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Take your opportunity to help her soar. During the critical developmental period of the middle school years, Black girls-who sit at the intersections of racism and sexism-often face unique challenges that can hinder their academic and personal growth. Revealing the systemic barriers Black girls experience,
Black Girl in the Middle equips teachers with research-backed practices to foster meaningful connections, address biases, and advocate for their students¿ holistic development.
Drawing on research and years of experience as an award-winning educator, author Melody Hawkins introduces five core practices that have been shown to catapult middle school students toward greater confidence and success. This guide enables middle school educators to:
- Foster inclusive classrooms and genuine empathy rooted in an understanding of Black girls as whole individuals
- Define goals, apply evidence-based practices, and measure impact using the BELIEF Framework
- Advocate for the unique needs of Black girls while building their confidence and leadership skills
Whether you're a middle school teacher, mentor, counselor, or community advocate, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to ensure Black girls are fully seen, celebrated, and supported to thrive.
List of contents
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Navigating Black Girl in the Middle
INTRODUCTION
WHY IS SHE SITTING ALONE?
WHY FOCUS ON MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS?
FIVE PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING LEARNING FOR BLACK GIRLS
USING THIS BOOK
PART 1: REFLECT ON BELIEFS AND BIASES
Chapter 1: It¿s Not My Fault; It is My Problem
Black Girls¿ Educational Equity
Claiming the Path Forward
Chapter 2: Practice One-Identify Your Beliefs
UNPACKING EXPERIENCES: THE RESEARCH ON BLACK GIRLS AND THE IMPACT OF SOCIETAL BIAS
Study 1
Study 2
PART 2: BUILD COMPASSIONATE AND SUPPORTIVE CONNECTIONS
Chapter 3: Practice Two-Plant the S.E.A.D
IMAGINE THIS
SEAD IS THE SEED
SEAD: A WHOLE CHILD APPROACH TO STUDENT SUCCESS
SEAD'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING BLACK GIRLS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SEAD
THE EDUCATORS' ROLE IN ADVANCING SEAD FOR BLACK MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
COMMUNITY EDUCATORS AND PARTNERS: EXTENDING SEAD BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Chapter 4: Practice Three-Listen with Compassion
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
HONORING THE VOICES OF BLACK GIRLS
COMPASSIONATE LISTENING PROMPTS TO BUILD TRUST AND SAFETY
THE IMPACT OF COMPASSIONATE LISTENING
THE POWER OF COMPASSIONATE LISTENING
PART 3: ADVOCATE FOR HER DEVELOPMENT AND CHILDHOOD
Chapter 5: Practice Four-Encourage Positive Self-Talk
WHAT IS SELF-TALK?
POSITIVE SELF-TALK IN LEARNING SPACES
MIAH'S STORY
LAYLA'S STORY
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING POSITIVE SELF-TALK
Chapter 6: Practice Five-Advocate for Their Girlhood
STAND UP FOR BLACK GIRLS
THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER . . . RIGHT?
THE ADULTIFICATION OF BLACK GIRLS
WHERE TO BEGIN: DISMANTLING ADULTIFICATION BIAS
UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPING MIND
NEURODIVERGENCE AND THE DEVELOPING MIND OF BLACK MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
WHERE TO BEGIN: RE-DRESSING EXPECTATIONS
Chapter 7: PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIE
THE NECESSITY OF SYSTEMIC CHANGE
SCALING THE BELIEF FRAMEWORK
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES: EXPANDING HER SUPPORT NETWORK
BUILDING A CULTURE OF COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Conclusion: Transforming Learning for Black Girls
THE JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
A CALL TO ACTION
Index
