Dr. Allyson L. Watson

Assistant Professor
Educational Foundations and Leadership
Northeastern State University

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Project TOUCH: Teaching for Optimal Urban Cultural Humanitarianism©

The state of Oklahoma has often been considered rural in demographics, specifically in relation to the farming and agricultural workforce that the state employs. However, in recent years in Oklahoma and throughout our nation, areas once thought of as rural have experienced significant population increases and have become urban. Oklahoma’s largest school districts have become urbanized and the student culture and city population has changed, ethnically, linguistically, and socio-economically. Preparation for educators-teachers, administrators, and curriculum writers is fundamental in the development of the profession. Urban education and reform efforts are changing perceptions and insights that were once held constant by educators. Diversity in schools is a prevalent issue. Therefore, effective pedagogical techniques, leadership styles, and cultural understanding should be incorporated into higher education curriculum. Using grounded theory methodology the researcher will seek to understand the process and perspectives of persons involved in this collective approach to urban school reform and address the vital need for implementation of partnerships in urban school communities.