In pursuit of academic victoriesFew victories are more important than raising expectations. Sadly, we still have some educators, parents, and community leaders who don't believe that poor youngsters and children of color can learn as well as their white privileged peers. For those schools, it can be difficult to convince students that education offers their best opportunity for a better life.
"It doesn't take much effort to learn to have low expectations of poor people and people of color," says Martin Haberman. "All you have to do is grow up in American society, and you've built them in."
As Robin Flanigan writes, if school leaders don't believe in students, then students won't believe in themselves. Flanigan's report appears in the December American School Board Journal.
Tags: Education, Student Achievement, Educational Equity, Social Justice, African American, Native American, Hispanic American, Education by Sistrunk
4 comments:
Malik: I agree. It is my belief that no child goes to school to fail. Nor do parents send their children to school to fail.
Everyone has to take responsibility in the education of our kids. There are many examples of where low-performing school districts turned into high-performing ones. These districts have committed leadership at the top, ongoing professional development, and greater use of research-based teaching models. In these districts, principals and teachers make themselves available to parents. This has led to more parent involvement. Studies reveal that students with involved parents perform better at school.
I must say, however, there are some parents who don't understand that they are their children's first teachers. They believe that education is best left within the confines of the classroom. Many parents don't feel confident in talking with teachers or administrators.
In these situations, it is helpful for schools and/or community organizations to offer parent training - workshops that teach parents their rights and responsibilities in their children's education. I worked for a Parent Information and Resource Center, and we made great strides in parent education. The center also served as a parent advocate to 25 urban and suburban school districts.
Resources with tips for improving student achievement and parent involvement can be found on many websites. Parents and teachers can check out the following sites for starters: U.S. Department of Education, Education Trust, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, National Education Association, and Parent Information and Resource Centers. Links to the above sites can be found on this blog's side bar under Google News. Parents of pre-kindergarten children should check out Parents as Teachers. Many school districts also provide resources on their websites.
By the way, school report cards (annual reports) are now available at many districts nationwide. Parents, check with your school or state board of education to see the results.
Len: What a kind thing to say! There is no question that Malik is a deep thinker. :-)
I offer another proposal - that Malik and Len's personalities be packaged and given away as a love offering. Len, I am impressed with your broad knowledge base. Your passion for kids, their parents, and public education screams off the page!
Your knowlege, skills and passion: I immediately evident when I read posts on your respective sites and in your well-informed comments here. Don't underestimate your roles as change agents.
Len: This is a GREAT resource. I will add it to my links. Thanks so much!
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