African -Centered Education in the Detroit Public Schools will address both cognitive and affective development of students through a cultural and wholistic learning environment. Educational programs must be culturally based so that children  are able to see themselves in the learning process. Cultural understanding for children is essential for improving academic achievement and creating self awareness as they analyze their role in a global society.

The educational process should allow students to engage in rigorous discourse on societal issues that impact them. African-Centered Education provides the basis for the development of self-determination and self-actualization within the context of the group’s cultural identity. History and culture will anchor African-Centered Education in the Detroit Public Schools.

Within the District’s African-Centered Education Plan, a design and implementation team was identified whose responsibility is to produce curricular materials and resources within their content areas. The team’s approach will allow for a a systemic and comprehensive delivery of African-Centered Education in all curriculum areas. They will research, provide developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and design staff development for administrative, instructional and non-instructional personnel.

Full implementation of the Detroit Public Schools’ African-Centered Curriculum Program will raise and sustain high academic achievement and thereby close the elusive achievement gap. We look forward to embarking on this journey to excellence through African-Centered Education.

Dahia Ibo Shabaka
Director of African-Centered Education