Because of the Kids

by Obidah, Jennifer E.; Teel, Karen Manheim

• ISBN13: 9780807740125
• ISBN10: 0807740128
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

This fascinating account details the story of two teacher-researchers, Jennifer, who is African American, and Karen, who is White, as they set out on a collaborative three-year study to explore the impact of racial and cultural differences in Karen's urban middle school classroom. Not anticipating that their own differences would become a threat to their project, the two women describe how they learn to confront and deal with the challenges they face so that they can work together. Their study presents the difficulties and importance of collaborations between teachers from different racial and cultural backgrounds as well as keen insights into how race and culture evolve in teacher-student interactions. Of particular interest is an interview with the authors by Lisa Delpit and Dr. Delpit's analysis of their experience. Teachers and researchers will also find valuable practical advice about conducting cross-cultural collaboration and suggestions for persevering during difficult times.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Jeannie Oakes
Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(8)
``Herstories'' Shaping Research and Teaching Practices	9	(11)
Perceptions of African American Students	20	(12)
Critical Moments in Teacher Research	32	(14)
Racial and Cultural Perspectives on Student Behavior	46	(18)
The Risks in Crossing Boundaries	64	(14)
On Cultural Conflict in the Classroom: Lisa Delpit Dialogues with the Authors	78	(15)
For Those Who Dare: Toward Transforming Teaching Practices	93	(14)
Appendix	107	(10)
References	117	(4)
Index	121	(8)
About the Authors	129