This past Friday, 35 people, including principals, assistant principals, teachers, and even the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, were indicted in one of the largest school cheating cases in this country. Their crimes: falsifying standardized test scores, which resulted in increased pay for a number of individuals.
The allegations date back as early as 2000. This means that, over the past 13 years (at LEAST), there have allegedly been such illegal and unethical activities going on in APS. That's 13 years: a child's entire K-12 tenure. This means there are some children who were essentially failed from start to finish of their public school career, not by their parents, not by their environment, and not by themselves. They were failed by the group of individuals trained, prepared, and hired to ensure that they received the best education possible: the educators.
Living in the Washington, DC area, I witnessed the uproar that Michelle Rhee caused when she took over as Chancellor of DC Public Schools. Her arguments were that the teachers were responsible for ensuring students were adequately prepared. As a result, she also fired a number of teachers who weren't performing as expected. Suffice it to say, she was not well-liked.
I'm not saying I agree with Michelle Rhee. As a child of a retired K-12 administrator, I grew up listening to my father's stories about students and parents, and issues that he encountered. I remember him receiving threatening phone calls (at home), from suspended students. I also remember him holding teachers, staff, and administrators accountable for doing their part.....always.
What disturbs me about this entire APS scandal is that the people who were expected to do right by these kids, were so self-involved that they never once thought about the short and long-term ramifications of their actions. Instead, they were consumed with the immediate financial rewards they would receive.
In one article, a parent of a then-5th grader went to her school administrators and told them she had serious concerns that her child was not doing well in reading, yet aced the standardized reading tests. She was told by administrators her daughter was "just a good test taker." .....................................*insert blank stare*.............................................................................................
Really? In an era where we complain so much about how students, particularly African-American students underperform on standardized tests, a student who struggles during the school year aces a standardized tests? To the point her mother even argues this makes no sense?
Now, this child is a 9th-grader, reading at a 5th grade level. What chance does this girl have for succeeding in high-school? What are her chances of performing well on the SAT or ACT, and being admitted to college? If she is fortunate enough to go, how will she succeed in a university setting, where students are expected to have, at minimum, a basic high-school education and ability to not only manage their time, but also study and succeed academically? What future does this girl have, when she is 15 years old and reading at a 5th grade level? What kind of frustration and insecurities have you created in a child who, unknowingly, was socially promoted through school, just so the teachers, administrators, and superintendent could make more money?
In an era of technology, social media, and all kinds of information, we (myself included) are quick to discuss this generation of students in terms of the fast-food generation: those who want everything now, expect everything, are always "connected," unaware of their own mortality and the ramifications of their actions. Then there is the discussion about the parents: who are concerned about work more than their kids and their well-being. Those who are more concerned with having their own life than ensuring that their kids have the best one possible, or those who expect the teachers to work miracles and turn water into wine.
Yes, we've all discussed these types of students and parents. But let's now turn our attention to the most heinous and problematic of this story: the educators.
Disclaimer: this is not a judgement of all educators. Again, I'm a third-generation educator. I understand and appreciate everyone, ESPECIALLY K-12 educators for what they do. It is a thankless job.
However, for those of you in this APS scandal, and those who are unnamed, but are just as guilty in other parts of the country, I have this to say: shame on you. You were formally trained to prepare students to be able to complete not only high school, but enter college if they choose. You were blessed with the opportunity to not only complete your studies, but enter your field and succeed. You were afforded opportunities to climb in ranking in your field (Beverly Hall). Instead of paying it forward, the way each of us is expected to, you TOOK that opportunity from so many children. You stole their chances to excel academically, win scholarships to college, and for some I'm sure, graduate from high school and attend college. APS is 78% African-American, with approximately 75% of all students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Guess who was hurt the most by these actions.
You stole the innocence of so many children who trusted you to do what was in their best interest. For those parents who trusted your training and position, you stole their opportunity do what was in the best interest of their children at the time (complain to the school board, find better schools, or outside resources). You created more statistics instead of scholars.
While I don't agree with Michelle Rhee's tactics, I will say that the APS scandal has made me think more about how off (or on for that matter) she was in holding educators more accountable. As a college professor, we see the after-effects of K-12 education. We see the students who soared, and will continue to in college and beyond, to those who flew under the radar and are either doing the same or struggling with adjusting to college life, and finally those who barely made it out of college and can go in either direction. There are always those who simply didn't apply themselves in high school and now they flourish in college. However, I can't see how a college student reading at a 5th or 6th grade level will ever be able to flourish. Honestly, I don't see how a student could even be accepted to college reading at that level.
