Staff Development Workshops
Educators engaged during a BCCS workshop on Overcoming Cultural Barriers in the Classroom at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, NY
Overcoming Cultural Barriers: This workshop explores some of the cultural barriers that hinder urban students from maximizing their academic potential. Through discussion of current research and literature, educators are challenged to assess their own cultural biases and the impact that these biases may have on their students’ achievement in school. Sessions will provide detailed solutions from scholars like Gloria Ladson-Billings, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Theresa Perry to ensure that these cultural gaps are understood and addressed effectively. Return to top of page
Developing Culturally Responsive Educators: This workshop utilizes clips from the film The Great Debaters to facilitate a dialogue about the best practices of culturally competent educators. Participants are exposed to current research and literature from Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Paulo Freire and Lisa Delpit surrounding cultural competence and literacy. Educators will learn practical strategies for inspiring urban students to become engaged, critical thinkers who are bonded to their education. Return to top of page.
Culturally Relevant Materials to Promote Literacy and Numeracy: The literature on urban education indicates that the use of culturally relevant materials in classroom instruction has a positive effect on student motivation, confidence, and overall performance. In this workshop, participants interactively explore the works of scholars like Gloria Ladson-Billings, bell hooks, and Alfred Tatum to foster understanding and appreciation for the critical role that culturally relevant materials play in promoting literacy, numeracy and raising test scores. Return to top of page.
Understanding the Impact of Urban Students' Trauma: Educators are introduced to Dr. Joy Leary’s groundbreaking research surrounding the trauma experienced by urban students and its relationship to their academic, social and professional underdevelopment. This session will provide a detailed analysis of her theory (PTSS) while facilitating a dialogue about proactive strategies for addressing urban students’ trauma in order to improve their academic and social development. Return to top of page.
The Road to Cultural Competence: Cultural competence does not happen magically. Champions of cultural competence in educational settings—Dubois, Woodson, Freire, Wilson, Hilliard, etc.—have long realized the importance of cultural competence in educating oppressed students. This session will expose participants to the proposed methods of the pioneers. Return to top of page.
Additional Workshop Topics:
*Teaching Literacy through Culture & Critical Thinking: Inspiring Life-long Learners
*Hip Hop Literacy: Understanding and utilizing Hip Hop to facilitate learning
*Minimizing Resistance to Changing Organizational Culture: Tools for Inspiring a Shared Vision
*Prevention and Reduction of Adolescent Violence
*Countering the Anti-intellectual Sentiment Amongst Urban Youth
Staff Development Workshop Series
BCCS specializes in developing and facilitating workshops for educators, adminstrators and parents surrounding best practices in culturally responsive teaching. Workshops introduce participants to current research, literature and practical strategies to use culturally relevant education to break the cycle of academic underachievement amongst urban students.
For more information on sample workshop topics, please see the links below.
Staff Development Workshop Topics
Brian Favors presenting at the Dr. Adelaide Sanford Conference
