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DADS (Dedicated and Diligent Service): An MUSC Partnership with the Trident Urban League
Stephen A. McLeod-Bryant, MD
College of Medicine
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Specific Aims:
- Reduce suspensions of African American boys in four elementary schools
- Improve classroom behavior/academic performance
- Provide African American role models
- Empower African American adult males
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| Recent research has shown that young African American boys, especially those from low income families, perform far below the majority of their peers academically. Their families are not usually practitioners of preventive health care. Violence and injury, sexually transmitted diseases, and drug abuse are among the health problems common in this population at very early ages. This project will address the behavior problems that affect school performance and health practices among African American boys in four elementary schools in the Trident Region by involving African American adult men in daily classroom activities with third graders. Dr. McLeod-Bryant aims to influence the attitudes, behaviors, and academic performance of these youths by exposing them to positive African American male role models, which should decrease the school suspension rates of African American boys in these elementary schools. The adult role models will gain more positive self images, through counseling if needed, because of their contributions in the classrooms, and they will become more involved in community activities. Focus groups of the participating African American men and a survey of school personnel and other participants will provide qualitative data for the project. Evaluation of the project will focus on outcomes like improvement of suspension rates for African American students. |
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