And here is the problem. The APS 35 have essentially destroyed these children's lives before they even began. They eliminated so many opportunities to soar, for selfish, greedy reasons. And yet, they aren't alone.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
What We Should All Learn from Steubenville
Last week, 17-year-old Trent Mays and 16-year-old Ma'lik Richmond were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl at a house party in Steubenville, Ohio. The victim wasn't aware she'd been raped until pictures, videos, and tweets about the event went viral on social media.
There are so many layers to this story....so many sickening layers. The first layer is that this occurred at all. The next is that there were countless high-school age kids there who witnessed, took pictures and video of the act, and said or did nothing. Apparently, there are still countless students unwilling to cooperate with authorities. The third is that there are adults who, at some point, were made aware of the events and did nothing.
The next layer is that Steubenville is not an isolated incident. In this digital age, children are being raised to think and act completely different than my peers and those generations before us. I've encountered peers my age who, when confronted about something they posted online, replied "Facebook isn't real life." Isn't it though? And if you think that at age 25 and older, then what does that say about children 18 and under?
There are a number of lessons to be learned by the events that occurred at that party as well as those that continue to occur in the aftermath of the verdict. Each of us can learn something, so the best way to address it is by addressing each group.
Boys/Young Men
I was sickened to watch videos of boys not only violating a girl who clearly was incoherent, but also laughing and joking about how "she is so raped." At what point in society did rape become a joke? When did that become something that we make light and fun of, when it happens to a girl. Young men, you need to know that rape is NOT a joke. It is a serious violation of a female, one of the most heinous acts you can commit to a female. NO female deserves to be raped, regardless of how she is dressed, carries herself, or what she says and does. NO female deserves to be violated...ever. It's that simple. Young men are supposed to be raised to protect women, not destroy them and ridicule them in the process. You MUST stop listening to stupid lyrics in songs that degrade women, insinuate that drugging and raping women is acceptable behavior, and realize that you are responsible for your actions, good and bad. It doesn't make you a man to sleep with multiple women and hurt them. It makes you a coward. It doesn't make you above the law because you play a sport. In fact, there are and will be more eyes on you, because you do. This means you must make choices that not only ensure your safety and progress, but those of others around you. Your athletic abilities do not make you invincible...remember that. Crying that you are sorry after committing a crime means that you are sorry you were caught. The mark of a real man is how he treats the women in his life. If you do not commit any physical act, but are witness to it, take pictures, and do nothing about it, then you are JUST as culpable, if not more. It makes you more of a coward, because you stood by and did nothing. It makes you more of a follower, because you didn't have the presence of mind to do right when so much wrong was going on around you.
Girls/Young Women
You have a responsibility to protect yourself at all times. I tell my students continuously, "no one can fight for you like you." Remember your worth. Remember that you are a prize. It is never ok for a male to grab you or any body part, no matter how much they say they are joking. You must demand respect for yourself. In addition, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. More importantly, if you see another female who is NOT, and is being violated in ANY way, you must help her. You must remember that every young man you encounter was not raised to treat young women with respect. As a result, you must remember that you teach people how to treat you. You must NEVER threaten a victim of a crime for standing up for herself. It was so disheartening to learn that two female students sent threatening texts and messages to the victim after these young men were found guilty. What kind of world do we live in now where young women threaten rape victims now? You must remember to ALWAYS stand up for what's right. You don't deserve to be violated, neither does anyone else, male or female. If you see wrong happening, you must tell someone. If you don't, shame on you. Remember to surround yourself with people who enhance you, not degrade you. You don't have to do what everyone else does. That's not the mark of a true leader. They observe the masses and do the opposite. Remembering this will always help you make better decisions.
Parents
You have a responsibility to be parents, not friends. You should not allow your children to have or attend parties where there is underage drinking. If you are aware of this, you have a responsibility to report it to the appropriate authorities. Your children are your first priority. They didn't ask to be here. Your lifestyle must change to ensure that they are being raised to be productive members of society. This means teaching your children right from wrong. In addition, it means leading by example. When crimes occur, it's your responsibility to report them and lead by example, no matter if it's your child or not. You have an obligation to teach your sons that rape is NOT ok. It is NOT a joke. It's not something to tweet and post pics of jokingly. In fact, they should be appalled to even hear the word, let alone witness it. Your children should be scared of YOU before they are scared of the law. Your children are not your friends. They are not your peers. Defending your children when they are wrong means that you are not being a responsible parent. You have a responsibility to teach your daughters that their bodies are not to be violated by them or anyone else. You must teach them to respect themselves and others. You must teach them that some people will not respect them, and they should be prepared to handle these situations correctly, should they be forced to encounter them. Simply put, you must be a parent.
