Freedom Schools Come to Elev8 Baltimore

Two Elev8 schools in Baltimore were chosen to be part of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools program this summer.

Students in Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle School and the East Baltimore Community School will participate in the Freedom School curriculum, which is designed to boost student motivation to read, generate more positive attitudes toward learning, and connect the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities.

But the Freedom school program is not only about raising reading skills. It also emphasizes youth development and empowerment. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; inter-generational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.

College-age adults trained in the CDF Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) will lead the program, along with the Elev8 site coordinators and program staff. The IRC curriculum introduces children to books, games and activities that promote critical and analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills. Afternoon activities allow them to pursue interests in music, theater, and the arts.

Parents are also involved in the program, as site volunteers and participants in weekly workshops on children's developmental needs, civic responsibility, and other topics. CDF says they strive to develop parents into advocates for their children.

The CDF program is designed for youth living in challenging situations, such as those in East Baltimore. In their program description, CDF asserts:

"Young people whose lives have been interrupted and impacted by crises receive consistent, daily service to better understand themselves, their situations, each other and their potential."

A 2009 study showed it to be working.

Watch this introductory video about the program: