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.