NICHD
ID: 1R43HD060383-01
PI: AMANDA W. HARRELL, PHD
TERM: 04/09 – 10/10

African American youth are at risk for academic and behavioral health disparities when compared to their White peers. There is a need for cultural education programs to help decrease these disparities and increase cultural pride and positive outcomes for African American youth. Past research has shown that positive outcomes for these youth include acceptance and integration into the school and classroom environment. Interventions that explore and celebrate African American cultural heritage, as well as educate all students about African American culture, may encourage acceptance among various cultures and lead to behavioral health benefits for students.

The Cultural Heritage Stories for Kids: African American series (CHSK: African American) product is a school-based curriculum that focuses on African American heritage and culture. The complete product, designed for children in grades 3-5, will feature professional African American storytellers with stories captured on a DVD and will include stories, accompanying lessons scripts and activities. Once completed, the story library will include both traditional stories (e.g., from the Underground Railroad) and experiential stories (e.g., related to acculturation). The product will also include a Professional Manual (administrative guidelines, lesson scripts, and activities), parent handouts, and web resources.

During this Phase I project, the curriculum prototype is being developed and prepared for feasibility testing. School counselors, principals and teachers who are potential users will attend work groups in which they review the product and provide a detailed evaluation. In addition, work groups including students in grades 3-5 and their parents will be conducted. Valuable feedback gained from this testing will enhance and improve the proposed product and be used to generate a full development plan for Phase II.