Walcott John | Calvin College (original) (raw)
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The current narrative surrounding urban education, while incomplete, often focuses on concerns re... more The current narrative surrounding urban education, while incomplete, often focuses on concerns related to student achievement, failing schools, and teacher quality. This article targets teacher preparation as one response to these challenges and investigates the extent to which liberal arts colleges and universities are involved in this work. The article provides a summary of practices associated with effective urban-focused teacher preparation and analyzes data from liberal arts teacher education programs. Based on this research, the author categorizes the programs’ various approaches and offers recommendations for maximizing the ability of such programs to effectively engage in this crucial work.
Existing challenges in many urban schools have led to an increased emphasis on urban-focused teac... more Existing challenges in many urban schools have led to an increased emphasis on urban-focused teacher preparation. While this work can be demanding and complex, many Christian teacher education programs desire to engage in this work as part of their efforts to prepare their teacher candidates to teach all students and to promote more equitable educational opportunities in urban communities. In this article, the author reviews the literature on effective urban teacher preparation and then discusses the potential for collaboration with local schools and communities to support this work in Christian teacher education programs. The author argues that authentic engagement with urban schools and communities is necessary to provide teacher candidates with the understandings, frameworks, and experiences needed to flourish in their work and to develop meaningful relationships with students, families, and community members.
Journal of Research on Christian Education, 2021
Abstract Research has made clear that there are persistent and glaring inequities in our educatio... more Abstract Research has made clear that there are persistent and glaring inequities in our educational system. While the evidence is clear, there is often disagreement about and misunderstanding of the reasons for this inequity. To respond effectively to current inequities, and to effectively prepare teachers for current realities, it is essential to have a critical and complete understanding of existing inequities in our schools. This article provides a framework to more clearly understanding these inequities and then applies that understanding to the specific context of teacher preparation programs in Christian colleges and universities.
The current narrative surrounding urban education, while incomplete, often focuses on concerns re... more The current narrative surrounding urban education, while incomplete, often focuses on concerns related to student achievement, failing schools, and teacher quality. This article targets teacher preparation as one response to these challenges and investigates the extent to which liberal arts colleges and universities are involved in this work. The article provides a summary of practices associated with effective urban-focused teacher preparation and analyzes data from liberal arts teacher education programs. Based on this research, the author categorizes the programs’ various approaches and offers recommendations for maximizing the ability of such programs to effectively engage in this crucial work.
Existing challenges in many urban schools have led to an increased emphasis on urban-focused teac... more Existing challenges in many urban schools have led to an increased emphasis on urban-focused teacher preparation. While this work can be demanding and complex, many Christian teacher education programs desire to engage in this work as part of their efforts to prepare their teacher candidates to teach all students and to promote more equitable educational opportunities in urban communities. In this article, the author reviews the literature on effective urban teacher preparation and then discusses the potential for collaboration with local schools and communities to support this work in Christian teacher education programs. The author argues that authentic engagement with urban schools and communities is necessary to provide teacher candidates with the understandings, frameworks, and experiences needed to flourish in their work and to develop meaningful relationships with students, families, and community members.
Journal of Research on Christian Education, 2021
Abstract Research has made clear that there are persistent and glaring inequities in our educatio... more Abstract Research has made clear that there are persistent and glaring inequities in our educational system. While the evidence is clear, there is often disagreement about and misunderstanding of the reasons for this inequity. To respond effectively to current inequities, and to effectively prepare teachers for current realities, it is essential to have a critical and complete understanding of existing inequities in our schools. This article provides a framework to more clearly understanding these inequities and then applies that understanding to the specific context of teacher preparation programs in Christian colleges and universities.