Reading Response for 10/28

Bautista, M. A., Bertrand, M., & Morrell, E. (1003). Participatory Action Research and City Youth: Methodological Insights From the Council of Youth Research. Teachers College Record, 115, 23.

• This article discusses the shortcomings of academic research and how Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) can help address these limitations. Integrating minority, working-class students directly into the research process is integral to conducting educational research that will have a real, long-lasting impact. 

Michelle Fine, Youth Participatory Action Research 

• In this video, Michelle Fine describes the importance of Youth Participatory Action Research(YPAR). She describes the problems that have historically existed in research and emphasizes the importance of including people who have experienced injustice.

One takeaway per reading. 

• In the article, the author references a quote by Perry, B., articulating a need to “consciously create a connection between old and new knowledge.” To better understand education's limitations and impact on society, researchers have to continuously look to the youth for guidance.

• In the video, she discusses the importance of education and uses the United States prison system as an example. She states that the rate of recidivism lowers from 30 percent to 7 percent for women with some college education while they are incarcerated. 

Connection to a real-world example

• I was in high school (Texas public school) when the No Child Left Behind compliance was in effect. In my non-advanced placement classes, most teachers felt pressured to teach only material that would appear on a standardized test. It was not until I had the opportunity to work at a private school that specializes in progressive education that I truly realized how flawed this system is. 

• The author talks about standing on Jane Addams's shoulders in the video. I previously worked close to the original Hull House in Chicago. Even though Hull House is closed, Jane Addams's legacy is still very much alive. Almost every 501(c)3 that I interacted with while living in Chicago would reference her work. Education, opportunity, and community are some of the most important things that bring stability to people's lives. 

  Burning question(s)

• In what ways do you think YPAR can help alleviate historical inequities that exist in education? What are some examples of culturally relevant classes that could help restore balance in our society?