Raza Studies Summer Institute

I kept out of trouble this past week by attending the Raza Studies Institute. Tucson Unified Schools is the only school district in the US that has Raza Studies for K-12. This is the 10th year. While concentrating in schools with a high Mexican American enrollment, all students are welcome to participate in the classes. One of the best aspects of the class is the emphasis on critical thinking. Instead of just learning names and dates, students explore the why. They are encouraged to use their learning skils to make changes in their community.

This change scares a lot of people. Notably, the Arizona Superintendent of Education, Tom Horne. He is so frightened by it that he won't visit the classes to talk to the students, despite repeated invitations. On his last visit to Tucson to attack, he held a press conference on the sidewalk OUTSIDE the building where the ethnic studies are headquartered. Need I say more?