Why Aren't Our Children Doing Better in School?

There's much talk about test scores and African American students. We've heard that the African American children have the lowest scores across all subjects. We've heard African American students learn different. There is much hype when it comes the African American student and education. Just as a teacher gets (or should get) more professional development to better themselves, isnt it common sense that they should develop themselves in the areas of these students. I have said on numerous occasions that pencil and paper isnt enough for the African American student. Mind you, some White students have the same issues/concerns in their home as well. It's not just African American students that come from one parent families. It's not just the African American parent that does not come to parent-teacher conference. In addition, it's not just the African American student that's waiting for the breakfast door to raise because he has not eaten since he left school on Friday. So, does the responsibility of closing or eliminating this gap solely rely on the teacher? Does it solely rely on the parent? Does it rely on both or are more parties involved in this matter. It helps when the African American student can see folks that look like him. I know there are few African American male teachers and many students may have grown up having one or two Black male teachers or even none. One teacher, Will Thomas, an AP Government teacher in Prince George's County Public School system, took it upon himself to get involved and turn the tables. He teaches at a school that is 90% African American and not one of his students earned an acceptable score on the AP Exam in 2007. Well, 3 years later 23 out of 88 students passed the test with acceptable scores. So, what did he do! Let me tell you:
1. he added tutoring during and after school,
2. he attended workshops to improve his teaching strategies,
3. he required parents to attend field trips with students ,
4. he engaged himself in political activities,
5. he assisted with curriculum writing for Social Studies on weekends and evenings,
6. he works 2-3 hrs every day (including weekends)on grading and lesson plans above his contracted time ,
7. he runs an online investment club for students,
and more!

This ONE teacher that saw himself as part of the solution and did something about it. What could our districts look like if more teachers had this attitude! We have to think out of the box. I teach Mathematics and I love incorporating music and Mathematics. We use technology. We canNOT continue to do what we've always done. It's time to reach out to ALL students. Maybe school districts can include in their professional development African American teachers/administrators that have been successful teaching these students. Teachers need to go to different trainings than the same ones every year. Look into a diversity training class. Look into your subject matter where different manipulatives, websites, etc can be used to engage the student. Surely, the sole responsibility cannot be the teacher. I do believe that. I also believe everyone should take a part in ensuring each child's success. So, why arent our children doing better in schools. Maybe it's because we're not doing better as adults.

At School Conference vs Remote Conference

Do I really need to meet a parent during my conference at school to talk about his/her child? Have their been times, as a teacher, that you could have rectified that issue over the phone? Has your conference been extended when a solution came up 20mins ago? Who's to say that a teacher HAS to meet the parent during her conference? Technology is here so why aren't we using it! When will we use it! Why don't we use it to benefit both parents and teachers? How about a video conference? It would save time because a teacher doesn't have to walk down to the office to get the parent then walk them to another location to begin the conference. Secondly, video conferences are easier to schedule. Since both parties are at different locations and no travel is involved, once a class is over, the video conference can begin. Thirdly, the parent is still able to see and communicate with the teacher "face to face." Parents are quite concerned about their children and will do all that is needed to ensure their success. On the other hand, it's difficult for a parent to take off frequently to meet with a teacher, but he/she can meet with the teacher via video conferencing. The parent does not have to take off. The teacher is readily available. Each party is able to communicate about "Little Johnny" to readily come to a solution. It's a win-win situation. What's your thoughts? Talk back to me!

Is there an ACHIEVEMENT GAP or a TEACHING GAP?

We have been hearing for sometime about the achievement gap in education. We hear specifically about the achievement gap amongst various races and subjects. Well, whose problem is it? Whose fault is it? How much preparation should the teacher have to do? How much responsibility lies with the student? Teachers feel that they are being asked to get all these different certifications but why? Their pay wont go up. Should a teacher be concerned about the pay or what they can do for the student. Are teachers reaching all the students in their classes? Classes have become more diverse as the years go on. A teacher not attending professional development classes in an area that is needed at their school can be a hindrance. How is he/she keeping up with the various methods to ensure success? How can you reach a student whom you have no idea of what they need! What if you have been accustomed to teaching certain types, ethnicities, grade level students for a long time and then the room changes! Some experienced teachers may feel additional training is not needed. I disagree. Cultures learn differently yet utilizing various methods helps the learning environment. If a teacher says that there are three birds sitting in a tree, then a gunshot goes off and hits one of the birds. She then asks "how many birds are remaining in the tree?" If the African American students responds "none" and hears laughter, then we have a problem. Their culture is that they are going to protect each other. They are not just going to sit there. Understand where they come from. Use their name on tests. Talk about places where they shop. What's wrong with learning Mathematics through music! That's not just appropriate for the African - American student because many students like music. Think outside the box! "Flip" is great when it comes to students learning with music. So, is the achievement gap attributable to the teachers not being prepared or experienced to teach all students? Could that be a concern? That's why I totally disagree with teaching TO a test. Teach the concepts and let the students apply that knowledge on the test. Teachers must incorporate different methods in the classroom to engage our students. Can a History teacher just teach facts out of a history book? It's not enough. Go the extra mile and see how much that student will learn.
A teacher HAS to go the extra mile to involve and engage her students. Make learning fun. Dont attribute to the gap. Close it! Delete it! Talk back to me!

You Might Be Mad for the Wrong Reason, Teacher!

How many times has a teacher come to school angry and takes out their frustration on a student? How many times does a teacher become angry with a student because they are not responding or participating in class? How many teachers already have an office referral written up on a student before they even enter the classroom? How many teachers wonder why students are acting out or acting up? Well, try talking to student. Try communicating with him. Maybe there is domestic violence at home. Maybe parents are contemplating divorce. Maybe a parent recently died. Maybe a relative died. Maybe that student has not EATEN since Friday at lunch time. Would you be in a good mood if you havent eaten since Friday at noon and now it's Monday at 7am? Maybe they have to shop at Walmart while there classmates shop at Abercrombie and Fitch! Maybe they HAVE to take care of their siblings and did not have time to do homework, for real! Teachers, be more empathetic and sympathetic towards our children. Get to know them. Get to know their parents. My mentor, Jocelyn Goins, taught me to call ALL my parents the first two (2) wks of school. I never doubted her and I follow that rule after 10 yrs of teaching. It's so important to build a relationship with both parents and student. When you watch the news, rarely do we find great stories about teachers. It's true. Stick your neck out! Feed that child for lunch. Come in earlier than expected. Stay late for a student. Buy his supplies for him. Have a listening ear. Encourage him. Let him know you care. A child doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care. So do what's not expected of you and shock the world. Remember, when you don't always want "the floor" the whole room comes to you. Talk back to me!