Overview

This compelling new book provides a deep examination of the experience of African American males in schools. Moving beyond basic notions of culturally relevant instruction, A Walk in Their Kicks offers new understandings that will assist educators in developing instruction that respects these young men and fosters their participation and success. Readers will explore the impact that trauma has on the lives of African American students, examine their own perceptions of these students to help them make more appropriate text selections and instructional decisions, and identify the conditions that need to be present to engage African American male students in literacy. Chapters end with “What Teachers Can Do Right Now” and “What Administrators Can Do Right Now,” sections that provide easy-to-implement, practical strategies. The author believes that literacy gave him a future as an African American male and, at the same time, recalls school friends who never got that chance. He calls for educators to transform schools into environments that are free of negative assumptions about African American males and provides recommendations for engaging in this work. Book Features: A brief history of schooling in the United States, particularly as it relates to African American children. A powerful framework for engaging African American males in school-based literacy. Recommendations to help teachers plan lessons, build equitable classroom environments, and foster positive relationships with all students. Recommendations to help administrators build school-wide affinity groups, implement and change policy, and plan alongside their teaching staff.

Full Product Details

9780807761052

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Reviews

a powerful book sure to open the eyes and hearts of many teachers. Johnson has lived the complex experience of an academically and musically gifted young African American boy who wanted to learn and excel, but also wanted to be part of his community. His willingness to open up his identities to readers, to expose the struggles of dual consciousness he experienced and the sense of loss that a 'subtractive education' can leave in a child, is a window into the psyches and the souls of Black boys across multiple U.S. education contexts. --SirReadaLot Review of Books

"""Moving beyond basic notions of culturally relevant instruction, ""A Walk in Their Kicks: offers new understandings that will assist educators in developing instruction that respects these young men and fosters their participation and success."" --The Education Shelf ""a powerful book sure to open the eyes and hearts of many teachers. Johnson has lived the complex experience of an academically and musically gifted young African American boy who wanted to learn and excel, but also wanted to be part of his community. His willingness to open up his identities to readers, to expose the struggles of dual consciousness he experienced and the sense of loss that a 'subtractive education' can leave in a child, is a window into the psyches and the souls of Black boys across multiple U.S. education contexts."" --SirReadaLot Review of Books"

Author Information

Aaron M. Johnson is an associate superintendent of instructional services and organizational leadership for Farmington Public Schools in Michigan and adjunct lecturer of reading, language, and literature at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.

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