Dominique Ellis Falcon’s Post

A recent study reveals significant links between higher education and civic engagement, noting that civically engaged students are more likely to excel academically and experience less depression and anxiety. 🌳 This emphasizes the role of higher education institutions in preparing students not only for professional careers but also as informed and active citizens. 🧑🤝🧑 Want to stay up to date in the world of higher ed? Join our newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gMctZBb6 #studentsuccess #pharosresources #highered #highereducation #academia #studentretention

Instead of viewing diversity as a melting pot or a battlefield, why not see it as a potluck supper? That's pluralism. Interfaith America and I strongly believe that pluralism should be the standard diversity paradigm for higher education and beyond. Check out this thought-provoking article on a major pluralism event we just ran with @aacu. The Chronicle of Higher Education #pluralism #highereducation

An insightful read on the importance of cultural connection for Native American students in higher education. It highlights the crucial role that universities play in not only providing education but also in fostering an environment where students can connect with their heritage. This is a powerful reminder of the value of diversity and inclusion on campus. #Education #CulturalDiversity #NativeAmericanHeritage”

Discover how discussions around banned books and critical race theory (CRT) are shaping conversations in education, particularly in the context of SXSW EDU, in a new Getting Smart Blog. With recent controversies surrounding book bans and anti-CRT legislation, it's crucial to examine the implications for literacy instruction and academic freedom. This blog post delves into key takeaways from SXSW EDU sessions that addressed these topics, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments and promoting diverse perspectives in education. From supporting educators in navigating censorship challenges to equipping students with critical literacy skills, there's a pressing need to prioritize intellectual freedom and equity in education. Explore the intersection of banned books, critical race theory, and literacy in education: https://lnkd.in/g6F6PQKv The African American Policy Forum | Congressional Black Caucus Foundation | American Library Association | PEN America | National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) #GettingSmart #GettingSmartBlog #SXSWEDU #BannedBooks #CriticalRaceTheory #CRT #Literacy #EducationEquity #FreedomToRead #FreedomToTeach

Some thoughts from me about the latest round of civics & citizenship discourse in today's The Australian Association for Research in Education Blog. This draws on my recent (open access) paper with Springer Nature Group in Curriculum Perspectives: Shaping citizens: teachers enacting democratic education in the history classroom. #historyeducation #historyteaching #democracy #civicsandcitizenshipeducation

"The anti-DEI legislative movement represents a concerted and well-organized political endeavor aimed at reshaping laws and policies to impact the freedoms, definitions, programs, funding, strategies, and approaches related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This movement targets women, LGBTQ, historically minoritized racial and ethnic groups, and other diverse communities." "As of February 2024, we are monitoring 71 bills in 25 states—eight of which have become law (Lu et al., 2023). This state legislation directly impacts diversity efforts in higher education by imposing restrictions on DEI offices; prohibiting mandatory DEI training for employees and students; banning the use of diversity statements in hiring; eliminating identity-based preferences in admissions, promotion, employment, and tenure decisions; and reviewing and modifying curricula and academic programs. Non-compliance could result in the withdrawal of state funding. "

This is the kind of deep racial justice work that all institutions need to be engaging in with and for students. Here are some quotes from this article that resonated with me: * “We want students to close the gap between their theoretical social justice understanding and their practical application."  * "Using a technique called reconstructive discourse analysis (RDA), verbal exchange in the classroom is analyzed and language that may lack elements of inclusivity or equity are identified." * “There's shown to be a link between when students take a standardized test, and they have to write down their race and/or gender versus when they don't ... Even if the rest of the test has nothing to do with that, when it's called to the forefront, when it’s data being collected, students performed, statistically, significantly worse than when they didn't.” * “By focusing on language use in the classroom, I was able to see that this trust and mutually respectful relationship was built just from the way [the teacher] would speak to the students.” * “I want educators to make a space where learners feel validated, included, celebrated, challenged and supported — however it makes sense to them." https://lnkd.in/gSMmWbeM

This article is timely. This is exactly what my recent posts have been all about. #RepresentationMatters

WHY IT MATTERS:

Can #HigherEducation have an impact on civic engagement? We’re working with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to review and synthesize the latest research on the link between postsecondary education and democratic participation. Learn about the project, investigating the potential impact of #highered on civic engagement, programmatic efforts from universities, and more: https://lnkd.in/guYZB63J