The Divided Classroom: Recent Episodes
The Divided Classroom
Generation Z is spending its developmental years in the midst of worldwide chaos. What are teens doing in response? Making their voices heard and spearheading movements for positive change. Four teenagers — Omar, Lia, Sana, and Marissa — bring fresh opinions to discussions on current issues both at home and abroad. The team also investigates what we, as change-makers, can do to ensure that our generation’s perspectives are both considered and valued in global discussions.
In the final episode of our four-part series, TDC reflects on the previous three interviews and draws their own conclusions. To start, Omar, Lia, Sana, and Marissa discuss four arguments against CRT. We conclude with a final discussion of if we believe Critical Race Theory has a place in secondary education.
Ruby Yearling brings a new perspective to TDC’s 4-part series. As a recent college graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE) and a minor in Law, Justice, & Social Change, she has engaged in critical discussions about race in America. In this episode, Ruby and TDC focus on how CRT is found in post-secondary education and if it has a place in secondary curricula.
As a high school mathematics teacher from Oklahoma, Telannia Norfar offers a unique perspective to our questions about Critical Race Theory in secondary education. Oklahoma has implemented two bills in the past year that ban lessons that include the concept that a person’s “moral character is inherently determined by his or her race or sex” and another that places restrictions on social-emotional learning in schools. In this episode, the TDC and Ms. Norfar dive into how these bills affect the classroom, how CRT came to be weaponized in politics, and if there is a place for it in a high school curriculum.
Welcome back! In this special 4-part series, the four members of TDC interviewed various experts and guests on what Critical Race Theory is and if there is a place for CRT framework in secondary school curriculums. This first interview is with Dr. Dorinda Carter Andrews, a professor and chairperson for Michigan State University’s Department of Teacher Education. Together, we explore the different pieces of CRT, its practical applications in schools, and its different roles in various types of institutions.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a politician in such a polarized America? We did too. In this very special episode, we were able to interview Representative Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. With 4 years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, 3 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Pittsburgh, and 3 years in Congress under his belt, Representative Lamb gives us some valuable insight on topics like social media, the COVID-19 pandemic in America, youth activism, and more.
Greta Thunberg. Benji Backer. Xiuhtexcatl Martinez. Youth climate activism is taking the spotlight of the climate change conversation as teens are calling out this looming threat— and making sure others hear about it too. In this episode, we interview 16-year-old climate activist Anisa Nanavati, Co-Founder and North American Coordinator of the youth-led organization Earth Uprising. We discuss the lesser-known aspects of how climate change affects the world as we know it and how teens like us can demand change before it’s too late.
Has 2021 given Americans a much-needed breather from its tumultuous predecessor? So far, no. Back in January 2020, life was dramatically different than it is now. No pandemic, no Zoom meetings, and definitely no attacks on our nation’s seat of government. In our first episode, we discuss the storming of the U.S. Capitol Building by pro-Trump advocates due to the 2020 election results: its causes, its effects, and what can be done.