North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University School of Education recently had its SPED 354: Urban School course students participate in "The Gift of Giving" project that expanded the teaching and learning process with community services.

The 27 students enrolled in SPED 354: Urban School course during the fall 2008 semester have become “agents of change” through several eye opening experiences. Students began their semester with a self-identity cultural artifacts activity, viewing culturally responsive educators who taught the standard course of study through situated learning theory and the development of culturally responsive activities.

Culturally responsive pedagogy is a method of teaching and learning that builds on and values the cultural experiences and knowledge of all participants. In short, culturally responsive pedagogy is when the curriculum, lessons, and classroom environment reflects or relates the student’s culture, home/community life, lived experiences, and interests into the teaching and learning process. It brings the elements of the student’s culture into the classroom to provide a better rationale for student engagement. Culturally responsive strategies connect the home, school, and community environments.

“When I started this course I despised nearly every session because it made it seem as though being poor or from a single parent home was some kind of disease or at least that’s how I felt, but it also helped me to realize just how far my mother has gotten our family," said student Toni Lee.

“You stepped on our toes and opened our hearts. This course forced us to see ourselves in a new light and face ourselves for whom and what we really are. I left this class many of days in tears and I needed that. I came to teaching blind and though I still can’t see or do it all, I thank you for the little light you’ve shed," she added.

On November 5, Lee, a fall 2006 course participant provided the missing link. The cable or conduit that connected all that had been previously taught in the course when she presented “Homeless Children in Our Schools.” The presentation opened their eyes, heart, and mind to a reality unknown by most course enrollees. The statewide statistics reported, the number of homeless children, and homeless related adults in their families that are located in Guilford County ignited their desire to make a difference.

The course participants donated 318 canned foods to Urban Ministries and prepared 100 festive colorfully wrapped bagged toiletries for the homeless residents at the Urban Ministries Weaver House Shelter.