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August 2009
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I've been contemplating the genesis of this blog for a while. In 2005 I happened upon a speech Bill Gates gave to the National Governors Association. In that speech he called America's schools "obsolete" and talked of how students of color are marginalized by being placed in less rigorous classes.
That speech set me on the path toward obtaining a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies focusing on the achievement gap faced by minorities, low-income students and the children of single parents - all of whom score lowest on standardized tests and have the highest dropout rates. Today, yet another report was issued - this one from the Federal Department of Education - showing the gap in math and reading scores between white students and students of color has increased. The biggest gap in our state came in fourth grade math, where the average score for white students rose while at the same time dropped among black students. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction immediately issued a press release quoting State Superintendent Randy Dorn as saying, "We've known for several years there is a problem in math in our state." While the statistics in today's are new - the problem isn't. Earlier this month the Legislature appointed a committee formed a committee to tackle the achievement gap, specifically focusing on helping teachers improve their cultural competency. House Education Committee Chair Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon, a member of the panel was quoted in the P-I as saying, "If we're serious about helping every student succeed, we must take into account the unique cultural and community influences that affect how students learn." Last month Dorn released dropout statistics showing that fewer than three-quarters of all Washington high school students graduate on time. Students of color fare worst with only 47 percent of American Indians and 60 percent of African American students finishing high school. And, in December of 2008, another Legislatively appointed advisory committee issued a report suggesting specific strategies to narrow the achievement gap between Caucasian students and students of color. Nowhere in the report was the suggestion that yet another committee be appointed to study the issue. One wonders how many times we need to hear that there is an achievement gap before the system actually figures out a way to educate all of our students equitably. 4 Comments |
Nice stats, but the story misses the point. The factor we do not see asked is this, how much is this based on the actual circumlum of the math classes and/or the way it is taught versus the attitude of black students versus white? Still many blacks make the excuse that it is white people holding them back when in many more cases than not, it is blacks who hold themselves back because they have been taught that whites are holding them back and why fight it. The opposite is also happening with some blacks actually thinking that they do not want to conform to "white" standards. Granted that does not mean the majority of black act this way but enough do that it makes a difference. And this is in no way saying that there is not a problem with the way they are taught. I think that a part of the problem is also how many black math teachers are out there? The kids need role models other than the superstar athletes and the black politicians of the world. I have worked with teens and many black kids see the superstars and spend more time being like them because they believe that is how they can make it big. They limit themselves because of this. The cultural aspect of racial differences and how they effect how well students do in school is hardly ever looked at, it is always asked how are we failing them but never how are they failing themselves. Until you address those issues, students of all colors will continually get different results based on color no matter what we do.
Well, duh. How can one achieve without being challenged? I was lucky to go to a public magnetic school. I didn't know people did not take calculus in there senior year until I talked to a couple of people from other schools. When you are challenged, you push your limitations, just like any exercise. Challenging the brain is just like working out a muscle.
My point being that we should stop dumbing down schools. We should give standardized tests to challenge. We should push for high standards. You would be shocked at what people can achieve.
Merg you didnt read the article. You just spouted retarded racial feelings of inequality. Black kids are doing worse in schools because more state money goes to predominately white schools than the poor inner city predominately ethnic schools. just look at the difference of graduation rates between lincoln high school and gig harbor high school. it is much easier to blame the individual for the problem. Why are the white kids doing better? because they have more resources available than the black kids.
Sean, You need to check your facts - Gig Harbor gets LESS money per student than Lincoln, per school district $1400 dollars less/student - not more. White kids may have more resources at home; you cannot ask the school district to level the playing field at its own expense.