Poetic Justice: Spoken Word Poetry as an Alternative to the School-to-Prison Pipeline

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-17 - Talent Development of Students Placed at Risk SIG Roundtable Session

Abstract

Several studies have revealed the positive impact of spoken word poetry in urban settings. Yet, there are few studies that address how educators of young women of color in an alternative school setting can create a space for creative expression and serve as praxis for social transformation and identity formation. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in literature by using spoken word to reframe the deficit perception of girls of color who are in the school to prison pipeline. Consequently, teachers could benefit from implementing alternative pedagogical approaches such as spoken word to capture the missing voice of these young ladies, while developing safe spaces so that the experiences of youth are centered and affirmed.

Author

• Tiffany Hollis, Coastal Carolina University