Developing an English department resource area with emphasis on using African-American culture as a link to general cultural literacy

In the past decade, many American high school graduates have been deprived of the cultural vocabulary that was once the fundamental and common possession of educated persons in past generations. This dearth of knowledge--also described as a lack of cultural literacy is a glaring problem, reflected quite noticeably in declining scores on standardized tests. This national paucity in cultural literacy has not left the Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School (in Roosevelt, New York) unscathed; therefore, this study assessed the needs of the students and devised strategies to meet those needs. In 1991, five workshops were conducted for teachers in the English/language arts department. Because the Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School, which comprises a predominantly Black, middle-class student population, has not escaped this national malady, this study utilized action research to improve teaching techniques and enhance cultural literacy. Using African-American culture as a vehicle, an effort was made to forge a link between Black culture (emphasizing the literary aspect) and other required materials. The main objective was, and still is to motivate students to learn, thereby improving their academic status and raising their test scores. In every field of endeavor--be it educational, or otherwise, it would benefit the leaders or staff members to make attempts to meet the students, workers, or members, where they are on their various intellectual and inspirational levels, tapping into their latent talents. With emphasis on collaboration and an action research approach, an effort was made to implement measures for solving the stated problem. Academically, this study offered students the opportunity to use their cultural heritage, their interests, and their talents as a catalyst to general world knowledge. This rise in levels of cultural literacy may lead to greater feelings of self-worth, and eventual improvement in test scores on teacher-made tests as well as standardized tests