If I could change one thing in education: Community-school partnerships would be top priority
Students thrive in environments where they are seen and valued as contributing members of classroom communities. A major aspect of social development in education is students’ identity formation. At a very early age, students are asked to make connections between what they are learning, their lives and the world around them. This is about more than just their sense of self. In classrooms, they seek to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance within their school and community, and learn how to negotiate their place in society. But what happens when learners don’t see themselves reflected in what is being taught or don’t feel a sense of belonging? Very early on, there is disengagement and disconnection. Both can have a lasting negative impact on student achievement and well-being. I am a researcher focused on African, Afro-Caribbean and Black youth and families’ schooling experiences. If I could do one thing to change elementary education in Canada, I would...