highlights the lack of preparation provided by teacher preparation programs and the need for better training. The conversation also touches on the importance of diversity in the teaching profession and the need to be honest with aspiring teachers about the challenges they may face with things like unstable leadership. Chris, Ish and Sharif note the importance of supporting teachers and the need for an educated citizenry.

The culture wars in education continue to rage, but Chris and Sharif are here to break down what we should actually be focusing on when it comes to setting up the next generation for academic success. In this episode of Freedom Friday, they discuss the importance of strong, well-prepared teachers and the need for ongoing support and development. They touch on the science of teaching and learning, and the need for a focus on student achievement. Chris and Sharif emphasize the need for a cohesive and research-based approach to curriculum adoption and assessment practices and a address the issue of broken pathways in education. It's time to focus on a more equitable, outcome-focused system. Join us.

Chris, Sharif, and Ismael explore the historical roots and evolution of public education in the United States. They discuss the origins of public education, racist foundations of educational psychology and the impact of white supremacist ideologies on the development of education in the United States. The conversation also highlights the contributions of Black educators and leaders who created schools that combined self-reliance and intellectual development. The conversation explores the impact of icons like W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington on black education. Finally, the guys talk about the compliance-driven nature of the education system and whether or not we are fostering critical thinking in the classroom.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is currently under attack. Chris, Sharif, and Ismael break down DEI, its origins in corporate culture, and why those on the right are so focused on attacking it. The guys examine the limitations and challenges of DEI, as well as the role of equity in addressing systemic barriers. The conversation highlights the need for representation and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. The conversation touches on expensive DEI consultants, "overwoke" DEI programs, and highlights the need for clear goals and progress in these conversations.

Takeaways

• DEI programs are being targeted and attacked by right-wing think tanks, threatening progress in racial equality.
   
• DEI has its roots in corporate culture and can be seen as an insurance policy against racial discrimination lawsuits.
   
• Equity is an essential component of DEI, aiming to interrupt systemic barriers and create a more just society.
   
• When used in schools, these programs should have clear goals and measurable progress to avoid becoming ineffective and costly.
   
• The business of DEI consulting can sometimes prioritize profit over meaningful change, leading to skepticism about its effectiveness.
   
• DEI can be a part of the ongoing struggle for liberation, and its effectiveness depends on pushing for systemic change and exploiting opportunities for progress.

Takeaways

COINTELPRO was a covert and often illegal program initiated by the FBI in 1956 and officially ended in 1971. It targeted civil rights organizations, Black Power movements, communist and socialist organizations, feminist groups, and more.

The tactics used by COINTELPRO included surveillance, infiltration, discrediting, and disrupting targeted organizations. They would send inflammatory letters, create divisions within groups, and use media manipulation to sow discord and mistrust.

The exposure of COINTELPRO in 1971 by activists who broke into an FBI office revealed the extent of the program's operations. However, many of the rules put in place to prevent similar abuses have been rolled back, and modern technologies and tactics continue to be used to disrupt and undermine social justice movements.

Understanding the history and impact of COINTELPRO is crucial for recognizing its modern-day applications and the need for continued vigilance in protecting civil rights and social justice movements. Conspiracy and surveillance have been used to target and undermine Black leaders and movements throughout history.

Staying vigilant and informed is crucial in navigating a world where misinformation and manipulation are prevalent.

The pursuit of knowledge and learning in secret can empower individuals to challenge oppressive systems and work towards liberation.

Chris, Sharif, and Ismael discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, especially in the context of black education. They highlight the need for proper training and development for educators and the importance of critical thinking in using AI effectively. The crew also discusses concerns about AI accuracy, bias, and the potential for AI to replicate societal inequalities, while exploring practical applications of AI in education, such as using AI to access and analyze research. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of AI and the need for a balance between embracing AI and maintaining human expertise.