African+Americans

African Americans

Many African American parents are concerned about the historical legacy of discrimination against blacks in schools and approach them with open criticism (Wenfan, 1999). Historical events impact involvement because they may cause parents to be unsure of and lack confidence in the educational system. African American parents continue to face discrimination in society therefore they may be expecting it and it may truly exist in schools.
 * How does history influence African-American parent involvement? **

Because African-American parents often approach schools with criticism due to the historical legacy of discrimination, teachers need to work to actively empower Black parents and strive to create warm, welcoming environments that encourage African American parents to become involved and help establish “family-like schools”. (Wenfan, 1999)
 * Recommendations and/or suggestions for parental/community involvement **

Lindsey, R., Robins, K., & Terrell, R. (2003) //Culturally Proficiency: a manual for school// //leaders.// Corwin Press, Thousand Oaks, California.
 * Many African-American parents often are more interested in spending time in non-school related activities. Therefore we should seek out these networks and invite them into the school community (McGrath & Kurlioff,)
 * Some research shows that children’s involvement in extracurricular activities (especially sports) help parents connect to their children and then in turn to their schools. Educators should encourage African-American students to get involved in extracurricular activities. (O'Bryan, Braddock & Dawkins, 2006).
 * Teachers and school community member need to be aware of the discrimination that still exists in regards to African-American and to be conscious of our own beliefs and attempt to undo the legacy of hatred and denial of access to jobs, housing, education, etc. of African-American. Lindsay recommends culturally responsive techniques which includes:
 * Assessment
 * Environmental scans of school environment
 * Value
 * Culturally responsive literature options in non-stereotypical ways
 * “Managing the dynamics of difference” (Lindsay, p. 116)
 * Proficiency in conflict resolution in regards to cultural
 * Institutionalized policies, procedures
 * Provide school community members professional development and opportunities to cultivate a culturally responsive worldview.

O'Bryan, S. T., Braddock, J. H. II, Dawkins, M. P., 2006) Bringing parents back in: African American parental involvement, extracurricular participation, and educational policy. //The Journal of Negro Education,// Summer 2006. Retrieved June 23, 2009 from,__ http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3626/is_200607/ai_n17177854/pg_8/?tag=content;col1 __