@Alabama governor bans book for teachers

[UMaineTeach]

They are now banning the books teachers are allowed to read for their own knowledge. This is not a curriculum, just a book of research based guiding principles that has been around for decades and is standard issue in college ECE programs and I would suspect on the bookshelf of most ECE teachers.

It’s about how to be a decent teacher who is respectful of and responsive to the needs of young children and their families. They took offense at 2 passages in an 881 page book.

It gives me a pit in my stomach.

www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama/articles/2023-04-21/alabama-education-director-ousted-over-woke-training-book

“The education of Alabama’s children is my top priority as governor, and there is absolutely no room to distract or take away from this mission. Let me be crystal clear: Woke concepts that have zero to do with a proper education and that are divisive at the core have no place in Alabama classrooms at any age level, let alone with our youngest learners," Ivey said in a statement.”

“Kay Ivey on Friday announced she replaced her director of early childhood education over the use of a teacher training book, written by a nationally recognized education group, that the Republican governor denounced as teaching “woke concepts" because of language about inclusion and structural racism.

Barbara Cooper was forced out as as head of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education after Ivey expressed concern over the distribution of the book to state-run pre-kindergartens. Ivey spokesperson Gina Maiola identified the book as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropriate Practice Book, 4th edition. Maiola said she understands that the books have been removed from the state classrooms.”

[jackie011]

I took special notice of this, as the director of an NAEYC accredited program in a red state. Just let us do our jobs!

[erbear]

I saw this yesterday. Scary AF. That book is put out by a super well respected, non partisan organization that is the foremost expert in early childhood education. It is not political. Fuck them.

[basilosaurus]

Oh, fun. I really want to take educational ideas from fucking numbnuts. Is SHS going to now teach me how to read the big words in her big book?

[estrellita]

Can we ban the word "woke" so they can say what they really mean? 😠

[Jalapeñomel]

FREEDOM!!!!

[basilosaurus]

Apr 27, 2023 6:13:16 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Can we ban the word "woke" so they can say what they really mean? 😠

I think in effect that's already happened. When desantis or his ilk say it, it's had negative effects on them. We all know it means "we hate anything not cishetwhitemale."

[estrellita]

Apr 27, 2023 9:29:41 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Apr 27, 2023 6:13:16 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Can we ban the word "woke" so they can say what they really mean? 😠

I think in effect that's already happened. When desantis or his ilk say it, it's had negative effects on them. We all know it means "we hate anything not cishetwhitemale."

I want them to say it, not just hide behind the word "woke". Force them to explain exactly what that's supposed to mean, even if we already know.

[meganew]

I kept reading to find out what book it was…. It’s the fucking NAEYC book?! It’s like banning a dictionary.

[smock]

Here are the passages Alabama doesn't want educators to read:

“Early childhood programs also serve and welcome families that represent many compositions. Children from all families (e.g., single parent, grandparent-led, foster, LGBTQIA+) need to hear and see messages that promote equality, dignity, and worth,” the book states.

The section on structural racism states that “systemic and structural racism ... has permeated every institution and system through policies and practices that position people of color in oppressive, repressive, and menial positions. The early education system is not immune to these forces.” It says preschool is one place where children “begin to see how they are represented in society” and that the classroom should be a place of "affirmation and healing."

So I guess Alabama's governor wants preschools to be unwelcoming and actively harmful to people of color, LGBTQ families, and single parents. 

[outnumbered]

Apr 27, 2023 17:57:12 GMT -5 smock said:

Here are the passages Alabama doesn't want educators to read:

“Early childhood programs also serve and welcome families that represent many compositions. Children from all families (e.g., single parent, grandparent-led, foster, LGBTQIA+) need to hear and see messages that promote equality, dignity, and worth,” the book states.

The section on structural racism states that “systemic and structural racism ... has permeated every institution and system through policies and practices that position people of color in oppressive, repressive, and menial positions. The early education system is not immune to these forces.” It says preschool is one place where children “begin to see how they are represented in society” and that the classroom should be a place of "affirmation and healing."

So I guess Alabama's governor wants preschools to be unwelcoming and actively harmful to people of color, LGBTQ families, and single parents. 

I teach preschool and attempt to embed inclusivity in all parts of my curriculum. I think Alabama is just the first state to start this attack. Groups in other states will follow suit. I am already nervous that a parent will complain about the books I read or the pictures I have on my walls. This precedent will give them fodder.

[msmerymac]

So will they ban NAEYC accreditation in Alabama now too? Don't they already rank toward the bottom in education quality and achievement? No need to get into a "let's see who can be the worst" race with MS, here.

[ellipses84]

Apr 28, 2023 9:14:26 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

So will they ban NAEYC accreditation in Alabama now too? Don't they already rank toward the bottom in education quality and achievement? No need to get into a "let's see who can be the worst" race with MS, here.

@-ish

I was wondering that too. It wouldn’t be a stretch since the states are responsible for daycare licensing and private preschools / daycare often get Gov’t funding (even if it’s for something small like a nutrition program).

I have 2 family members who work in higher Ed for ECE and I went to send them some articles. The AL website came up so I clicked on it and the page has been taken down so all you see is an error. NAEYC is the gold standard in their industry. It really is kind of like banning the dictionary. Or like banning the DSM-5 for those in the mental health field because you think it’s too “woke”.