The African American Student Initiative (AASI) is designed to take educators on a journey that focuses on personal and professional transformation by providing the brave space to reflect and dialogue about topics that are central to our collective humanity. Together educators engage in learning that explores facets of their cultural selves and the intersection of their multiple identities. Additionally, the Initiative equips educators to examine and interrogate individual and collective values and beliefs to eliminate marginalization, disparities, and disproportionality within Michigan schools. Integrating knowledge, skills, and behaviors that systemically eradicate racism and advance diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion is the core of this Initiative.
AASI Phase 1 Registration Application (more details, meeting dates/times are inside the registration form)
The initial Phase of the AASI grounds participants in a common vocabulary and understanding of topics such as race, racism, microaggressions, privilege, implicit bias, equity, and inclusion through dialogue and self-reflective practices. Educators are provided space to examine and critique their existing individual and collective belief and value systems that reproduce inequities in the status quo.
AASI Phase 2 (Phase 2 is open for participants who have completed Phase 1)
After completing Phase 1, Phase 2 continues the journey of examining and dismantling systemic barriers of race, power, and privilege in educational spaces. The next Phase of the Initiative builds on Phase 1 learning of self-reflective practice, dialogic communication structures, and the common understanding of topics such as race, racism, privilege, and implicit bias. Together, Michigan researchers, practitioners, and educators engage in shared learning to transform critical consciousness from theory to action by addressing social injustices that prohibit liberation, justice, and the prioritizing of humanity in educational systems. Email Mary Head (headm1@michigan.gov) or Jill Griffin (griffinj9@michigan) for registration information.
AASI Phase 3 – Culturally Responsive School Leadership (there are no prerequisites for Phase 3, participants can participate in P3 before P1 or P2)
The Culturally Responsive School Leadership Institute Academy (CRSLIA) will be a unique experience since the academy will allow for everyone to participate regardless of role/responsibility in the educational setting. Participants will embark on a journey of understanding and uncovering a historical school-community relations continuum; engage in practices of self-reflection; and understand how lived experiences have influenced school policies, practices, and structures that have impacted success for marginalized students and families. (Potential dates are listed below)
October 22-24, 2024 - Legacy Academy, In-Person, Location TBD
February 5-7, 2025 - Legacy Academy, Online/Virtual
April 9-11, 2025 - Scholar Academy w/Dr. Jamila Dugan, In-Person, Location TBD
Registration information forthcoming.
Each Phase is:
Available for educators across Michigan.
Free for educators associated with schools designated as Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI), Additional Targeted Support (ATS), and Partnership Districts; and
Offered with FREE
SCECHs
For more information regarding the MDE's AASI please visit the AASI website or email MDE-AASI@michigan.gov or Dr. Jill Griffin.