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Proposal for Final Field Paper

pbernal's picture

For my Final Field Paper, I'd like to propose that my focus be on the salient impact of community centers/ teachers(mentors) to students and families whom are a part of urban school communities. My praxis is unlike many in our class and at times it can be challenging, because what happens in an urban classroom is not exactly the same thing that happens in my praxis, Discovery.  But I've learned to be more observant and connect with not only my students, but the individuals behind the scenes, working to make this after-school program possible as well as the parents who encourage their childrem to be a part of Discovery's program. The after-school program not only supports its students, but also supports its families and provides a safe place for families to reach out if they need any financial help or any help at all adjusting to this new country. Discovery's center undestands that help doesn't just end with its students, but that in order to truly make an impact, one must fully extend the support to the entire community. 

Comments

jccohen's picture

jbernal,

This sounds like a viable focus, and certainly you'll be able to speak to some degree to the "impact of community centers/ teachers(mentors) to students and families whom are a part of urban school communities" in from what you've seen and learned this semester.  Note that for this paper you should really focus on this community center, though you'll set the context in the literature more broadly in terms of how community centers can support urban communities (and we've had a few readings that will be useful here).  Might you also want to ask some folks at the site, e.g. the director and perhaps a few family members, about their perspective on Discovery's impact in this regard?