This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Mark your calendars. November 18-22, 2013, is American Education Week. Created (in part) by the National Education Association in 1921 it "presents all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education."
In celebration and reflection of 2013 American Education Week, The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) will be hosting a series of Twitter roundtables on several important topics. The WHIEEAA works on important education issues impacting African Americans and they are inviting everyone to join the discussion, 12-1pm EST. The hashtag #AfAmEdchat will be used for each of the daily discussions.
The office of Mr David J Johns (@MrDavidJohns), Executive Director of The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans invited me to participate in one of their hosted Twitter Panels: Code Switch – Exposing Black Girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics Careers session on Tuesday November 19, 2013. I am honored; and excited.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
I am a proud product of public education K-12 plus college and graduate studies; and I frequently champion the importance of saving and supporting public education. Please mark your calendars, sign-on to Twitter (or Tweetdeck) and participate in the conversation #AfAmEdChat November 18-22 from 12-1pm EST.
#AfAmEdChat Line up
Monday, November 18: All in the Family– Effective Faith & Community Partnerships to Support African American Educational Excellence
Special guests include @joshuadubois@revtonylee & Brenda Mitchell of @edpartners
Tuesday, November 19: Code Switch–Exposing Black Girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (#STEAM) Careers
Special guests include @6Gems of @BlackGirlsCode, Me (@DNLee5) & @reshmasaujani of @GirlsWhoCode, @HajjFlemings , @SocialgrlzLLC & @FMSupreme
Wednesday, November 20: To Whom Much is Given – Quality practices in cultivating Black Male achievement
Special guests include @DoveSoars , @DrJLMooreIII , @SFDeans & @uchangenow , @DrJFLJackson, @PedroANoguera,
@toldson & @OTLCampaign
Thursday, November 21: Each One Teach One – Recruiting & supporting Black scholars in the education ecosystem
Special guests include @TheJLV, @hartformemphis, @JoiCunn, @chrisemdin & @latoiajones
Friday, November 22: The Opportunity Gap -- Facts, Myths and Possibilities in Black Academic Excellence
Special guests include @AfricanaCarr, @andreperryedu, @SandyDarity & @NakLew
If you miss a chat you can find a summary of each day's topic (via Storify) at the WHIEEAA webpage .