A Discourse of Democracy: The Role of Researchers, Faculty, and Community Organizations in Education Reform

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Because of our role as researchers, university faculty can have a powerful voice in support of communities and of educational transformation that is not based on corporate interests. We can and must make use of our academic research in the service of public pedagogy and policy advocacy, rather than only using our scholarship to speak to other academics. This symposium is envisioned as a space of collaboration among university-based scholars representing groups already involved in doing the work of public intellectuals. In the session, we will share strategies for organizing, partnering with community-based organizations, garnering media support, educating policy makers, and creating public events.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Grassroots Community and Youth Organizing for Educational Reform

Chair

• David O. Stovall, University of Illinois at Chicago

Papers

• The Public Pedagogy of Chicagoland Researchers and Advocates for Transformative Education (CReATE) - Isabel Nunez, Concordia University - Chicago

• The National Network of the National Association for Multicultural Education - Richard Ayers, University of San Francisco

• New York Metro Academics for Democracy and Justice in Education - Gary L. Anderson, New York University; Lois Weiner, New Jersey City University

• Teacher Empowerment and Public Engagement at Ripon College - Suzanne M. Katz, Center for Inspired Teaching

• The Urban Research-Based Action Network - Mark R. Warren, University of Massachusetts - Boston

Discussant

• Mayme Francyne Huckaby, Texas Christian University