Reflection of a School Administrator on Achieving Justice for African American Youth Through Collaborations With a Local University

• In Event: 52.075 - Toward Justice: An Illustrative Example of a University–School Partnership Designed to Advance an Agenda for Transforming Black Education

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the ways in which the Department of African American Student/Parent Services in the South Bend Community School Corporation continues to collaborate with Indiana University South Bend to provide opportunities for teachers and students to grow in their ability to create authentic relationships.

Perspectives
The research is clear that the fundamental vehicle for learning is a healthy and positive relationship between teacher and student (Ladson-Billings, 1994). Researchers have also indicated that this relationship is particularly important for African American students in relation to other culture groups (Foster, 1998) . To this date, workshops have been facilitated by Dr. Alfred Tatum, Dr. Chesare Warren, Dr. G. David Moss and Ms. Ericka Harris around the topics of: literacy development; empathy as a teaching strategy; and emotional intelligence.

Results/Implications
In the process of our collaboration, we have modeled the precepts of constructivist psychology while widening the circle of teachers able to provide instruction that is both innovative and relevant. In addition, students have also grown in their capacity to recognize the important role they play in guiding the instruction they receive. Of course, this process cannot be achieved by any singular effort or institution, and will require a multi-faceted approach with the full engagement of important stakeholders. With that in mind we are currently in conversation with IUSB about improving the range of effective teacher instruction, increased relevancy of teacher training, future collaboration on workshops with teachers (and students), inclusion of community voices in this work, implementation of a Black Male Summit, exposure of primary students to the college environment, creation of innovative after school programs, and development of Character Centers.

Author

• G. David Moss, South Bend Community School Corporation