WASHINGTON — The United Negro College Fund hosted a panel of educators and community advocates Thursday during its 2018 UNCF Education Summit to augment the release of a new report that seeks to amplify the African-American community’s voice in education-reform discussions.
The report — “A Seat at the Table: African-American Youth’s Perceptions of K-12 Education” — follows two previous UNCF reports that collectively reframe the common deficit narrative that characterizes research and conversations about education for African-American students.
Panelists spoke on topics such as creating all-encompassing practices that support students and their network; empowering students by setting expectations for them to achieve their educational and career aspirations; and normalizing the conversation that college or other educational pathways to a career are a must.
“Our voices belong at the center, not the margins,” said Dr. Meredith Anderson, senior research associate of K-12 advocacy at UNCF.
In the first of two panels, education leaders in the community discussed some of their initiatives and best practices that align with recommendations set forth in UNCF’s report.
Jamar McKneely, chief executive officer and co-founder of InspireNOLA, said students at his charter management organization have access to college counselors, ACT and SAT prep programs, social and emotional counseling and job training and placement opportunities for them and family members.
Erika Harrell’s organization, DC School Reform Now, offers breakfast on Saturdays, homework training for students and parents and access to mental and behavioral health providers to help students as they age through the K-12 space.
