Biracial and Multiracial Student Experience: A Journey to Racial Literacy / Edition 1

by Bonnie M. Davis

Overview

What does it mean to be "in between"?

As more biracial and multiracial students enter the classroom, educators have begun to critically examine the concept of race. Through compelling student and teacher narratives, best-selling author Bonnie M. Davis gives voice to a frequently mislabeled and misunderstood segment of the population. Filled with research-based instructional strategies and reflective questions, the book supports readers in examining

The meaning of race, difference, and ethnicity

How mixed-identity students develop racial identities

How to adjust instruction to demonstrate cultural proficiency

Complex questions to help deepen understanding of bi-and multiracial experiences, white privilege, and the history of race in the U.S.

This sensitively written yet practical guide fills a gap in the professional literature by examining the experiences of biracial and multiracial students in the context of today's classrooms. The author calls upon readers to take a transformational journey toward racial literacy and ultimately become empowered by a real understanding of what it means to be biracial or multiracial and enable all students to experience increased self-confidence and believe in their ability to succeed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2901412975062
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	06/29/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	148
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Consulting Description

Bonnie M. Davis, Ph D, is a veteran teacher of more than forty years who is passionate about education. She taught in middle schools, high schools, universities, homeless shelters, and a men’s prison. She holds a doctorate in English from St. Louis University and is the recipient of numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year in two public school districts, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Anti-Defamation League’s World of Difference Community Service Award. She has presented at numerous national conferences and currently works in school districts across the country.

Dr. Davis’ work centers on examining what “we don’t know we don’t know” about ourselves in order to more effectively teach students who don’t look like us. Moving from self reflection to action, her books offer educators culturally responsive, standards-based instructional strategies that bridge culture, language, race, and ethnicity.

Dr. Davis’s publications include the How to Teach Students Who Don’t Look Like You: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies(2012);How to Coach Teachers Who Don’t Think Like You: Using Literacy Strategies to Coach Across Content Areas (2007); The Biracial and Multiracial Student Experience: A Journey to Racial Literacy(2009); and Creating Culturally Considerate Schools: Educating Without Bias (2012) with coauthor Kim L. Anderson. She is currently working on the Equity 101 Series with Curtin Linton, Executive Vice President of School Improvement Network.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vi

About the Author viii

Prologue x

1 Beginning the Journey 1

2 What Is Race? 14

3 What Are You? 31

4 What Are the Challenges for Multiracial Students? 50

5 How Mixed-Identity Students Develop Racial Identities 66

6 Reaching Out to Other Professionals to Learn What I Don't Know 77

7 The Impact of Skin Color 87

8 Parent Voices 97

9 A Call to Action: Culturally Proficient Suggestions and Strategies 113

10 Future Voices 127

11 The Journey's End and Next Steps 139

Selected Bibliography 142

Index 144

Editorial Reviews

"Ending the marginalization of bicultural and multicultural students begins with self-discovery. Bonnie provides rich opportunities for educators interested in their own learning as a means to educating all of our children and youth. This new book provides educators structured approaches for recognizing assumptions and valuing students’ cultural identities in our classrooms and schools. "

Randall Lindsey

"Bonnie Davis’s research provides important knowledge that will help educators develop appropriate dispositions so that they can directly and effectively address the educational, linguistic, social, cultural, emotional, and cognitive needs of diverse learners. This work is a resource for the growth and development of dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens. This book will help develop effective, visionary, intellectual, moral leaders who can cause change in education to promote the success of all students. "

Karen Hayes

With great pleasure, I accompanied Bonnie Davis on her learning journey to better understand the plight and perspective of biracial and multiracial students. Once again, she has enriched my understanding of the powerful intersection of race and schooling. Educators of all races will benefit from the personal narratives, prompts for self-examination, and provocative research she has compiled.

Glenn Singleton