Police Brutality
My goals for this project was to students to speak, write and think about real-world problems specifically police brutality. In addition, I wanted students to speak, write and think articulately about police brutality. To support their thoughts on police brutality, I required students to cite evidence from the articles and resources I gave them. This project was engaging to all of my former students because we completed this project one year after the death of Freddie Gray. Although that time in Baltimore was tumultuous, my students found a way to bring awareness to a topic that affects communities all over the nation. Through lessons and activities on police brutality, my students were successful in speaking, writing and thinking about police brutality using evidence from given resources.
Table of Contents
1. Explicit Teaching
2. Case Studies
3. Video
5. Student Reflection
6. Conclusion
Explicit Teaching
Before I could allow my students to express their opinions on police brutality, I had to teach them about what it actually is. They not only learned about this material, but they used this material in their exit ticket and in the police brutality video. Knowledge on the topic you are advocating for is the first step to advocacy. The lesson plan is below.
I chose this article with this controversial title not only to engage my students but to bring an awareness to a reality in which the society we live affects all people of color despite anyone's social-economic background. To view the article click here.
My students understand through this article that police brutality can drastically affect the trust between officials and citizens in a community. Artifacts from this lesson are provided below.
Case Studies
Although police brutality should never happen, I allowed my students to step into the shoes of the police to have an understanding of the choices they make. I gave my students various case studies to explore in which they must choose to use physical or deadly force. This activity was unique because students had to work in groups to make a decision as an officer. To view the case study click here and go to page four. Artifacts from the activity are below.
Video
Recording the video on police brutality was beyond humbling. My students not only defined police brutality using evidence from the article but came up with solutions. This video was displayed to others during black history month, but it could be shared with the public due to a privacy request. The video is displayed below.
Student Reflection
After the video, I wanted my students to reflect on the overall experience using the resources from the experience. In addition, I wanted to give all of my students the opportunity to share their opinion on police brutality and a possible solution to this problem. Below are samples from the reflection and comments on each sample.
Sample # 1
This student cites from legal dictionary when defining police brutality. This student spoke about something that is alarming; they do not know whether they can call the police if they are in a dangerous situation which is new information. This student also does not believe there is a solution to this problem. Although this reflection is sad, it is a reality that our children are living in. However, this student is writing about police brutality and citing from a resource.
Sample # 2
This student also cited from a legal dictionary to define police brutality. This student enjoyed learning about the epidemic and believe that if the mayor knew about this experience, she would maybe try to solve it.
Sample #3
This student also cited from the legal dictionary when defining police brutality as well. This student's solution to the problem involved former President of the United States, Barack Obama. This student believes that Obama can solve this problem by addressing it and creating a solution which is a new idea because Obama does not often talk about police brutality.
Reflection
Overall, this experience was a reality check for some of my students. They could not grasp the concept of why would police be afraid of the people they serve. In addition, this topic challenged my students to think deeply before they spoke. This experience invoked the passion and pain in my students and I was honored to experience that. My students cited from the resources I provided to speak, think and write about a real-world epidemic; police brutality.