Karsten Barnes, a high school English teacher at UC Scout, was initially hesitant when approached to help develop a course for AP African American Studies. The societal debates and media attention swirling around the curriculum created a buzz that felt overwhelming. However, upon delving into the materials, Barnes recognized the groundbreaking potential of the course for students, viewing it as a worthwhile challenge.
Fast forward to today, nearly six months into teaching the course online to high school students across California, Barnes is more convinced than ever of its value. His students have embraced the innovative use of music to connect the past with the present, delved deep into research for their final projects, and expressed profound appreciation for the culturally enriching experience. One student highlighted the project’s ability to provide a deeper understanding of history, showcasing the transformative power of the curriculum.
While the controversy surrounding AP African American Studies has made some educators hesitant to teach the course, California stands at the forefront of inclusivity with the 2021 mandate requiring all students to complete an ethnic studies course as part of graduation requirements. This mandate underscores the importance and relevance of courses like AP African American Studies in today’s educational landscape.
The Unique Demands of Teaching AP African American Studies
Teaching a new course always comes with a learning curve, but AP African American Studies presents unique challenges. Unlike established courses with well-worn lesson plans, this curriculum is novel and interdisciplinary. It calls on teachers from various subject areas to draw on their expertise while exploring new topics, fostering a diverse range of perspectives that enrich both the educators and students.
As an English teacher, Barnes found familiarity in the course’s emphasis on argumentation, critical reading, and writing skills, even as he navigated less familiar territories like African empires and the diaspora. Collaborating with UC Scout in developing the course provided Barnes with a structured process involving subject-matter experts, instructional designers, and visual media experts, culminating in video lessons and learning materials that brought the interdisciplinary nature of the course to life.
Supporting Teachers Through Collaboration and Ongoing Professional Development
While the College Board offers a robust set of materials for AP African American Studies, navigating sensitive and complex content, such as slavery, segregation, war, and migration, requires a level of intentionality that goes beyond the basics. Teachers must be equipped with resources, ongoing professional development, and the support of their schools to navigate the course successfully.
Barnes shares valuable lessons learned from his experience teaching AP African American Studies, including leveraging existing resources like those from UC Scout, engaging with other educators through formal and informal networks, and seeking administrative support to foster a culture that embraces new courses. By collaborating, connecting, and continuously reflecting on teaching practices, educators can better meet the needs of their students and create a transformative learning experience.
As Barnes reflects on his journey teaching AP African American Studies, he underscores the essential truth about education: it requires continuous reflection and growth. The course has the potential to reshape cultural and racial misconceptions, strengthen students’ sense of identity, and drive meaningful conversations that transcend the classroom. Through ongoing evolution and adaptation, teachers can better prepare students for the complexities of the world beyond the school walls.
Karsten Barnes, an advocate for inclusive education and transformative learning experiences, leads by example as he navigates the uncharted waters of teaching AP African American Studies. His dedication to empowering students through education serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators embarking on similar journeys, reminding us of the profound impact teachers can have in shaping the minds and hearts of future generations.
