A collaborative partnership between the Department of Communication Studies
at California State University, Northridge and Grant High School.
|
A collaborative partnership between the Department of Communication Studies
|
|
|
IntroductionThis proposal outlines a pilot partnership with the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge, Grant High School, a San Fernando Valley secondary school, and the Center for Community-Service Learning, CSUN. The primary outcome of this partnership is the articulation of a replicable, nation-wide model that can guide schools in creating environments where hate and hate speech are not tolerated and where the benefits of a culturally diverse community are actively fostered. Utilizing service learning pedagogy, the partnership seeks to promote collaborative learning opportunities for students, faculty, and related community members in both educational institutions and in the greater San Fernando Valley. A summary of the social and cultural topography of the region provides a context for understanding the intercultural challenges and educational resources of the area. The description that follows underscores the need for cooperative educational initiatives such as Communicating Common Ground. Proposed Model and ActivitiesThe partnership between the Department of Communication Studies at CSUN and Grant High School has three interrelated goals. The central aim of the partnership is to develop a model that can be used in other locations in the U.S. for creating hate-free school environments where the benefits of a culturally diverse community are supported. In the process of developing this model, the partnership serves a second purpose, which is to provide a site for CSUN undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty to engage in community-service-learning projects. The service-learning projects will offer CSUN students the opportunities to actively apply their learning in socially responsible ways. The partnership also enables CSUN students to serve as role models for Grant High School students who may otherwise have little opportunity to interact with mentors who are committed to a university education. The third goal of the pilot partnership is to strengthen relations among educational institutions, pre-K through higher education, and to join forces with the larger metropolitan community of the San Fernando Valley to address critical social issues that challenge our diverse society. |
|
Send mail to
Dr. Kathryn Sorrells with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
