Beyond the Numbers: Using Critical Collaborative Ethnography to Evaluate Homeplace in Freedom School

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 10:50 am
  In Roundtable Session: Elevating Critical Methodologies in Educational Research, Theory, and Praxis (Table 7)

Abstract

Effectively educating Black students remains an issue that is further compounded by the United States’ anti-Black political climate. A summer enrichment program, Freedom Schools empower youth to believe in themselves, be civically engaged, and “fall in love with reading”. Using critical collaborative ethnography, this study interrogates how a Freedom School in the southeast US created a homeplace for its scholars and its impact on achievement. Creating a homeplace is a joint product of high-quality culturally relevant curriculum reflective of its scholars, opportunities for relatable critical conversations and social action, and a culture of empowerment. Given America's assault on Black student identity attempting to hinder their visibility, this research highlights the demand for inclusive, affirming approaches to teaching and educational research.

Authors

• Jalea Turner, University of Florida

• Chonika Coleman-King, University of Florida

• Taryrn T.C. Brown, University of Florida

• Michael A. Scofield, University of Florida

• Natalya Green, University of Florida

• Deandra West, University of Florida

• Amy Christensen-McLean, University of Florida