Curriculum Now Available!
The highly anticipated moment is here! SERC is incredibly pleased to share the results of hard work and dedication to the development of CT's African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies. History in the making! Thank you!
Download the Curriculum Here
Updated October 1, 2021
Changelog: What's new in this revision?
RESC Alliance Curriculum Council – January 12, 2022
The CSDE/SERC Team members were invited to share information regarding course implementation at the virtual RESC Alliance Curriculum Council meeting held in January. There were approximately 140 Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Directors of Curriculum and Instruction, and Directors of Special Education in attendance representing districts across the state. Session materials can be found here, and documentation of questions and answers will be posted soon for future reference.
Regional Networking Session offered by EdAdvance and CES
Please note the new date: March 3rd, 2022
Implementation Planning for CT’s African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies – January 7th, 2022,
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., WorkspaceCT, Bethel
There is no charge for this course thanks to support from the Litchfield County and Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Associations.
In this all day session, representatives from the CSDE and SERC Team, who organized the development of the African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies, will outline the genesis for the course, goals and structure of its curriculum, as well as review specific implementation strategies. This presentation will be followed by a facilitated dialogue with former CT Interim Commissioner of Education, Dr. George A. Coleman and Ms. Esther Bobowick, longtime professional learning director at Cooperative Educational Services (CES) in Trumbull, who will offer practical suggestions for school leaders responsible for offering this course, including how to support and navigate resistance regarding cultural responsiveness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This part of the session will also feature reflections from teachers and students who have been involved in the initial implementation of the course during the 2021-2022 school year. The audience for this session should include district and school level administrators, Board of Education members, and high school staff who will likely be involved in the implementation of this mandated course offering, including department chairs, teachers, and school counselors.
In the News: With few minority teachers, white educators likely leading CT’s new Black and Latino classes
In a follow-up to her article on November 19, The Norwalk Hour‘s Emily Morgan reports on the white educators who are teaching the new Black and Latino Curriculum in Connecticut.
In the News: ‘One of the best history classes’: Norwalk students praise Black and Latino history course
Emily Morgan /Hearst Connecticut Media
The Norwalk Hour published a story about CT’s Black and Latino Studies Curriculum on November 30, 2021. Emily Morgan reports through student and teacher interviews about the experiences of those directly involved in the course’s first year being offered in CT.
In the News: Black and Latino studies get a place in the classroom
Connecticut Public Radio published a story about CT’s Black and Latino Studies Curriculum on November 28, 2021. Reported by Brenda León, it features interviews with teachers, curriculum creators, and students currently enrolled in the course.
Read and Listen to the story at ctpublic.org.
UPDATED: Request for Proposals (RFP) for the African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies Implementation: Round 2
Update: A Round 2 of this Request for Proposals is being offered.
SERC RFP Number: BL072021A
State Education Resource Center (SERC)
Contact Person: Michelle LeBrun-Griffin (griffin@ctserc.org)
On June 23, 2021, CT PA 21-2 identified SERC as the lead organization for coordination and provision of professional learning and implementation support for CT’s African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies.
SERC is seeking competitive proposals from qualified and interested organizations or individuals with proven expertise and experience in one or more of the following at the high school level: curriculum evaluation, content, pedagogy, instructional coaching, networking, and resource development.
UPDATE — African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies with Training Schedule and Registration Links
The Training Schedule has been updated with Registration Links for selected sessions. Read more:
Professional Learning and Training Schedule Announced
TO: Superintendents of Schools, Directors of Curriculum and Instruction, and High School Principals
FROM: Irene E. Parisi, Chief Academic Officer
DATE: June 7, 2021
SUBJECT: African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies – Professional Learning and Training Schedule
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is pleased to continue its partnership with the State Education Resource Center (SERC) to support the implementation of the African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies. High School educators initiating the course in the 2021-2022 school year are invited to participate in the full professional learning series, optional field study and coaching, and networking opportunities.
African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies
2021-2022 CSDE/SERC Training Schedule
LEADERSHIP LAUNCH (virtual) – July 14 – one team per school, including Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, School Counseling Department Chair, Social Worker, Social Studies Department Chair, Teacher(s)
- Session 1: 8:30-10, Session 2: 11-12:30, Session 3: 1:30-3 (mixed Cadres)
SUMMER INSTITUTE (in-person with remote option) – Cadre 1: July 26-30, Cadre 2: Aug 2-6, Cadre 3: Aug 9-13, 9-3:30 – one team per school, including Social Studies Department Chair and Teacher(s)
- Day 1 – AM Overview of Course, PM Review of Expectations
- Day 2 – AM/PM Pedagogy and Considerations for Teaching Course
- Day 3 – AM Overview Unit 1, PM Overview Unit 2
- Day 4 – AM Lesson Development, PM Overview Unit 3
- Day 5 – AM Lesson Development, PM Next Steps/Overview of Field Study
QUARTER 1 TRAINING (in person with remote option) – Cadre 3: Sept 27-28, Cadre 1: 29-30, Cadre 2: Oct 1-2
- Day 1 – AM Overview Unit 4, PM Lesson Development
- Day 2 – AM Overview Unit 5, PM Lesson Development
QUARTER 2 TRAINING (in person with remote option) – Cadre 2: Nov 29-30, Cadre 3: Dec 1-2, Cadre 1: Dec 3-4
- Day 1 – AM Overview Unit 6, PM Lesson Development
- Day 2 – AM Overview Unit 1, PM Lesson Development
QUARTER 3 TRAINING (in person with remote option) – Cadre 1: Jan 31-Feb 1, Cadre 2: Feb 2-3, Cadre 3: Feb 4-5
- Day 1 – AM Overview Unit 2, PM Lesson Development
- Day 2 – AM Overview Unit 3, PM Lesson Development
QUARTER 4 TRAINING (in person with remote option) – Cadre 3: Mar 28-29, Cadre 2: Mar 30-31, Cadre 1: Mar 1-2
- Day 1 – AM Overview Unit 4, PM Lesson Development
- Day 2 – AM Overview Unit 5, PM Lesson Development
SHOWCASE – June 9, 2022 (virtual) – one team per school, including Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, Social Studies Department Chair, Current and Future Teachers
- Session 1: 8:30-10
- Session 2: 11-12:30
- Session 3: 1:30-3 (mixed Cadres)
This information was published in a memorandum from the CT State Department of Education, Dated June 7, 2021. To read the complete memo, please download:
Upcoming Webinar: Implementing African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies in your High Schools
The African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course provides all Connecticut’s high school students an exciting opportunity to understand the scope of African American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino contributions to United States history, society, economy, and culture.
The CSDE is hosting a Webinar on March 24, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., to discuss the required elective Course. This conversation will be tailored to support Social Studies Curriculum leaders. Webinar participants will be introduced to the curricula and learn about upcoming supports. Individuals may register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6085431135861726731.
Please contact Dr. Gladys Labas, Director of Equity and Language, with questions regarding the course or the upcoming Webinar.
Registration Description: This session will provide support on how to plan the implementation of the African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course (Course) in Connecticut High Schools. Recommendations and guidance on communication, professional learning, and planning materials will be provided.
Presenters: Gladys Labas and Stephen Armstrong
NBC Connecticut: Exploring the New Black and Latino Studies Curriculum
NBC Connecticut’s Connecticut in Color program aired a segment entitled Exploring the New Black and Latino Studies Curriculum on February 26, 2021. Visit the original posting on NBCConnecticut.com.
“Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2019) (a) For the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall include African-American and black studies and Puerto Rican and Latino studies as part of the curriculum for the school district, pursuant to section 10-16b of the general statutes, as amended by this act.”