Culturally Responsive Plan African American Challenges EDU 639 Human Relations. & Learning in the Multi. Envmnt Dr. Jennifer Blum Rita Scott December 15, 2013

African American Characteristics and History  African Americans began as immigrants.  Rural to urban living  Racism, bias, discrimination  Poverty  New immigrants  Economic breakdowns  Spiritual  Adapts extended family  Single mother households  Strict discipline, love and support

Educational Practices  Given the information in the previous slide it is common to see African American students in urban school districts. This is past history and current situation.  Suspension is a big problem.

Inclusionary Practices & Teaching Strategies  Curricular, instructional, or campus-wide changes all staff could employ to ensure cultural acceptance/ integration for African Americans.

Family Community Involvement

Epstein's Framework Family and Community (NEA, 2013)  TYPE 1--PARENTING: Assist families with parenting and child-rearing skills, understanding child and adolescent development, and setting home conditions that support children as students at each age and grade level. Assist schools in understanding families.  TYPE 2--COMMUNICATING: Communicate with families about school programs and student progress through effective school-to-home and home-to- school communications.  TYPE 3--VOLUNTEERING: Improve recruitment, training, work, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and audiences at the school or in other locations to support students and school programs.  TYPE 4--LEARNING AT HOME: Involve families with their children in learning activities at home, including homework and other curriculum-linked activities and decisions.  TYPE 5--DECISION MAKING: Include families as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy through PTA/PTO, school councils, committees, and other parent organizations.  TYPE 6--COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY: Coordinate resources and services for families, students, and the school with businesses, agencies, and other groups, and provide services to the community.

In Conclusion This should be the way all students leave school. Keep the end in mind and focus until it happens.

Summary In summary education is the key to adult success. It does take a village to raise a child. Positive staff in school is important with curriculum to challenge the student. A vital key to education is not only the school but the family and community. Discipline needs to support good not create low self concept. Accept all and learn to teach all with kindness and compassion. Together we can do it. Make sure the student knows they can do it.

References Barbarin, O. (2002). Characteristics of African American families. Retrieved from Brandon, L. & Didaeot, M. (nd). Being Black in U.S. Urban Schools: No Assumptions. Finkel, E. (2010). Black Children Still Left behind. Retrieved from Losen, D. & Martinez, T. (2013). Out of School and Off Track. Retrieved from prison-folder/federal-reports/out-of-school-and-off-track-the-overuse-of-suspensions-in-american- middle-and-high-schools/OutofSchool-OffTrack_UCLA_4-8.pdf NEA, (2013). Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education. Retrieved from Wendy, S. (2004). School Practices for Equitable Discipline of African American Students. ERIC Digest. Retrieved from