Services for Educators

Mexican American Studies – IDRA Services

IDRA provides training and customized technical assistance that supports educators in offering Mexican American Studies courses in Texas public schools. We co-led two professional development training sessions to support the extension and expansion of Mexican American Studies in teacher preparation and ongoing professional development.

Why Mexican American Studies?

Research shows that Mexican American Studies courses lead to improved:

  • standardized test scores;
  • graduation rates;
  • college attendance rates; and
  • academic mindsets.

MAS is much more than just a text or any number of books. It is a belated clarion-call to give children a fuller and truer sense of history. It is also a way for schools to give proof positive about the immense contribution of Mexicans and Mexican Americans to who we are as a country.

See article: Mexican American Studies in All Grades – Administering an Innovation, by Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletter

See MAS student article: The Day I Taught My High School Peers, by Alyssa Diaz, IDRA Newsletter

Article: San Antonio an epicenter of newfound appreciation for Mexican American Studies, Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News, June 13, 2019

Professional Development Services

IDRA’s professional development covers a range of topics for all grades. Training topics can include the teaching of content-specific MAS courses and/or tools educators can use to incorporate cultural sustainability into any curriculum. We are committed to meeting the customized needs of each district and offer on-site technical assistance, model teaching, observations and feedback, an online community of practice, and a MAS locator map searchable by district, city and topic.

Learn more today!

Contact IDRA to see how we can help!

Services include:

  • Planning for MAS-dedicated courses
  • Curriculum and lesson planning for integrating MAS in subjects including social studies, history, literature and fine arts
  • Best practices for elementary and secondary instruction
  • Research-based professional development training
  • Team training
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Partnering with families.

With an unwavering commitment to student success, IDRA services provide innovative, practical and sustainable solutions for diverse student populations based on the unique needs of each district, campus or classroom.

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  • Resources

  • Professional Development Flier
    PDF

  • Locator Map – Search MAS courses by teacher, topic, district or city
    Maps

  • Online Community of Practice Website – Share lesson plans, resources, events and ideas
    Publications

  • Podcast: Teacher Adapts Curricula to Circumvent Institutional Discrimination
    Podcast

  • Honoring Heritage with Mexican American Studies: Parent Institute session featuring an advocate, student, parent & grandparent; Interview of Juan Tejeda, ¡SOMOS MAS!; Slidedeck
    Video
    Video
    Slideshows

  • Ethnic Studies Can be Life-Changing
    Infographics