The Summer Learning Academy: Leveraging Teacher Preparation at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to Support Kindergarten Readiness for Young Black Males
Location
Elementary Classrooms - Preston 1
Proposal Track
Research Project
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
This research presentation introduces the Summer Learning Academy as a culturally-responsive model for increasing Kindergarten readiness in young Black males living in fragile communities. I founded the Summer Learning Academy at Albany State University as a STEM-based summer enrichment program serving the predominantly Black student population in the city of Albany, Georgia. It also serves as a controlled classroom environment for undergraduate pre-service teachers to hone their skills before transitioning to clinical practice. Using a pretest-posttest research design (Creswell, 2012), I studied the effectiveness of the summer program in improving math readiness for Black male pre-kindergarteners enrolled in a sponsored Kindergarten Readiness Program. Results indicate increased math readiness among participants and suggest implications for HBCUs located in fragile communities. The Summer Learning Academy Kindergarten Readiness Program was sponsored by Albany State University’s Office of Title III programs. Data analysis and dissemination of research findings were sponsored by Albany State University’s Center for Educational Opportunity.
Keywords
HBCU, teacher preparation, Black males, math readiness
Professional Bio
Dr. Erica DeCuir is an associate professor of teacher education at Albany State University. Her research centers on culturally-responsive teaching, K-12 teacher preparation, and the professional development of college and university faculty. She is also the founding director of the Summer Learning Academy, a STEM-based summer enrichment program that promotes culturally-responsive practices for teaching STEM to culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Her accomplishments include Chancellor’s Learning Scholar (2018-2019), Governor’s Teaching Fellow (2016-2017), Curriculum Internationalization Fellow, and TEACH Abroad Belize faculty coordinator.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
DeCuir, Erica, "The Summer Learning Academy: Leveraging Teacher Preparation at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to Support Kindergarten Readiness for Young Black Males" (2019). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 2.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2019/2019/2
The Summer Learning Academy: Leveraging Teacher Preparation at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to Support Kindergarten Readiness for Young Black Males
Elementary Classrooms - Preston 1
This research presentation introduces the Summer Learning Academy as a culturally-responsive model for increasing Kindergarten readiness in young Black males living in fragile communities. I founded the Summer Learning Academy at Albany State University as a STEM-based summer enrichment program serving the predominantly Black student population in the city of Albany, Georgia. It also serves as a controlled classroom environment for undergraduate pre-service teachers to hone their skills before transitioning to clinical practice. Using a pretest-posttest research design (Creswell, 2012), I studied the effectiveness of the summer program in improving math readiness for Black male pre-kindergarteners enrolled in a sponsored Kindergarten Readiness Program. Results indicate increased math readiness among participants and suggest implications for HBCUs located in fragile communities. The Summer Learning Academy Kindergarten Readiness Program was sponsored by Albany State University’s Office of Title III programs. Data analysis and dissemination of research findings were sponsored by Albany State University’s Center for Educational Opportunity.
