Advocacy in education must be a product of passion and knowledge. Passion for righteous provision of transformative opportunities and outcomes for young people and communities, some historically underserved by this promise. Research leads to knowledge of systems, practices, and purposes that drive the often critiqued, but main bastion of hope for so many, schooling. This recipe sounds like a tall order. At first glance, one might think that passion is only possible with time for reflection and naivete to believe in possibilities, and that likewise, knowledge is a luxury commodity reserved for those with time and resources. This couldn't be further from the truth. The knowledge of education systems and the view of the cracks of inequity and injustice are most visible as the experience is garnered. The experts are children and youth in classrooms with too many desks and inadequate levels of care and expertise to promote and provide experiences for growth. Young people can feel an empty promise and for many it results in disengagement, disenfranchisement and even dropping out. Together we must invite these young people to leadership, to advocacy to tell their stories and take back the promise with the impassioned motivation that the promised future is theirs. The Students at the Center Framework, created through a partnership between the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and Jobs for the Future now updated and maintained by KnowledgeWorks offers models for providing opportunity and spaces for young people to lead inquiry, search for solutions and engage fully as stakeholders in education. The model of this approach reminds us as educators, parents and community members to include students, invite students, and stand back and let them lead. The call for student led advocacy, does not diminish or dismiss the advocacy and purview of educators, parents, and activists who would step forward to speak for the children, but it reminds us to use our own passion and knowledge in collaboration with children and youth. Our advocacy and penchant for educational justice must include listening to the and recognizing youth expertise as advocates for righteous change and transformative possibilities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorTammy Ellis-Robinson ArchivesCategories |