Black or African-American
The NEA website and Nelson-Smith tell us that although all students are different, there are common cultural denominators that help teachers understand and appreciate the strengths of their African-American students. For example, this group often prefers methods that focus on oral delivery and physical activities. African-American students tend to be social and people-oriented. Students tend to appreciate practical knowledge with an environment that allows them to be expressive and creative.
An ideal teacher is one who understands students’ backgrounds and living circumstances and who can identify with students’ heritage. Students also value relationships with teachers and desire a feeling of belonging. It is important to recognize and honor student home culture, and bridge any differences between that culture and the culture of the school.
To enhance your understanding of aspects of Black or African American cultures, the center recommends educators take part in seven experiences. Opportunities are highlighted below. For an overview of the seven experiences, please click here.
Articles
- But That's Just Good Teaching! The Case for Culturally Relevant Pedagogy by Gloria Ladson-Billings
- Teaching Outside of One’s Race by Bree Picower
- The Schott Report by John H. Jackson
Book Studies
African Centered Pedagogy by Peter C. Murrell
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning by Sharroky Hollie
Dream Keepers by Gloria Ladson-Billings
The Will to Lead, the Skill to Teach by Anthony Muhammad and Sharroky Hollie
Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Tatum
Coaching and Modeling
Center for Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching
Drum Power by Yorel Lashley
Conferences and Workshops
National Alliance of Black School Educators
National Council on Educating the Black Child
National Black Child Development Institute
Educating Black and Latino Males
Guest Speakers
Alfred Tatum
Geneva Gay
Gloria Ladson-Billings
Gwendolyn Webb-Hasan
Jawanza Kunjufu
Sharroky Hollie
Craig Warner
Henry Drewal – African Art
Taki Raton
Yorel Lashley – Classroom management/community building/Drum Power
Site Visits – Community
Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations-local communities in January
Juneteeth celebrations – local communities in June
Kwanzaa celebrations – local communities in December
Site Visits – Schools
Dr. Martin Luther King Immersion School
Milwaukee African American Immersion School
The Wisconsin RtI Center is a collaborative project between the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the CESA Statewide Network.
The Wisconsin RtI Center (CFDA #84.027) acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in the development of this website and for the continued support of this federally-funded grant program. There are no copyright restrictions on this document; however, please credit the Wisconsin DPI and support of federal funds when copying all or part of this material.