Literature, Life-Writing, and Identity

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 17.02.05

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Background
  3. Content Objectives
  4. Featured Text: The Piano Lesson
  5. Featured Text: The Greenwood District and Tulsa Race Riot
  6. Strategies
  7. Activities
  8. Notes
  9. Academic Standards
  10. Annotated Bibliography

Uncovering Individuality in a Scripted World

Patrice Nicole Henry

Published September 2017

Tools for this Unit:

Background

Central Junior High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma was created to offer quality relationships, relevant instruction, and rigorous academic challenges for all students. Grounded in the work of Daggett, who believed that effective instruction is relevant, rigorous, and fueled by relationships, Central’s site personnel are driven to cultivate academically-strong and culturally-competent scholars.2 We have growth-mindsets, strategically offering and driving many Fine Arts Classes, such as Studio Art, Dance, Orchestra and Drama into academics. These classes also prepare our students for the Fine Arts Magnet program at the high school level.

Central Junior High School students fall within the ages of 12-14, and they are beginning their secondary schooling. Students come from diverse backgrounds and display a wide range of academic skills (above and below grade level). Nearly 100 percent are victims of poverty and have endured trauma in the home. Many also face the problems that go along with being a minority in a very segregated city. These traits have significant negative influence on the quality of learning and undermine social and academic growth. Behavioral interventions will interrupt the unit flow for some students, but instructional supports such as conferences and independent study sessions reinforce content that is missed.

Many contemporary middle schools, especially in high-poverty or inner city situations, encounter similar students.  All or parts of this unit would be appropriate for any students facing these realities. 

Comments:

Linda Gail Dunham

October 16, 2017 at 1:49 pm

Don't Give up on yourself

The lesson plan submitted by Patrice Henry is going to be very impactful to the students in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who are familiar with the Greenwood Riots. Patrice has used solid Oklahoma standards for this unit for Middle School students, and the overall theme will change many young lives with the message of not giving up on yourself just because you may have made some mistakes. Patrice's original research at the Greenwood center adds authenticity to the entire unit.

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