Revealing Racist Roots

Mission of Organization

Network of Teacher Activist Groups (TAG) is a national coalition of grassroots teacher organizing groups (i.e., New York Collective of Radical Educators, Teacher for Social Justice- Chicago, Teachers 4 Social Justice- San Francisco) that work to ensure educational justice in local communities. They take a progressive and social justice lens when teaching and advocating. 

Curriculum Description

Made in response to the Jena 6 (a modern-day lynching), this curriculum teaches the history and context of American racism. Lessons also discuss major events and people like the Scottsboro Boys, Ida B. Wells, and the Ku Klux Klan. There are activities for students to think about these historical events and many ways to connect teachers and students can link them to current events. 

Curriculum Materials Reviewed

Entire curriculum

Source of Funding

N/A

Learning Resources
  • Books
  • Websites
  • Music
Target Population/Grade Levels
Cost Per Classroom
Free
Training
N/A
Domain Presence
Critical Consciousness

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: The lessons we reviewed examined the historical contexts how systematic racism violated Black men's civil rights. 

Social Action

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: This curriculum provides students with examples of how to get more involved in their community. Many resources provided are for students more interested in taking action.

Reciprocal Community Relationship

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: There are activities that connect students with the local community. 

Systems Wide Approach

Presence Evaluation: Some Presence

Evaluation Notes: This curriculum focuses on multiple levels of educational systems. 

Explicit Teaching of Social Justice Principles

Presence Evaluation: Some Presence

Evaluation Notes: The curriculum discusses historical inequalities but does not necessarily define social justice terms explicitly.

Self-Reflection

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: The assignments encourage students to think about self, school, and community.

Evidence Based

Presence Evaluation: Not Present

Evaluation Notes: To date, there has been no empirical study of this curriculum to evaluate its effectiveness.

Inclusion and Equity

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: The lessons reviewed provide a thorough review of anti-Blackness in America. 

High Expectations

Presence Evaluation: N/A

Evaluation Notes: We are unable to evaluate this domain since it is best measured through observation.

Social Identities

Presence Evaluation: Full Presence

Evaluation Notes: The main focus is on Black identity.