Resources

Resources from the APS Office of Equity and Engagement and school districts across the nation.

Addressing Equity and Race Relations

For Parents 

• Talking About Race
  Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. We are here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation. Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What do we tell our children?
  Should we tell our children? How? Source: USA Today.
• Having 'The Talk': Expert Guidance On Preparing Kids For Police Interactions
  The 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald — the black teen shot 16 times by a white police officer — put a spotlight on the troubled relationship between the Chicago Police Department and the city's black communities. Source: WBEZ Chicago.
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Protests and Racism
  As cities and social media explode with anger over the killing of yet another black man at the hands of police, worried parents struggle with how to protect their children from seeing the worst of the violence while simultaneously explaining the ravages of racism. Source: CNN.
• 8 tips for choosing ‘good’ picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color
  If you’re an adult who understands the importance of seeking out picture books that feature Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC), it can still be challenging to know how to choose a good book from among what’s available on the “diverse books” market. Source: embracerace.com.

For Educators

• Moments like now are why we teach
  Educators tackle tough conversations about race and violence --this time virtually. Source: Chalkbeat
• "I Can’t Breathe”: 4 Minneapolis Officers Fired After Black Man Dies in Custody
  In this lesson, students will learn about the death of George Floyd and then respond by taking action or reflecting artistically. Source: New York Times' Lesson of the Day
• Equity Case Analysis Process
  Provides a step by step process for a structured discussion that analyzes a situation and leads to a brainstorming session on immediate and long term action. Source: Equity Literacy Institute
• Murder of George Floyd Sets Off Massive Protests
  A timely lesson on the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests across the country.  Source: American Federation of Teachers Share My Lesson
• Obama On George Floyd's Death And The 'Maddening' Normalcy Of Racism
  A message from President Obama that includes a powerful song by Keedron Bryant about his feelings during this time of unrest.   Source: National Public Radio (NPR)
• How to Talk to Kids About Race: Books and Resources That Can Help
  How to talk to kids about race with suggestions of books that can assist in your discussions with students.  Source: Brightly
• Teaching About Race and Racism
  Lesson plans and resources. Source: American Federation of Teachers Share My Lesson
• Social Justice Issues
  Lesson plans and resources. Source: American Federation of Teachers Share My Lesson

Resources from Other Public School Systems 

• An Educators Guide to This Moment: Resources for Educators, Parents and Students
  Montgomery County (Md.) Public Schools
• Guidance on How Districts Can Facilitate Conversations About Race-based Stress and Trauma
  Kentucky Department of Education
• Resources on Community Unrest, Justice and Support
  (English, Spanish) - Los Angeles Unified School District
• Say Their Names: A toolkit to help foster productive conversations about race and civil disobedience
  Chicago (Ill.) Public Schools