Education Community

Creating Opportunities for Black Youth: A Collaborative Mission for Change" by Mistoria Brown highlights the urgent need to provide Black students with access to technology and resources for future success. Brown reflects on her experiences as an educator, advocating for community involvement and support from Black churches and officials to empower youth through essential skills and innovation.

Public education in the U.S. has long been framed as a tool for democracy and social mobility. Yet, beneath this ideal lies a deeper truth—education has historically served as a mechanism to maintain elite control, privileging white males in leadership and economic positions. From its early foundations in 1619, when schooling was designed to train white men for public and religious roles, to modern standardized testing, systemic inequities continue to shape who gets access to power and opportunity. Is the promise of educational equity still an impossible dream?

Ruha Benjamin’s Race After Technology (2019) examines how modern technology perpetuates racial discrimination, coining the term New Jim Code to describe how digital systems reinforce existing social inequalities. She illustrates how algorithmic bias, particularly in policing, healthcare, and employment, is systemic rather than accidental. Divided into five sections, the book highlights cases of AI-driven discrimination and argues for equity audits to hold tech developers accountable. Benjamin’s work is essential for those exploring critical race theory, digital ethics, and social justice, offering a roadmap for more equitable and inclusive technological innovation.

My Sheep Know My Voice" is a call to action for educators to reclaim their autonomy and empower students. Too often, classrooms silence student voices and force educators into passive roles. This piece explores how teachers can break free from systemic constraints, integrate funds of knowledge, and foster meaningful connections. By leading with intentionality, educators can give students the power to shape their own learning journeys. Are you a leader or just following the script? #EducationMatters #TeacherAutonomy #StudentVoice

In today’s digital age, traditional literacy instruction must evolve to accommodate the diverse ways students make meaning of the world. This blog explores how Dual Coding Theory and Transmediation Pedagogy can enhance visual literacy and comprehension for high school students, particularly in marginalized communities. By integrating multimodal strategies and leveraging technology, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that recognize students’ digital identities and lived experiences. The GETLit! App is introduced as an innovative tool designed to support teachers in implementing transmediation, fostering deeper engagement, and expanding literacy beyond traditional text formats. This blog highlights the importance of semiotics, multimodal learning, and reflective teaching to transform classroom instruction for 21st-century learners.

This paper examines the historical development of public education, systemic inequalities, and the role of community-based research in fostering educational equity. It traces key reforms from Thomas Jefferson’s advocacy to Brown v. Board of Education, emphasizing persistent disparities in marginalized communities. Highlighting the interconnectedness of education with other societal systems, the paper argues for a holistic approach to addressing inequities. It advocates for community-based research as a tool for policy reform, showcasing initiatives like the Keep Dreaming study. Ultimately, it calls for increased funding, active community engagement, and equity-driven policies to create a more inclusive education system.