GSEHD doctoral students Mary Ann Stinson and Michael Redmond II (both Special Education and Disability Studies) were highlighted in GW Today's story: "GW Students Work to Close the ‘Opportunity’ Gap in D.C. Schools." The story highlights their creative teaching approaches to accelerate gains in at-risk D.C. public schools. The pair met in class at GSEHD and both share an unwavering commitment to closing the vast achievement gap between white students and students of color in the public schools of Washington, D.C. As administrators, the pair transformed the Truesdell Education Campus in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest D.C. into one of the most innovative schools in the city, producing dramatic increases in student academic gains and outcomes.
Per the article: Truesdell, which serves students in grades pre-K through eighth, had experienced substantial increases in the number of English language learners and children from low-income households and minority backgrounds. These populations often face disparities in academic results and progress. “It’s not the kids, and it’s not an achievement gap,” Ms. Stinson said. “It’s an opportunity gap.”
The article describes how Mr. Redmond inspired a few 5th grade students to read, leading to the formation of a book club. Within two months, the school’s library could not keep up with the demands for the club’s featured books, which often highlighted the experiences of black and Hispanic characters.
Through implementation of research on adverse childhood experiences, linguistically and culturally diverse student populations and school disciplinary policies acquired in their GW classes and educational policy institutes, Ms. Stinson and Mr. Redmond were able to increase student learning and attendance as well decrease disciplinary issues.
Read more about their techniques and the progress the students made in the GW Today article.