Monique Couvson, Ed.D. (formerly Monique W. Morris) is an award-winning author and social justice scholar with three decades of experience in the areas of education, civil rights, juvenile and criminal justice. Recognized by The Root 100 in 2022 as one of the nation’s most influential African Americans, Dr. Couvson is the President and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, the nation’s leading philanthropic intermediary exclusively focused on resourcing movements and organizations led by, and in support of, girls and young femmes of color. She is the author of six books, including Charisma’s Turn (The New Press, 2023), which was named by the American Library Association as one the best graphic novels for teens.
Dr. Couvson is an Executive Producer and co-writer of the documentary film, “PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools,” which is based on two of Dr. Couvson’s books, Sing A Rhythm, Dance A Blues: Liberatory Education for Black and Brown Girls (The New Press, 2019) and Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (The New Press, 2016). Her 2018 TED talk on how to stop the criminalization of Black girls in schools has received over 2 million views and been translated into 20 languages.
For Dr. Couvson's full bio Click Here!
Dr. Couvson has been featured on all of the following media publications.
This course includes topics such as:
How to define and measure disparate impact of existing policies and practices on Black girls and other girls of color.
Understanding cultural and historical contexts for specific behaviors associated with increased risk of school discipline.
Understanding and activating culturally competent and gender-responsive strategies to address trauma in learning environments and beyond.
Creating and cultivating an infrastructure to address school pushout.
“[Monique presents] a road map for educators and policymakers who want to address the unique ways in which black girls are placed in the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Erica L. Green, The New York Times
“Despite increased attention to the mass and over-incarceration of Black men, the plight of criminalized Black women and girls is overlooked, underreported, and under-analyzed. Finally, a compelling narrative that tells us the heartrending story of how schools are culpable in re-victimizing some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is a must-read for educators, juvenile justice officials, parents, and the entire community.”
Gloria Ladson-Billings, Kellner Family Distinguished Chair in Urban Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison
“Monique’s vision for our girls is powerfully expansive. She's an inspiration to me and to all of us working to unleash their infinite potential.”
Beverly Bond, celebrity DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock!
“[Monique presents] a road map for educators and policymakers who want to address the unique ways in which black girls are placed in the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Erica L. Green, The New York Times
“Despite increased attention to the mass and over-incarceration of Black men, the plight of criminalized Black women and girls is overlooked, underreported, and under-analyzed. Finally, a compelling narrative that tells us the heartrending story of how schools are culpable in re-victimizing some of our most vulnerable citizens. This is a must-read for educators, juvenile justice officials, parents, and the entire community.”
Gloria Ladson-Billings, Kellner Family Distinguished Chair in Urban Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison
“Monique’s vision for our girls is powerfully expansive. She's an inspiration to me and to all of us working to unleash their infinite potential.”
Beverly Bond, celebrity DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock!
“[Monique presents] a road map for educators and policymakers who want to address the unique ways in which black girls are placed in the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Erica L. Green, The New York Times
Learn how you can be a part of ending school pushout in our communities!
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Syllabus
Before You Begin
Complete The Required Reading
Defining School Pushout
Zero Tolerance Policies and Black Girls
Reflective Journal Prompt 1
The Rich and Dynamic Diversity of “Blackness”
Reflective Journal Prompt 2
School to Confinement Pathways
Reflective Journal Prompt 3
Quiz
Activity
The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, Chapters 2-3
What factors are associated with School Pushout for Black girls and other girls of color?
Trans and Nonbinary Youth
Video Intros
Countering Pushout Animation: Kayla and Amber
Reflective Journal Prompt 1
Countering Pushout Animation: Kiara
Reflective Journal Prompt 2
Quiz
Activity
The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, Chapters 4 (pp. 135-169)
ACEs and school pushout: What’s the Matter?
Video Intro
The Adolescent Brain
Countering Pushout Animation: Deja
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Scenario 1
Reflective Journal Prompt 1
Scenario 2
Reflective Journal Prompt 2
Required Reading: Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood
Required Reading: Listening to Black Women and Girls: Lived Experiences of Adultification Bias
Age Compression and Adultification in Pushout
Countering Pushout Animation: Tasha
Reflective Journal Prompt
Quiz
Activity
Required Reading: More than Tragic”: M’Khia Bryant and the Burden of Black Girlhood
The Impact of Disproportionately Pushing Black Girls out of School
Recommended Supplemental Reading
A Note on Criminalization
Sex Trafficking/Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Developing a Continuum of Alternatives to Exclusionary Discipline
Scenario 1
Reflective Journal Prompt 1
What are Juvenile Court Schools?
Scenario 2
Reflective Journal Prompt 2
Activity
Educator discounts and bulk enrollment purchases are available upon request. Please email ayainnovativemedia@gmail.com for more information.
"Schools are locations for learning when they become locations for healing. Let's understand what causes school disciplinary disparities so that we can end pushout for every child."- Dr. Monique Couvson
