Funding proposals for implicit bias and antiracism training in schools are coming into focus and some see it as unnecessary controversy distracting from educating children. A draft proposal from the Illinois State Board of Education Professional Review Panel set to be taken up next month contemplates how to spend an additional $350 million from the evidence-based funding model approved several years ago. There are recommendations for a variety of programs, including teaching foreign languages. There are also suggestions for — quote — “interventions to have more explicit focus on racial dynamic, including equity direct approaches that offer concrete strategies for teachers’ behavioral changes in the classroom and increased bias awareness.” Republican state Rep. Avery Bourne said constituents are raising concerns.
The next panel meeting where the proposals could be taken up is on Dec. 6 in Springfield.
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