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Like other topics that may be perceived as controversial, the content of ethnic studies courses may generate questions and concerns from parents and guardians. And though there is no “opt out” option for students, it is wise to familiarize parents and guardians with the purpose, content, and pedagogy to be delivered to provide full transparency and hence, minimize issues that may arise once the course is begun. Below are recommendations for conducting a preview night that is informative, productive, and responsive to concerns:
Virtual vs. in-person: there are advantages and disadvantages to each format. Virtual formats will allow presenters to minimize interruptions or disruptions during the presentation. In-person presentations allow time for more interaction and networking.
Pre-registration: Require participants to pre-register for a virtual event. This will enable organizers to know in advance who will be in attendance and limit participation to the intended audience.
Expectations and Procedures: Provide background information on the intent of Ethnic Studies, the legislative mandate, and the guidelines of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. Allow time to review materials, explain the pedagogical approach, describe expectations of students, and respond to questions.
Task 6.1a Organize and Conduct a Preview Night of Materials for Parents/Guardians
Families will likely be interested and perhaps have questions about the ethnic studies course their student will be taking. For the sake of transparency, districts are advised to conduct a Preview Night, either virtual or in-person, for parents/guardians to learn about the purpose of the course, the content, and pedagogy to be utilized.
Below are recommendations to assist you with organizing an informative, safe, productive event.
Important Note: Provide disclosure statement to all registrants.
Tips for Organizing an In-Person Event:
Schedule the Preview Night after your school board has approved the curriculum and instructional materials.
Notify parents/guardians of the event by email, robocall, or other methods.
Organize the Preview Night as a closed meeting for parents and families of students in ethnic studies course(s). The Brown Act need not apply, hence you are not required to allow others to attend.
Be sure to have a school site and/or district administrator present to oversee and monitor the event and respond to any issues that may arise.
Consider including security personnel at the event.
Secure appropriate translators to be present.
Require all attendees to sign in upon arrival. Ask each attendee to write their name, name of student(s), grade level(s), and the school attended by student(s). Pre-registration is advised but not required.
Do not allow attendees to record the meeting.
Reach out to your local county office of education to assist with facilitating and/or planning the event.
Tips for Organizing a Virtual Event:
Schedule the Preview Night after your school board has approved the curriculum and instructional materials.
Notify parents/guardians of the event by email, robocall, or other methods.
Require all interested attendees to pre-register.
Name of attendee
Name of student(s)
Grade level of student(s)
School Site of student(s)
Email address
Screen all registrants to be sure only families of students enrolled in ethnics studies course are confirmed to participate.
Do NOT send the Zoom link out in advance. Send Zoom link only to confirmed participants the day before the event.
Secure appropriate translators
Schedule a practice run-through of presentation with translators.
Do not record the session.
Recommendations for using Zoom
Utilize the webinar format to prevent use of video screens of presenters and attendees.
Close the Chat option. Instead, utilize the Q&A option for participants to ask questions.
Do not allow participants to share documents.
Mute all participants throughout the presentation.
Ask a staff member to act as a “co-pilot” during the presentation.
Secure appropriate translators to be present.
Set up breakout rooms for participants needing translators. Send participants to appropriate translator breakout rooms, if needed.
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