Journal Article

The Demand for Toronto District School Board's Africentric Alternative School: Exploring the Underlying Assumptions

Kofinti, Hilarius Kofi

2024

Overview

In January 2008, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) voted to establish an Africentric Alternative School (AAS). This paper examines the TDSB's decision to establish an AAS, particularly in light of the historical rejection of race-informed educational segregation by Black communities and their advocacy for inclusion in mainstream education. Utilizing a range of newspaper articles and scholarly works on the education of Black students in Toronto, I analyze the motivations and assumptions that underpin this decision by evaluating the arguments put forth by its supporters. Drawing insights from critical race theory and culturally relevant pedagogy, I argue that the establishment of the AAS is a response to the racism that Black students have faced in mainstream schools. I also found that the AAS represents a proactive initiative aimed at providing a culturally relevant education for Black students. This study offers valuable insights for future researchers to evaluate AAS practices through the lens of these arguments.

• Publisher: Journal of Negro Education,Howard University, School of Divinity
• Subject: Academic Accommodations (Disabilities) / Academic Achievement / Acceleration (Education) / Advocacy / African American Children / African American Students / African Americans / Afrocentrism / Alternative approaches / Black people / Black students / Boards of Education / Children & youth / College Credits / Critical race theory / Cultural Differences / Culturally Relevant Education / Culture / Curricula / Debates / Diversity equity & inclusion / Dropout Rate / Education / Educational Methods / Educational Needs / Educational Practices / Educational Strategies / English (Second Language) / Equal Education / Ethnic Groups / Eurocentrism / Junior High Schools / Knowledge / Language Skills / Minority & ethnic groups / Minority Group Students / Multicultural education / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Nontraditional Education / Oppression / Pedagogy / Race / Racial segregation / Racism / School boards / Schools / Segregation / Sociopolitical factors / Students / Supporters / Teaching