FAMU DRS' New Partnership to Provide Identity-Affirming Instruction

Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS)
recently established a partnership with Reconstruction US, an organization offering a unique curriculum designed for diverse students.

The innovative curriculum is delivered online by real instructors and offers students a variety of courses not typically available in traditional classroom settings.

"This is an opportunity to provide fresh and neoteric instruction methods and ideas while also celebrating the global contributions of Black people," said FAMU DRS Superintendent Micheal Johnson.

Using a rigorous curriculum, Reconstruction US instructors will lead small groups of six to 10 students in discussions, classroom activities and laboratory projects.

"Positive, identify-affirming education is crucial to and for our students," Johnson said." Strengthening cultural identity and negating stereotypes through rigorous instruction is a win for all of us."

This semester, FAMU DRS will begin the partnership with a pilot Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) program for select sophomores and juniors. Additional accelerated and enrichment classes will be offered this summer to students in all grades.

As described on its website, "Reconstruction US was created by a dream team of artists, mathematicians, literature geeks, entrepreneurs and illustrators to empower students and their communities through an authentic education." It was founded by Kaya Henderson, former chancellor for the District of Columbia (DC) Public Schools, and Roland Fryer, professor of economics at Harvard University. Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children's Zone, serves as an educational advisor.

Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS)
recently established a partnership with Reconstruction US, an organization offering a unique curriculum designed for diverse students.

The innovative curriculum is delivered online by real instructors and offers students a variety of courses not typically available in traditional classroom settings.

"This is an opportunity to provide fresh and neoteric instruction methods and ideas while also celebrating the global contributions of Black people," said FAMU DRS Superintendent Micheal Johnson.

Using a rigorous curriculum, Reconstruction US instructors will lead small groups of six to 10 students in discussions, classroom activities and laboratory projects.

"Positive, identify-affirming education is crucial to and for our students," Johnson said." Strengthening cultural identity and negating stereotypes through rigorous instruction is a win for all of us."

This semester, FAMU DRS will begin the partnership with a pilot Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) program for select sophomores and juniors. Additional accelerated and enrichment classes will be offered this summer to students in all grades.

As described on its website, "Reconstruction US was created by a dream team of artists, mathematicians, literature geeks, entrepreneurs and illustrators to empower students and their communities through an authentic education." It was founded by Kaya Henderson, former chancellor for the District of Columbia (DC) Public Schools, and Roland Fryer, professor of economics at Harvard University. Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children's Zone, serves as an educational advisor.