This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
The rate of killing has increased by 38% in Chicago this year (Davey). Since 1985, "the college education inflation rate has risen nearly 500%" (Odland). What do these two statistics have in common? Our students see the disparity first hand as they ride the bus, Route 66 on Chicago Avenue.
Our Math & Science Academy is the Exelon-sponsored campus of the Noble Network of charter schools in Chicago, IL.
Our school opened in 2007. We graduated our first class of seniors in 2011. Last year, we had 538 students.
Our population is mixed: 63% African-American, 31% Latino, 4% multiracial/ multiethnic, and 2% white. Ninety-three percent of our students come from low-income households. Our ACT average is 20, which is five points higher than the neighborhood high school. In June, 100% of the graduating class of 2012 were accepted to colleges or universities.
This year, the juniors (Class of 2014) plan to participate in a photo project to promote citizenship, encourage critical thinking, and build a sense of community. I am a junior adviser, as well as an English teacher.
My Project
By looking through the lens of a camera, our students will gain new perspective of and, hopefully, a new feeling of control over the violence that has become so common place on the west side of Chicago. This will lead to insightful discussions about the complex causes of violence and hopefully, the identification of ways to decrease it.
The increase in violence in Chicago has been the topic of discussion of national publications, rap stars, and famous politicians.
However, the views and voices of those most affected remain at the margins, muffled. These four cameras will put the issues in sharp focus and empower our students to participate in the search for a solution.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Siegel and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.