ENHANCING REPRESENTATION IN EDUCATION
My initiative is to bridge the achievement gap for minority students through creating and spreading awareness about culturally responsive educational content. Through interactive workshops, books, and social media series I will teach parents and teachers alike on how to connect to Black students by utilizing relatable content and cultural representation. Research has proven that an increased understanding of a student’s background fosters a sense of belonging, and a sense of belonging increases student confidence and ability to engage and retain.
What is culturally responsive education?
“a research-based approach to teaching. It connects students' cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school. These connections help students access rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills.” - www.understood.org
Educational Material
Children’s E-book Series
Worksheets
Classroom Projects/Games
Quizzes & Tests
advocacy in los angeles
Black students only have a five-year undergraduate graduation rate of 40.5%. It has been a challenge for minority students to feel motivated in a classroom with limited resources and lack of representation. This stems from the K-12 education system, where minority students are more likely to be positioned in an environment less equipped to provide a substantial learning experience. In October 2022, California standardized test results for K-12 students were released. Unfortunately, Black students scored lowest in both Math and English Language Arts (ELA). The majority of Black students in California are not meeting academic standards. There is an evident need for an intervention to improve scores. Year over year, there is a 2% decrease in performance in math and 3% decrease in ELA performance.
Due to the disparity in academic performance in Los Angeles, the Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) was launched in February of the 2020-2021 school year. The BSAP funds, “culturally responsive curriculum and instruction as the classroom norm [and] partnerships with community-based organizations with proven track records of success.” Within the BSAP, $37 Million dollars have been allocated towards Black student success. I have volunteered over 100 hours at one of the BSAP community partner’s, The Knowledge Shop (TKS). TKS is an educational resource center in Los Angeles that enables access to educational services that assist in the empowerment and educational development of Black and Brown students.
The Knowledge Shop Team
As an intern, I established and sustain all social media campaigns focused on guiding parents to educational resources for Black & Brown students. I was able to triple Instagram & Facebook account reach within the first month. To connect to more parents, I support the administrative tasks for upcoming conferences and events. Moreover, I executed the 2022 Annual Toy Drive website and sponsorship outreach. Through my efforts we donated over 50 toys including culturally-relevant educational resources and games.
The Knowledge Shop Instagram
Furthermore, I am advocating for increased parent and community engagement in BSAP planning. Despite millions of dollars invested we are still seeing a decline in student academic performance. As a community, we need to be involved in discovering how we can drive our students to success. Currently, I am leading a fiscal analysis on the BSAP to submit economic recommendations to LAUSD to improve Black student performance. To better understand the needs of our students, weekly I will deliver culturally-relevant educational content focused on computer science to minority students at TKS starting in January 2023. I use realistic scenarios for our students to understand how math concepts surround our every day lives.
volunteer collaboration
volunteer collaboration
Have a service event or idea centered around cultural representation in education? Let’s collaborate.