Page 88 - NSPDK 80th Eastern Regional Conference Workbook 2020

CONFERENCE THEME: “PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER: SISTERHOOD, EDUCATION, & CULTURAL RELEVANCY”

National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.

Regional Committee Chair Report
Sororal Year 2019

Y.E.S. Program Committee: Educational Perspective J. Regional Chair: Soror Bettie McClarien
Briefly describe and highlight exemplary programs reported by chapters of the region.
Summarize exemplary reports only and list the contributing chapters at the end of the report.

Educational Perspective Journal 2019
Theme: Effects of Trauma on Academic Achievement

The Eastern Region’s Educational perspective is a valuable component of our educational legacy as we
promote to the ideology of our Founders in the spirit of “Sisterhood.” As we continue to support each
other in successfully increasing academic excellence of minorities, by addressing the affects of trauma
on academic achievement as holistic approaches to meeting students’ needs through trauma-informed
care and/or practices.
We’ve had two very incredible occurrences; one in 2019 and one in 2020, which definitely accentuates
the need for trauma-informed care, as we address historical relevance and next steps.
First, let’s define trauma. “Trauma” refers to experiences that cause intense physical and psychological
stress reactions. It can refer to a single event, multiple events, or a set of circumstances that are
experienced by an individual as physically and emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting
adverse reactions on the individual’s physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
Next, the first event is COVID-19. The United States was brought to a halt in early March 2020. Many
families were touched by the insurmountable amount of lives lost and today scientists are working
feverishly to create a vaccine. The second event was almost three months into COVID-19, with three
months of governmental pleads to “Stay at Home,” put us in front row seats to vividly witness on live
television, the murder of Mr. Floyd which set off a chain of protests, burning and looting. Historically,
institutionalized racism has affected us individually and collectively. Baby Boomers and older African
Americans have had the strongest sense of the discrimination caused by institutionalized racism by
those who are trained to protect and serve. Today, cell phone technology honed in on actual acts of
senseless violence against African-Americans. We have lived through it and we continue to live with
it!
The Eastern Region’s Educational Perceptive would like to hear your point of view involving
these events and the traumatic experiences endured by all. The following are questions to ponder:

• How will recent protest, looting and removal of statues affect teaching history?
• Will there be a level of respect in place for the African American plight?
• How would you think life as American Americans differ?
• What new norms will educators adopt due to the impact of COVID-19?
• In September, 2020, will classes resume as Face-to-face, on-line or hybrid, which
is a combination of both on-line and face-to-face?

Please note your writings are not limited to the above questions. Certainly,
you’ve your own stories and experiences that depict traumatic occurrences before
COVID-19 and truly there will be more to come. Consider adding a picture of
you in action (classroom) or during the business of your day, the team with whom
you work, and/or of your workplace. Authors and chapters will be recognized at
the regional conference.
Please refer to writing standards below:

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