This year brings a new program to the IU School of Education: the Common Read.
This program is an opportunity for new students to engage in the intellectual experience of reading and discussing a common book selected by our staff.
The book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander, is centered on a topic outside typical classroom discussions, but still relevant for students of education. Students and the SOE community will be able to fully engage with the wide range of discussions and activities surrounding the book during the Fall semester.
“I felt that it was important that a program dedicated to teaching and educating others could have an opportunity to read a common book to build community and engage in conversation. The Kelley School of Business has a common read program and I thought that if a business school encouraged their students to read and engage in critical conversation, then an education school should adopt this program as well,” Lindsey Arnold, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Scholarships, explained. “I collaborated with our wonderful Library Head Christina Jones, and next thing we know the Common Read for the School of Education was birthed.”
The purpose of the Common Read is to provide students with an enjoyable and positive reading experience, to reinforce the message that reading is an integral part of the college experience and to foster a sense of community among their peers, faculty and staff.
“The goal is to build an intellectual community for first-year students, returning students, faculty and staff, in addition to helping students make connections between classroom and out-of-classroom experiences,” Arnold added. “It is important because it is the perfect opportunity for first-year students to gear up for the college experience intellectually and academically. It also offers the chance for students to develop a sense of community and connectedness to the School of Education.”
Pre-education and education students can find both hard copies and digital copies of the book from IU Libraries. Upcoming events for the Common Read will be announced on our social media channels or on our events calendar.