Thread by @JuddLegum

1. The activists fighting Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools have a big problem: CRT isn't taught in K-12 schools

So they've adopted a new tactic

And it imperils students

Let's dive into exactly what's happening

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2. CRT is not taught in K-12 schools. But many K-12 schools do include Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in their curricula

SEL as a term dates to 1997, but the concept - character assessment and development - dates back to Ben Franklin in the mid-1700s

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3. Nevertheless, opponents of Critical Race Theory have decided that Social Emotional Learning is just a Trojan Horse for CRT

Right-wing critics have called SEL "racist garbage," "anti-white," and "a vehicle for introducing leftist propaganda."

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4. SEL is none of those things

SEL helps develop skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making

Research shows there are MASSIVE benefits to students

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5. An analysis of 270K students in 2011 found that SEL interventions increased students’ academic performance by 11%

A 2021 study found SEL reduced "symptoms of depression and anxiety" in schools

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6. The politicization of SEL is already having consequences.

In Idaho, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra (R) has "advocated the need for social-emotional learning"

SEL was included as a key recommendation of the GOP governor's education taskforce

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7. But this month, the Idaho State Department of Education decided not to act on the recommendation because SEL has become a political football.

As a result, students in Idaho will be denied the benefits of SEL education

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8. There are a lot of acronyms involved but it's very important to understand because there are millions of kids that will be impacted.

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9. The politicization of SEL is being driven by dark money groups linked to the Koch network.

They claim Garland has a "conflict of interest" in investigating violent threats against school boards because his son-in-law founded a company involved in SEL

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10. Here is how Tucker Carlson covered SEL: "Garland's son-in-law [is] profiting from racist theories taught to your children"

Carlson said Garland was a "repulsive little sleazeball" who "sicced the FBI on people who criticize his family's business"

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