Courtne Thomas and Dr. Mirvetk Tonuzi

Thomas’ and Tonuzi’s innovative teaching idea, “The Message: Engaging Readers,” focuses on developing a curriculum that incorporates the study of hip-hop music with the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards. The lessons involved in this curriculum are infused with technology, close-read exercises, research projects, and small/whole-group discussions, in order to build student understanding and awareness of hip-hop and its relation to social justice and the entrepreneurial spirit. The Voya grant will provide the resources necessary to bring to fruition the five-week program, which was proven in a quantitative study to advance academic achievement by increasing student engagement through the use of relevant and high-interest materials. Thomas and Tonuzi believe that by merging cultural ideas, talents, and circumstances with Common Core requirements, the program can improve skill proficiency in a manner that is engaging and culturally relevant to the experiences of inner-city children.