Social Issue Research Project ETHS Spring 2014 By Shannon Griswold

 Discrimination can have damaging effects on students and it is my goal to help eliminate prejudice in schools today.  While completing the media journal assignment, I discovered that discrimination is currently well alive.  The documentaries A Class Divided and Dark Girls*  Local racism issues in school (link) Local racism issues in school  I am majoring in Elementary Education, so I am determined to make a positive change in our educational system.

 Overall, the research I completed was aimed toward identifying the mental, emotional, and physical effects of discrimination.  Article 1*  This article informed me of the rate of perceived discrimination in schools and its negative effects on students’ mental health.**  This article encouraged me to educate future teachers about this information; I envision meeting with teachers and discussing ways to develop a multicultural classroom environment.

 Article 2*  This article taught me that there are physical health issues that are related to discrimination**  After reading this article, I envisioned creating a workshop for educators. We will discuss the damaging effects of discrimination on human health and explore ways to support children in elementary schools, and how to assist them in developing positive self-esteems.

 Article 3*  This article informed me of the statistics of Black students’ criminal activity and the unfairness of the justice system. I also learned about the critical roles of school personnel.  This article has encouraged me to organize an intervention to educate teachers about what they can do about these shocking criminal statistics. I intend to raise awareness of personal biases and the importance of family-school collaboration.

 In collaboration with Frankie Condon*,I will organize a one-day workshop for college students who are Education majors.  The Outline:  What—workshop with interactive lessons and simulations to demonstrate racial discrimination**  Who—Education majors/general public  The Goal--To educate future teachers about the effects of racial discrimination and how to prevent it.  Cost--An estimated $1,500, covering food, transportation, and advertisement costs

 Racial discrimination and racism is a “touchy” subject for many people, so there will be some resistance against my intervention.  People who might resist: racists, individuals who do not believe that there is a problem of discrimination, SLCC school board.*  To address this resistance, I will continue to stay motivated and encourage people to attend the workshop. I will make posters to raise awareness. I can also use authoritative figures who support my intervention to promote the cause.

 People who have experience with or are knowledgeable about racial discrimination will be supportive.  My family and friends, SLCC Education and Ethnic Studies professors, and many African American families are all people who will support this intervention. *  I interviewed Dr. Marlin Clark, the Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at SLCC. He is an African American man who has experienced racism and discrimination throughout his whole life, so he is an authoritative figure that is very supportive of my intervention.

 As a lasting impact of my intervention, I would like to see African American students succeeding more than ever in school. I would like to see them thriving emotionally, mentally, and academically.  This is important to the African American community because this would mean that White students are no longer benefiting from systems of advantage; equality of treatment and opportunity would reign and improve the overall lifestyle of Black families.

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