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I have been thinking about this question and how I will respond for the past week: In what ways are schools truly changing what they are doing in order to reach Black students? In what ways are schools maintaining the status quo?
So here it is… Schools, especially in DC and other cities, are not doing enough to reach Black students because we, as a society, have been misinformed and misguided how to reach Black children. For years, schools have implementing some external changes such as, buying new curricula (that MAY include texts by Black authors), new technology, new testing systems and new buildings. However, academic achievement among Black students are still low compared to their white counterparts.
In my opinion, school leaders, teachers, parents and other community members must be self-reflective on how we can contribute to Black children’s success. We must be aware on our thinking and perspectives on education benefits or hender Black students’ academic success in our communities. Should we think more individualistic, where one person focuses on their goals alone? Or should we think more collaboratively, where we are including all thoughts and ideas from everyone in the community?
We as a community are not maintaining the status quo. We have societal issues in the Black community that are ignored because we focus on our own individual needs and wants rather focus on the community’s necessities. It is so easy to focus on one’s self (trust me, I find myself doing it sometimes), however, we must be self-reflective on how each and every one of us can contribute to our Black children and urban education system.
What do you all think? I would to hear your thoughts.
