Decode & Disrupt: A Toolkit to Recognizing and Combating Problematic Messages

In recent years, the education landscape has changed dramatically. With the rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT and resource sharing hubs like Teachers Pay Teachers, there are many organizations and resources that claim to offer quality material—often at no cost.  The rise of these platforms coincides with a change in trends for educators. According to a report from Education Week, the average teacher uses five supplemental resources and two core curricula sources. The report goes on to conclude that: “Regardless of state or district requirements, teachers mix and match the lessons and resources they use in their classrooms, using what they think will best serve their students’ needs.” While the intention is positive--educators are drawing from myriad sources to create curriculum and units that they feel will best serve the needs of their students— it can be hard to locate unbiased, fact-based and balanced resources. And when such biased materials make their way into the classroom, the harm caused to students and the classroom culture can be devastating.

Educators often choose to engage in conversation and instruction around complex current events to build connections with their students. While engaging in instruction around current events is an important skill, especially when supporting students in strengthening their media literacy skills, it can be challenging for educators to find quality, unbiased content that covers current events.  When instructional materials are biased, offer inaccurate content or are passed off as being objective, it can deeply harm the classroom environment. With antisemitism on the rise, and interest in exploring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rising with it, care needs to be taken to ensure an inclusive and bias-free classroom environment for all students.  In fact, a 2024 survey from ADL’s Center for Antisemitism Research (CAR) found that 71% of Jewish parents and 37% of non-Jewish parents surveyed reported that their child witnessed or experienced antisemitism in K-12 classrooms or through course materials.

Using a partnership approach, parents and caregivers can advocate for schools and educators to continue to bring current events into their classroom with a balance of points of view, credible sources, and an emphasis on classroom culture and student wellbeing. This approach will ensure that all students are able to learn and thrive in school while engaging with complex and relevant topics. The resources in this toolkit are designed to offer guidance in navigating conversations around specific educational resources that claim to educate on Israel and Palestine.