“Education in Black and White: An Inquiry into Issues in K-12
Education”
Course Description:
What are the issues in education unique to communities of color? Does the ethnicity of your
teacher make any difference? What are the implications of classrooms becoming more diverse
ethnically, socio-economically, and according to ability while the teacher corps reflects
decreasing diversity? Are all of the students of color sitting together? This course is designed to
explore issues regarding the education of persons from underrepresented groups in the United
States. The focus of this exploration will be k-12 education, higher education, and the
preparation of the next generation of educators from these underrepresented groups. This course
will investigate a variety of topics that affect both students and prospective teachers of any color.
Students will examine best practices for education and think critically about how to contribute to
the improvement of education for all. This two credit course is designed for first and second
year students.
Goals and Objectives:
Students will:

Understand the major issues and concerns facing students and educators from
underrepresented groups

Appreciate the impact of the minority teacher shortage on K-12 education

Demonstrate critical thinking skills

Communicate effectively in interpersonal and small group dialogue

Explain their own views on the public education system and plans for social and
political change
Textbooks and Reading Assignments
Two books are assigned: The color of Teaching, by June A. Gordon (RoutledgeFalmer, 2000)
and How Minority Students Experience College, by Lemuel W. Johnson . . . [et al.] (Stylus
Publishing, 2002)
Selected articles and exercises will also be provided by the instructor. Readings and other
assignments will be determined consistent with course goals, current events, and guest lecturers.
Course Outline
Week of
Topics
January 12
Introduction to and Overview of Course: The issues and the research
January 19
African American Teachers
January 26
Latino Teachers
February 2
Native American Teachers
February 9
Asian American Teachers
February 16
Race-Matched Teaching
February 23
Reforming Teacher Education
March 1
Minority Students in the K-12 classroom
March 15/ 22 Special topics in K-12 Education
March 29/
April 5
Higher Education and Minority Students
April 12
Campus culture and Minority Student Achievement
April 19
Identity, Involvement, and Educational Outcomes
April 26
Student presentations