Open Discussion Forum

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

Faith, my understanding is Affiliates met yesterday and talking points, calls to action, and further information will be coming to members in the coming days.
This is the statement NAEYC released to the press as it was sent to me:

"For nearly four decades, and in partnership with hundreds of thousands of families and educators, Developmentally Appropriate Practice has served as the foundation for high-quality early childhood education across all states and communities. While not a curriculum, it is a responsive, educator-developed, educator-informed, and research-based resource that has been honed over multiple generations to support teachers in helping all children thrive and reach their full potential. Building on the good work that is happening in states and communities, NAEYC looks forward to continuing its partnership with families, educators, and policymakers to further our shared goals of offering joyful learning environments that see, support, and reflect all children and their families."<o:p></o:p>

Amy

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

Thanks to those who chimed in on this thread. I was very glad to see NAEYC's response. The letter to members was strong and eloquent. The statement being circulated for signing isn't quite as strong, but If you missed it in Tricia's reply, here's the link to sign: Sign On in Support of DAP in ECE (google.com) and I hope everyone will.

I am pleased that NAEYC is speaking out and I trust the leadership - I'm sure they are also working behind the scenes and making decisions that are in the best interest of the organization. They are deserving of our support.

Yet, I have to admit that I'm frustrated that neither the letter nor the statement explicitly call out the inherent racism and homo/transphobia that are central to the attacks on "woke." Gov. Ivey's targets aren't random or general. When opponents are actively working to convince people that racism is a myth or gender-affirming care is abuse, code words like "equity" aren't enough.

People interpret the world through the filter of their own experience, but that doesn't mean they get to invent their own reality. That's what Gov. Ivey has tried to do in labelling developmentally appropriate practice as something it's not. It is also true that "Just as we can't draw a rectangle and insist that it is a sphere, we can't teach in a culture that has been constructed from racism and pretend that we are untouched by it, even as we work to end its injustices." (Media Literacy for Young Children, p. 79)

I look forward to NAEYC members and leadership leading the way in creating public spaces where we can clearly name the harms so that our communities can directly address them.

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

Thanks to those who chimed in on this thread. I was very glad to see NAEYC's response. The letter to members was strong and eloquent. The statement being circulated for signing isn't quite as strong, but If you missed it in Tricia's reply, here's the link to sign: Sign On in Support of DAP in ECE (google.com) and I hope everyone will.

I am pleased that NAEYC is speaking out and I trust the leadership - I'm sure they are also working behind the scenes and making decisions that are in the best interest of the organization. They are deserving of our support.

Yet, I have to admit that I'm frustrated that neither the letter nor the statement explicitly call out the inherent racism and homo/transphobia that are central to the attacks on "woke." Gov. Ivey's targets aren't random or general. When opponents are actively working to convince people that racism is a myth or gender-affirming care is abuse, code words like "equity" aren't enough.

People interpret the world through the filter of their own experience, but that doesn't mean they get to invent their own reality. That's what Gov. Ivey has tried to do in labelling developmentally appropriate practice as something it's not. It is also true that "Just as we can't draw a rectangle and insist that it is a sphere, we can't teach in a culture that has been constructed from racism and pretend that we are untouched by it, even as we work to end its injustices." (Media Literacy for Young Children, p. 79)

I look forward to NAEYC members and leadership leading the way in creating public spaces where we can clearly name the harms so that our communities can directly address them.

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith

Hi everyone! I'm chiming in on this thread because I have lived and worked in Alabama my entire life and this injustice has me shaken to my core. Early childhood education has been in every facet of my life since my own childhood, so the realities of our industry are very personal to me. The child care/early childhood community in Alabama is relatively small and tightly knit. Our state has NEVER put its children first or acted solely in their best interest. This is just another recent example of how backward and narrow minded Alabama's government is. Dr. Barbara Cooper has been treated unjustly and the sentiment that I am hearing from peers and industry leaders is 100% supportive of her work, including the use of DAP as a training tool. Sadly, this move is politically motivated and our children and families will pay the price once again.

On a better note, it gives me hope to see that others outside of our state are taking notice and speaking out on this matter. Alabama does not have a state affiliate, but we do have a very dedicated and active state association. They are working and advocating on behalf of our state's early educators, professionals and families. We support the use of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, the use of all content therein, and recognize NAEYC as industry leaders in our country.

So apparently, in Alabama it is now forbidden to teach developmentally appropriate practice to in-service or pre-service students because it is based on ideas that are too "woke," and a NAEYC Board Member was ousted from her job as the states Secy of Early Childhood Ed over it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read about it here: Ivey ousts Early Childhood Education leader over teacher training book  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/04/21/ivey-ousts-early-childhood-education-leader-over-teacher-training-book/70140326007/
Since the governors who are focused on outlawing "wokeness" literally share the same playbook, I think it's reasonable to assume that at least half a dozen other states will soon follow suit. That's a threat to high quality early childhood ed, and it's also a threat to NAEYC (which would lose considerable revenue if its books are subject to bans in places beyond Alabama - perhaps AR, TN, MO, MS, MT, TX, ID or FL will be next?)
My question is, how are people responding? Is there an official NAEYC statement we can share? Is there anything that NAEYC wants the members to do? Are state affiliates speaking out? Anyone have a letter to the editor, social media post, or awesome meme to share? How about resources from organizations opposing such bans (in addition to general resources from PENAmerica.org and the American Library Association, most of which apply to books read by/to children, not adults)?

Thanks,
Faith