A required course on Asian American history is now being taught in all Illinois public elementary, middle, and high schools.
A free online program for educators’ professional development is available. Grace Pai, from the Chicago office of Advancing Justice, argues that teaching about Asian American history is a good way to combat stereotyping. “Asian Americans are part of American history, but often our stories are not told,” said Pai. “So, it’s not so much about teaching about Asians in Asia, its more about talking about Americans, and kind of telling a fuller story of who has contributed to American History.”
Teachers and other educators will have access to a database including information on Asian American studies.
