CULTURALLY RELEVANT INSPIRATION

Anthony WaltonEDU 692

SELECTED SCHOOLS Montgomery Technical Education Center-

http://montgomeryedutechcenter.al.mpc.schoolinsites.com/

Brooklyn Free School - grades K-12th

http://www.brooklynfreeschool.org/

Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High http://fraysercs.org/

Montgomery Technical Education CenterMagnet School

This school offers a great variety of courses. These courses include: programs in Construction Management, Culinary Arts, Education and Early Childhood, Electronic Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Entertainment Marketing and Hospitality, Medical Professions, and Automotive Service Technology. The general focus of this school it to teach students vocational skills that will teach them to meet the challenges of a changing global workplace. This school has made a commitment to create academic success by using Project Based Learning model. Also, there is a heavy emphasis on the use of new and pioneering technology. The curriculum is strategically designed to foster 21st-century learning skills of critical thinking, collaboration, oral and written communication, and ethical citizenship. Students are given the opportunity to work in local owned businesses, earn college credits and certifications in their chosen area of study. This is a result of the collaboration between the community, post secondary institutions, and the MTEC.

Montgomery Technical Education Center

Population The total population is 220

9th Grade Students 51 10th Grade Students 49 11th Grade Students 57 12th Grade Students 63

Montgomery Technical Education CenterDemographics

0.48; 48%

0.22; 22%

0.17; 17%

0.08; 8%0.05; 5%

Race

BlackWhiteHispanicAsianOther

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Culturally relevant pedagogy does not just involve teaching students of diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds but encompasses a vast array of student and family diversity (Wardle, 2013, p 12.1). MTEC practices culturally relevant pedagogy in a number of ways. Student-Teacher and Teacher-Parent relationships are encouraged and implemented to make learning a collaborative effort. Another point is that students are given hands on learning projects and assignments to intentionally strengthen 21st century skills. These practices create a conducive learning environment for students. Teachers create a curriculum that incorporate the culture and background of each student. Teachers and students are allowed to be creative in their approach at work. Students are able to work in groups or independently. Teachers are able to modify and implement assignments that are full of fun but also engage students.

BROOKLYN FREE SCHOOLPRIVATE SCHOOL

Brooklyn Free School is located in an urban setting in Brooklyn, New York. School enrollment averages 30- 55 students a school year with a 1:12 student teacher student ratio. This is a private school. Tuition averages at $9500 a year. Brooklyn Free School provide coursework according to the interest of the students. Students are consulted and viewed as equal partners when making decisions on what and how they will certain information. Often times work is given through play. Collaboration is a huge component of the educational curriculum. Students are paired with other students to promote healthy learning. Older students often are working with the younger ones building collaborations as they explore and learn. 21ST century skills are the main focus of this school. Students are engaged in learning and expected to express themselves in a creative manner. Critical thinking and problem solving are encouraged as students meet to determine things throughout the day.

BROOKLYN FREE SCHOOL POPULATION

School population:46.6% Caucasian36.2% African American10.3% Hispanic 6.9% other.

Brooklyn Free SchoolDemographics

0.362; 36%

0.466; 47%

0.103; 10%0.069; 7% Race Black

WhiteHispanicOther

Culturally Relevant PedagogyBrooklyn Free School encourages culturally relevant pedagogy because each students interest is used when planning lessons. The school integrates things that are culturally relevant to its students. Creativity and problem-solving are an intricate part of the curriculum. Teachers allow students to play an active role in their learning.

Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep HighPublic School

MLKJ Prep High is a high need public school in an urban community. This school is in Memphis, TN. MLKJ Prep offers programs and outreach practices geared at connecting with alumni, after school transitional courses to help students in need, and Saturday school for students who need extra assistance in content that is on state tests. MLK Prep has established a lucrative PTSA. They have done this by holding weekly meeting and monthly mandatory open house. These meetings are used to address and solve any issue that arises in the school. Students are allowed to use several forms of technology to engage in active and realistic learning. Creativity and innovation are 21st century skills that are stressed the most. Students are allowed to use multiple forms of media and technology to complete coursework. Teachers are able to teach students life skill with very little guidelines.

Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High

Population 2947; Mainly African-American and Hispanic a total of 3 Caucasian students in entire school

Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep HighDemographics

0.626; 64%0.01; 1%

0.34; 35%Race Black

WhiteHispanic

Culturally Relevant PedagogyChildren learn differently depending on how they see the world, process information, and internalize their view of learning, education, and success (Wardle, 2013). This school incorporates cultural relevance in the fact, that it integrates several areas of cultural learning. Learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those who are not (Framework for 21ST Century Learning, 2007). The school has devoted its entire existence to preparing underprivileged student for college and the work force. Student and teachers alike are allowed creative freedom. They are expected to use their creativity to foster learning.

ReferencesBrooklyn Free School | where children are free to be themselves. (n.d.).

Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.brooklynfreeschool.org/Framework for 21st century learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.p21.org/our-work/p21-frameworkRetrieved November 2, 2014, from

https://www.facebook.com/brooklynfreeschoolWardle, F, (2013). Human relationships and learning in the multicultural

environment. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc