SHU Students Share Doctoral Research at Conference
Presentations focus on issues affecting students of color in the classroom
Three Sacred Heart University doctoral students presented their findings on issues affecting the education of students of color at the recent annual meeting of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) in Indianapolis, IN.
The students, who are enrolled in SHU’s doctor of education in educational leadership program, participated in the Holmes preconference event, which gave Holmes Scholars the opportunity to network with other doctoral students of color, present research, receive peer support and professional development and explore career and advancement opportunities.
Bianca Shinn presented her research, “Can You Hear Me? A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Experiences of Black Caregivers Whose Child Experienced School Suspension.” Chanel Rice shared her study, “Educator Perceptions on the Disproportionality of Discipline for Students of Color.” Demetria Walters’ research was titled, “Creating and Sustaining Affirming and More Inclusive Learning Environments for Black Girls through Professional Learning.”
David Title, educational & literacy leadership department chair and clinical associate professor, served as the students’ Holmes coordinator.
The Holmes Scholars Program has existed since 1991, when it was started by the Holmes Group―later called the Holmes Partnership―a consortium of universities addressing the underrepresentation of minorities among America’s educators. When the Holmes Partnership dissolved in 2010, the AACTE took over the program to continue offering peer support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to minorities.
Rice said the conference gave her an opportunity to meet other doctoral students of color, who provided great professional and personal feedback and advice. “It was inspiring to witness all the excellence, especially in those who have already defended their dissertations. The experience provided me with the motivation to trust my journey and keep striving,” she said.
Walters appreciated the opportunity to present her research in an informal and welcoming atmosphere. “The feedback and mentoring regarding my work made me think about how to improve my research,” she said.
Shinn valued her peers’ feedback and support, as well as their recommendation that she expand her research. “From the positive and constructive feedback, I plan to explore a culturally responsive, sustaining education framework and an assessment model that looks at how educators examine ways in which they respond culturally to engage parents. Perhaps I’ll build a training module for teachers on how to engage Black parents/caregivers through the framework and assessment,” she said.
The three Holmes Scholars relied heavily on what they have learned at SHU as they interacted with others at the AACTE’s annual meeting. “Sacred Heart University’s rigorous program prepared me to engage with new, emerging scholars in the fields of education and social sciences,” said Shinn. “Overall, every course within the last two years contributed to and prepared me to participate confidently and rigorously at the conference.”
From left are Chanel Rice, Demetria Walters and Bianca Shinn.