For many years, there has been what we educators call an Achievement Gap. Achievement test data is disaggregated based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. This data is then compared and Black students consistently show achievement levels that are significantly lower than their non-Black counterparts. The gap is even more pronounced when looking specifically at our Black male students. Why is this the case?
Let's dig into this issue as it relates to reading. My January book is Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males by Dr. Alfred Tatum. Tatum takes this issue head on, addressing the fact that many of our Black male students live in environments wrought with turmoil. He writes that "the general turmoil engendered by poverty and domestic violence in my family could have had a negative effect on my literacy development." Tatum was fortunate to have encountered a number of outstanding teachers who encouraged reading and made it relevant to him thereby changing his thinking patterns.
Making reading relevant to Black male students can be a challenge if the the young man is a reluctant reader or a struggling reader. Educators and parents have to be intentional in their text selection and then ensure that the discussions connect back to the child's real life. Making this connection should include acknowledging the turmoil and feelings of inferiority that may exist. Having these discussions requires the teacher to possess a certain boldness along with vulnerability. The students must not only feel empowered to speak their truth but also safe and free of judgement in doing so. There are plenty of novels that could be read to make this type of discussion possible but it is often more effective to partner them with shorter reads.
Some of the shorter texts suggested by Tatum include:
"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" by Frederick Douglass
"America" and "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay
"Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
"A Black Man Talks of Reaping" by Arna Bontemps
"A Man Who was Almost a Man" by Richard Wright; and
"SOS" by Amiri Baraka
If you want to learn more about Tatum's approach to teaching reading to Black males, read the book! In the meantime, if you are an educator, ask yourself, "Am I doing my part to impact ALL students who struggle with reading?" Are you doing the RIGHT things to engage Black male students? For everyone, what needs to change in our educational system to end this achievement gap? Finally, where does home fit in?
I want to hear your thoughts! In the meantime, Happy Reading!
Dr. Williams, I must say that this writing was rather insightful. As a black male in education, I too have struggled with assisting other black males in gaining perspective as it relates to their realm of education. Though a struggle, I have found that not all is lost when these young men are given texts that they can relate to their particular situations, especially when said texts give positive, motivational messages of hope and promise.
ReplyDeleteYes! Hope is so crucial! I think it's easy to forget that many of our kids live in turmoil & in homes that lack hope & optimism. It's difficult to learn under those conditions. Thanks for your comment & especially for your work with our kids!
DeleteDr. Williams, this is a topic that has been of interest to me for years. As a former classroom teacher, curriculum coach, and now as an administrator, I have seen that African-American males will read or connect to texts relevant to their experiences. Before reading, they must engage in anticipatory activities in order to "peak" their interest. From my past experiences, I've seen African American males ask for continuous reading of high interest materials. Recently, as a principal, I met with an 8th grade African-American male who we believe is a part of a gang. I introduced him to Sharon Draper's book, "The Battle of Jericho" because I am aware of his experiences, and I was glad to see an immediate interest. Tatum referenced "Black Boy" in his book, and I've seen success from black male students while reading this text also. Many school systems talk about the literacy rate being low especially for black males, but I am often disturbed because I do not see a lot of action to eliminate this problem.This week I heard at a civic community meeting that many criminals are criminals because of illiteracy. I would really like to see the research on this, and I would like see some positive changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Terrence. I agree, there seems to be little visible action to counter this problem. The bottom line is that our work has to be intentional. You taking time to get to know your students and understanding their background is very intentional. Then taking it a step further and sharing a book that the student may relate to is awesome! In my work as an educator, it has been clear that we have students who are in gangs and who live tumultuous lives. We must develop relationships with them so that when we share a book, as you did, it is received. Some teachers struggle with this and the student loses.
DeleteI would like to see the research on criminality and literacy also! That woulld make interesting future topic for this blog. Thanks for all you do Principal Snider!!
For the past 8 years I have worked with Black Adolescent males who are weak both in reading and math. Last year with the implementation of the common core standards, teaching literacy in the math classroom became a top priority for me. Relationship and Relevance is important in connecting with black male students. As an educator, I am dedicated to motivating and inspiring all my students, especially my black males. I believe in order for us to improve literacy with black males, we have to train teachers on how to develop relationships with black males and how to creatively create innovative lessons relevant to them. Teachers must be ok with allowing students to create and perform a rap song about a topic, or changing a math word problem from Sam to Shaniqua. Making a connection with their world, provides an opportunity for you to teach. In order to reach our students, we must get to know them. Relationships must be developed first, in order to create Relevant content, to teach our students Rigorously.
ReplyDeleteI love it Dream Makers! You are an awesome teacher and I know that you go above and beyond to ensure your students can make connections. In a future blog entry I want to explore how literacy can also improve math skills. I may call you for some insight! Teachers definitely need to be ok with meeting their students where they are and this takes not only creativity but courage. I appreciate you being such a courageous educator. Thank you for the work you do with our kids!
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