Austin, TX— In a significant move towards inclusive education, Round Rock High School, located just outside Austin, has approved its Asian American Studies course for a third consecutive year.
This decision comes amidst a broader political climate in Texas that has seen increasing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education.
The course, currently the only one at the high school level in Texas, continues to operate as a pilot program without official credit towards graduation requirements.
Key Facts:
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Course Approval: Round Rock High School's Asian American Studies course has been approved for its third year as a pilot program.
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State Recognition: While the Texas State Board of Education has recently approved African American and Mexican American Studies to count towards social studies credits, the Asian American Studies course has yet to receive similar recognition.
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Political Climate: The continuation of the course occurs in the context of Texas Senate bills aimed at limiting DEI initiatives in K-12 education.
The Asian American Studies course at Round Rock High School was initiated to address the lack of representation of Asian American history and contributions in the standard curriculum.
Despite the political headwinds, the course has garnered support from students and educators alike. Ann Nguyen, the course instructor, and Mohit Mehta, Assistant Director at the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Asian American Studies, have been instrumental in developing the curriculum and advocating for its permanence.
The course has also received support from organizations such as Asian Texans for Justice. Senior Associate of Youth Programs Akeela Kongdara and Co-Founder Lily Trieu visited the class to discuss their advocacy work and the importance of civic engagement.
Their involvement underscores the community's commitment to preserving and promoting Asian American history and experiences within the educational system.
The broader implications of this course's continuation are significant. It represents a pushback against recent legislative efforts in Texas that aim to curtail DEI programs in public schools.
For instance, Senate Bill 17, passed in 2023, prohibits DEI offices in public universities, leading to staff layoffs and raising concerns about the state's commitment to diversity in education.
Despite these challenges, the persistence of the Asian American Studies course at Round Rock High School serves as a testament to the dedication of educators and community members striving for a more inclusive and representative curriculum.
As the course enters its third year, advocates continue to push for its official recognition and integration into the state's educational standards.
Do You Know?
The Asian American population in Texas has grown by approximately 126% since 2010, making it the fastest-growing demographic group in the state.
Key Terms:
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DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): Initiatives aimed at promoting fair treatment and opportunities for all individuals, particularly in education and employment.
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Pilot Program: A preliminary implementation of a course or initiative to assess its feasibility and effectiveness before wider adoption.
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State Board of Education (SBOE): The governing body responsible for setting educational policies and standards in Texas.