This course is an introduction to urban education in the United States. Course readings and discussions will focus on various perspectives in the field to understand the key issues and debates confronting urban education. We will use sociological, historical, political, economic, psychological, and socio-cultural frameworks to examine issues of practice, policy, and social movement in urban schooling. These lenses will frame a range of perspectives on schooling including researchers, policymakers, educators, and community advocates' proposals for addressing particular opportunities and challenges in the field.
We will also investigate the conditions of urban schools with attention to the contested terrains in which social issues such as inequality, discrimination, and cultural pluralism are being debated and challenged. Specifically, we will focus on the city of Philadelphia, its racially and ethnically diverse communities, and its schools, as our case study over the course of the semester. We will look closely at pedagogical issues while addressing youth engagement, family involvement, and curricular development. Additionally, we will investigate the policy context to consider urban school reform and the possibility for change.
We will also investigate the conditions of urban schools with attention to the contested terrains in which social issues such as inequality, discrimination, and cultural pluralism are being debated and challenged. Specifically, we will focus on the city of Philadelphia, its racially and ethnically diverse communities, and its schools, as our case study over the course of the semester. We will look closely at pedagogical issues while addressing youth engagement, family involvement, and curricular development. Additionally, we will investigate the policy context to consider urban school reform and the possibility for change.
- Teacher: Andrea Gabbadon