articles
IN Black & white

CHALLENGES TO BEING 
INCLUDED

 Written by Danielle Stewart, Ed.D. May 2015

The independent school experience is extremely different from the traditional school experience. More so for minority students who have many differences in comparison to the general population of the school. Traditionally, private schools have been known for their predominantly white, wealthy and privileged population. However, there is a growing population of minority students who ethnically, racially, and sexually categorize themselves as unique to the major population.

Although not all minority students find it challenging to fit in, there are some students who do, for various reasons. Independent School Spirit supports those students by creating an additional external outlet and network for them to feel involved, connected and for those students to reach out to others who support and share similar concerns and challenges in being underrepresented. 

TEARS OF THE TIN MAN
Written by Danielle Stewart, Ed.D.
​(Abstract)
There is something unique about being able to engage in dialogue with students about diversity and hearing their perspective. Despite the tough as steel exterior that many of our urban youth appear to have, just as many children need the right approach to help them release the tears and emotions that they have held back for so long in order survive in the world which they live in (continue). ​

The value of
​the parent voice

Written by Danielle Stewart, Ed.D.

​The concern has been the assumed lack of parent engagement in Dekalb Co. (read this article). In continuing the research I have learned that the lack of engagement is not reflective of the lack of care and concern that parents have. There are many other factors that are involved. Independent School Spirit takes pride in the efforts of community building and connecting the dots with parents, community businesses and schools.
It is obvious that there is division with all three groups. At our workshops, when we have researched the lack of parent engagement and dialogue regarding education some have theorized that often it is because the value of the voice has not be recognized. We want not just students, but for parents to feel involved, inspired and included in the college prep and future planning process so that we can extend the accountability of academic excellence outside four walls and year round. With that said, why not start with accessing the resources where you already invest? The value of your dollar should account for something. Business that are supported by the community thrive. College Prep and Connect Clinic wants to ensure that you know that your money is not a one-sided transaction but you can benefit far more than you think by supporting businesses that care about you, your dollars and the future of education in your community. ​

tools

resources

It's never too early to learn the fundamentals of public speaking
and all of its benefits. Come visit our club or learn how to
​start one in your own area: 
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Need a resource that will help launch the diversity
discussion in your schools or companies?

worksheets & materials

We create the materials such as worksheets, that provide a unique curriculum design specifically for the students and parents who we are lending additional support to. This is cultivated through extensive research and consulting with our clients in order to work together to provide supplemental educational resources accompanied by necessary tools that will help individuals navigate through and towards specific learning objectives. Those who we present to are introduced to these materials during our sessions or workshops in order to thoroughly walk them through the entire thought process. Through research and familiarity of the world of education and curriculum development strategies we are able to carefully plan through the to execution by developing resources that can be made flexible to the audience that needs the support. Learn more about our materials.
Some of our materials include guides on:
  • Public speaking
  • Organizational writing and development
  • College prep guides
  • Future planning guides
  • Student advocacy and empowerment tools
  • Parent advocacy and empowerment tools 
  • Parent engagement tools 
  • Writing tips and tricks organizing
  • Time management support for students

networking initiatives

We support the alumni networking initiative. There are many benefits to reconnecting. Knowing that many students of color are far removed from the independent schools they attended, our goal is to support former students in connecting, reconnecting and staying connected with one another and secondly, connecting back to their schools in order to lend support to other students of color. Our model initiative was piloted with the Paideia Black Alumni Group. Learn how to begin your networking initiative.

educational diversity initiatives

In order to understand the experiences of students of color, it is important to understand the challenges that accompany the topic of education and diversity. We provide the support which is needed to begin the journey of initiating the dialogue by working with both students and educators through workshops that lend tools and resources to cultivate this work. and to take on the challenge of ISS wants to keep young people connected who feel passionate about diversity efforts in their schools as well as within the private school community. The groups are comprised of individuals who can have discussions about what their person challenges are in their schools and how their can strategically make a difference in their own communities as well as within the private school community as a whole. Use these tips to start the dialogue today! Get support in launching your  diversity initiatives.