Bridging the Theory-to-Practice Gap in Critical Multicultural Education Through a Co-Created University-School-Community Partnership

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Partnerships, Practices, and Productivity: Reimagining Community Engagement and Teacher Education

Abstract

The C.A.R.E. program (Creativity and Reading Education) is a four-way partnership between James Madison University (JMU), Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Agency (CWS), Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS), and families in the refugee community. This 6-credit immersion engages JMU education students in course preparation followed by them facilitating a summer program for children (and their parents) from the local refugee community. This program integrates creative arts and literacy development by utilizing community-based field trips for real world connections and applications. Graduate students engage in intensive course sessions to examine theories, pedagogies, and curriculum for intentionally supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) and refugees in elementary classrooms.

Author

• Kara M. Kavanagh, James Madison University