The latest controversial curriculum in the US named The Woke Kindergarten Program is in discussion. Here is what you need to know.
Led by activist Akiea Gross. Woke Kindergarten is a program that focuses on teaching young children about anti-oppression and disrupting societal norms like “whiteness.” this curriculum has gained attention for its unconventional approach to education. The curriculum integrates activities such as “woke word of the day,” and discussions on social issues like Palestine. Gross’s advocacy for Palestine and criticism of Israel are central to the program’s ideology.
What is Woke Kindergarten?
Woke Kindergarten, led by Akiea Gross, is like a Firm in Maryland that helps teachers teach kids about being fair to everyone. They use a theory called critical race, which means they talk about how race unfairly affects people. They want to help kids be kind to everyone, no matter their skin color. They have these cool questions that make kids think about why things are the way they are and if they can be better. It’s like asking, “Why are some people treated differently because of their skin color?” or “Can we make things fair for everyone?” These questions make kids think about changing things that aren’t fair.
Despite the lofty goals, the implementation of Woke Kindergarten at Glassbrook Elementary in California didn’t yield the desired results. Also, this left the teachers questioning. Student performance in math and English worsened, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the program. Some educators, like Tiger Craven-Neeley, expressed disappointment over the hefty investment in Woke Kindergarten which is a whopping $250,000. They questioned whether the funds could have been better used to address issues like low literacy levels among students.
The Woke Kindergarten aims to instill critical thinking and social awareness in young children. But some are doubting its effectiveness. The controversy surrounding its implementation raises questions about whether it’s a good idea or not to use it in schools. This has led to a debate about the balance between educational innovation and practical outcomes in the classroom.
