Educators speak on the importance of the new AP African-American studies course : NPR
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NPR’s Ailsa Chang speaks with three educators who are currently educating the new AP class on African-American research.
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Resource connection Educators across the nation are speaking out on the importance of a new Advanced Placement course that is set to debut this upcoming academic year: AP African-American Studies. The AP African-American History course is a first-of-its-kind curriculum that will bring a rich, detailed and multi-faceted understanding of U.S. history to high school students across the country.
This new course is timely and necessary in order to highlight the experiences and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout American history. AP African-American History will cover such topics as civil rights, education and voting rights in a way that pays proper homage to stories that have been neglected or erased in mainstream narratives.
In an interview with NPR, longtime educator and principal of Emerging Futures Learning Center, Vince Patton, spoke on the importance of the new course. He argues that the course is particularly important for providing an education that reflects the world that students live in. He states, “We have to make sure that our students not only know the traditional narrative about U.S. history but really gain a solid understanding of the African-American experience and the contributions of African-Americans throughout our nation’s history.”
Dr. Tanya R. Bonds, principal at Wakefield High School, explained the pivotal learning opportunities this course could provide for students of any racial background. Dr. Bonds noted, “By including an AP African-American History course on our campus, we can open our eyes to the beauty, history and culture of a population that has been so often overlooked and undervalued in this American story.”
In today’s society, there is a Western narrative that is often embraced as the only narrative. However, this new AP course serves to challenge the demand for inclusivity in learning and encourages a more diverse understanding of American history. Educators hope that this course presents the opportunity to shift education paradigms and, ultimately, amplifies and celebrates African-American history.
