Educating Against Bias:
The Senate Education Committee on July 3 approved a CTA-supported measure that will help battle hatred and intolerance. The measure aims at giving teachers new tools to educate their students to practice tolerance, and not engage in prejudice.
AB 1250 by Assembly Member John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) would add training in these areas to the list of items available to teachers as part of their staff development. The measure now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further action.
An existing law allows teachers to take part in up to three days of staff development. Current staff development programs include things ranging from teaching strategies to conflict resolution. The Laird measure would provide teachers with information and strategies for teaching students about tolerance and diversity.
The CTA support for the measure reflects the Association's belief that all students should have the right to participate fully in the education process free from discrimination and harassment. CTA also believes that districts and communities should work together to develop programs opposing hate-motivated activities.