We are experiencing a global shift in population. Cultural understanding has not caught up with the educational structure and framework in the U.S. Psychological data shows that when cultures understand and respect one another there is greater harmony amongst groups. U.S. future generations must be prepared to live and thrive harmoniously in a multi-ethnic, multi-generational society. The shift has occurred toward a majority minority public school student in the U.S. The historical Eurocentric foundation in US culture in most educational structures needs to be expanded to honor, validate and include all its peoples. Simply, we must see humanity as a beautiful tapestry of varying hues that are different but the same, and acknowledge what is good in all of us.
Since the fall of 2014 minority students have been the majority entering kindergarten in the U.S. public schools. By 2024 in the U.S. it is projected by the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) that minority children will represent a majority of high school graduates. For the first time the non-white student population will exceed the present majority white student population.
Our central question is “how do we educationally captivate students of color, shrink the achievement gap, and counter cultural dissonance?” The answer is achieved through the use of a holistically-designed educational technology. Engage is a culturally relevant interactive digital platform that places students at the center of learning. It seeks to increase positive educational experiences through the use of embedded social and emotional learning which is holistic and culturally relevant. The focal point of the learner’s needs is met in a holistic manner that supports the learner both socially and emotionally.
For example, Engage will intermix the rich traditions and cultural elements, music, video, and the arts of African-American culture in an adaptive technology. This powerful digital platform will bridge the learning gap of learning for African-American students and serve as a model to be replicated for Latino and ELL students.
The Engage platform can be a model that brings cultural learning perspectives to all students. Its potential offers a much needed framework in our society today. Engage will be used by all students. A unique characteristic of Engage includes vetted and tested applications from “master teachers” of students of color. A platform of this nature is sorely needed to raise the measurable degrees of success of students of color. While our target audience is the 9 to 13 year old age group, Engage will allow room for practice for both advanced and challenged students.
Often, students from the current majority population are not exposed to other cultural learning in a deep manner. Puberty is an important developmental stage for the brain for students both in emotional and social development. Using the positive imagery of Engage, we will facilitate deeper engagement in key subjects to improve and increase student success. Overall, our goal is to create a personalized learning experience that allows students to reach their maximum potential and their best selves.
