Page 30 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

African, African American, Latino, and Gender Studies

The Department of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies is a vital part
of the District’s initiative of providing an educational experience that is culturally sustaining for
all students. Based on research and practice, there is substantial evidence that implies a direct
correlation between student achievement and culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy.
Academic engagement is positively impacted when all students’ cultures, perspectives, and unique
experiences are affirmed in schools. This department provides school sites with the support needed
to establish this environment. Supports include the development of curriculum and instructional
materials that accurately represent students from diverse racial identities, ethnicities, genders, and
sexual orientations while highlighting their societal contributions.

To further the District’s work, the department has cultivated The 28th Annual African, African
vital relationships with community stakeholders and local American, and Caribbean Studies
universities. The staff has standing relationships with the Summer Institute
following:
• Florida Atlantic University
• Coalition of Black Student Achievement
• Compass LGTBQ Community Center
• Guatemalan - Mayan Center
• Hispanic Education Coalition
• El Sol

During FY22, the department hosted and organized events
to engage District employees, teachers, students, and the
community:
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• LGBTQ History
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day
• Black History Month
Mike Burke, Brian Knowles, Dr. Almitra Berry

In addition, the staff brought the tragic yet compelling stories of
The 10th Annual Holocaust Survivors to numerous high school students across the
Latino/Hispanic Studies District. All of this was designed to increase awareness of the diverse
Summer Institute histories, cultures, and social dynamics within our local community.
Also, in FY22, this department has extended its support to student
organizations such as Black Student Unions, Latinos in Action, and
Genders and Sexuality Alliances.

FY22 culminated with the 28th Annual African and African American
Studies Summer Institute and the 10th Annual Latino/Hispanic Studies
Summer Institute. The institutes were in person for the first time since
2019. Participants engaged in topics such as “Six Ways to Know if You
Are Culturally and Linguistically Responsive and Culturally Sustaining
Pedagogies for Black Knowledge and Liberation.”
Patricia Trejo

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