Keeping It Real: Teaching Authentically in a 21st Century Urban, Predominately African American High School
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Authors
McCoy, LaNesha
Issue Date
2002
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Education is an encompassing and holistic endeavor. Curriculum should,
therefore, incorporate reflections of students and their potential. American education has
for a long time involved itself in the development of democratic citizens, acknowledging
the diversity that gives American society her strength and beauty. The significant role of
the teacher to provide students with meaningful learning and understanding opportunities
is central to the success of any school in developing such learners. Teachers possess
knowledge and understanding that is pivotally important in the dissemination of lessons
that encourage young people to develop as thoughtful, enlightened and prepared citizens
of the global community that are respectful and appreciative of cultural differences; and it
is in Language Arts that students observe through various texts, communications and
their own writings the shared human experiences.
The aim of this research project was to explore the significance of a Language
Arts curriculum enhanced with cultural relevancy for secondary students. This
qualitative project proposed to examine not only material recently published on
multicultural education, but also to explore the practical implementation of a culturally
relevant curricular experience at a large, ethnic high school in an urban school district.
The verity of de facto segregation, or the occurrence of racial and class segregation in our
schools not sanctioned by law (LaMorte, 444), heavily affects curriculum and the need·
for culturally relevant instruction. With many large urban schools predominated by
Black and Hispanic student populations, the need for authentic and relevant instruction is paramount. The data collected will support the claim that cultural relevancy in the
Twenty-first Century urban secondary classroom is significant and meaningful. It is,
therefore, imperative that all involved in urban education adhere to the popular phrase
among youth's vernacular and 'keep it real' in the classroom.
Description
vii, 46 p.
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