Services for Educators

Cultural and Ethnic Studies

Ethnic studies courses benefit all students. Culturally-sustaining curriculum has a positive impact on students’ academic and community engagement.

IDRA has a number of resources and provides training and customized technical assistance that supports educators in offering ethnic studies courses in public schools.


Articles & News

Mexican American Studies – A Deep Look by High School Students, by Marcela Hernández, Jonas Lokensgard & Hannah Rosales, February 2024

Remove Obstacles to Ethnic Studies for Georgia Students by Ruth Youn, IDRA Newsletter, February 2023

MAS Springs Youthfully – Teacher and Student Advocacy of Mexican American Studies, by Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletter. March 2023

Mexican American Studies is American History, by Josué Peralta de Jesús, High School Senior, IDRA Newsletter, September 2022

Visions and Provisions – Planning for K-12 Ethnic Studies Implementation, by Irene Gómez, IDRA Newsletter, May 2021

Culturally Sustaining Instruction Requires Culturally Sustaining Leadership, by Paula Johnson, IDRA Newsletter, May 2021

IDRA EAC-South Assists Virginia Commission on African American History Education in the Commonwealth – The commission is updating Virginia’s standards of learning to be more inclusive of African American contributions

ethnic studies infographicMexican American Studies in All Grades – Administering an Innovation, by Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletter

The Day I Taught My High School Peers, by Alyssa Diaz, student, IDRA Newsletter

San Antonio an epicenter of newfound appreciation for Mexican American Studies, Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News, June 13, 2019


Infographics

5 Tips for Organizing Student-Led Ethnic Studies Group

Ethnic Studies Can be Life-Changing 

Offer Cultural Studies Courses in Your School in Georgia

Enroll Your Child in Cultural Studies Courses in Georgia

Teaching Cultural & Ethnic Studies in Georgia


IDRA Services

In ethnic studies courses and lessons, students study histories, experiences, cultures and issues of race, ethnicity and indigeneity with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of color in the United States. Ethnic studies gives students many benefits, from social-emotional learning to college, career and community readiness. This IDRA Ethnic Studies – Online Technical Assistance Toolkit is designed to provide educators tools and resources for implementing ethnic studies in K-12 schools. It includes a literature review, webinar sessions, articles, podcasts and other resources.

Mexican American Studies professional development

African American Studies professional development


Videos

Cultural Chronicles: The Significance of Mexican American Studies, webinar

African American Studies Testimony video gallery


Testimony

Ethnic Studies Courses Improve Student Outcomes – IDRA Testimony for HB 45, submitted by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., to the Texas Public Education Committee, May 9, 2023

African American Studies Course Will Have a Significant and Positive Impact on Students Across Texas, Testimony by Morgan Craven, J.D., November 13, 2019

Maybe One Day, the Pain Won’t Feel the Same, Testimony by Earl Williams, student, 2020

We Are Important, and So is Our History, Testimony by Quardasha Mitchell, student, 2020

HB 1504 Supports a Robust and Equitable Curriculum for All Students – IDRA Testimony for House Bill 1504, Presented by Araceli García to the Texas House Public Education Committee, April 6, 2021

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  • Resources

  • Ethnic Studies Can be Life-Changing Infographic
    Infographics

  • Mexican American Studies Professional Development Flier
    PDF

  • African American Studies Professional Development Flier
    PDF

  • Online Community of Practice Website – Share lesson plans, resources, events and ideas
    Publications