Coaches/Teachers/Other Adults
You are the individuals that these students look up to when they don't look up to their parents. You should be more concerned about developing great human beings than winning championships. You often learn about things long before parents do. As a result, you are expected to do the right thing and not turn a blind eye to wrong, especially in such a horrific example as this. No trophy, award, or prize is worth some child's life.
There is so much about this situation that was horrific, disgusting, unbelievable, and tragic. Three lives are forever changed, and countless more will probably follow. Are we back to a time where women are viewed with no value in this society? Is this what we are raising our boys and young men to think?
Furthermore, whether you are young or old, male or female, black or white, you must learn that right is right, and wrong is wrong. Period. Steubenville isn't just some small town in Ohio. This is happening around the country, and around the globe. We each have a responsibility to ensure this never happens again.
There are so many layers to this story....so many sickening layers. The first layer is that this occurred at all. The next is that there were countless high-school age kids there who witnessed, took pictures and video of the act, and said or did nothing. Apparently, there are still countless students unwilling to cooperate with authorities. The third is that there are adults who, at some point, were made aware of the events and did nothing.
The next layer is that Steubenville is not an isolated incident. In this digital age, children are being raised to think and act completely different than my peers and those generations before us. I've encountered peers my age who, when confronted about something they posted online, replied "Facebook isn't real life." Isn't it though? And if you think that at age 25 and older, then what does that say about children 18 and under?
There are a number of lessons to be learned by the events that occurred at that party as well as those that continue to occur in the aftermath of the verdict. Each of us can learn something, so the best way to address it is by addressing each group.
Boys/Young Men
I was sickened to watch videos of boys not only violating a girl who clearly was incoherent, but also laughing and joking about how "she is so raped." At what point in society did rape become a joke? When did that become something that we make light and fun of, when it happens to a girl. Young men, you need to know that rape is NOT a joke. It is a serious violation of a female, one of the most heinous acts you can commit to a female. NO female deserves to be raped, regardless of how she is dressed, carries herself, or what she says and does. NO female deserves to be violated...ever. It's that simple. Young men are supposed to be raised to protect women, not destroy them and ridicule them in the process. You MUST stop listening to stupid lyrics in songs that degrade women, insinuate that drugging and raping women is acceptable behavior, and realize that you are responsible for your actions, good and bad. It doesn't make you a man to sleep with multiple women and hurt them. It makes you a coward. It doesn't make you above the law because you play a sport. In fact, there are and will be more eyes on you, because you do. This means you must make choices that not only ensure your safety and progress, but those of others around you. Your athletic abilities do not make you invincible...remember that. Crying that you are sorry after committing a crime means that you are sorry you were caught. The mark of a real man is how he treats the women in his life. If you do not commit any physical act, but are witness to it, take pictures, and do nothing about it, then you are JUST as culpable, if not more. It makes you more of a coward, because you stood by and did nothing. It makes you more of a follower, because you didn't have the presence of mind to do right when so much wrong was going on around you.
Girls/Young Women
You have a responsibility to protect yourself at all times. I tell my students continuously, "no one can fight for you like you." Remember your worth. Remember that you are a prize. It is never ok for a male to grab you or any body part, no matter how much they say they are joking. You must demand respect for yourself. In addition, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. More importantly, if you see another female who is NOT, and is being violated in ANY way, you must help her. You must remember that every young man you encounter was not raised to treat young women with respect. As a result, you must remember that you teach people how to treat you. You must NEVER threaten a victim of a crime for standing up for herself. It was so disheartening to learn that two female students sent threatening texts and messages to the victim after these young men were found guilty. What kind of world do we live in now where young women threaten rape victims now? You must remember to ALWAYS stand up for what's right. You don't deserve to be violated, neither does anyone else, male or female. If you see wrong happening, you must tell someone. If you don't, shame on you. Remember to surround yourself with people who enhance you, not degrade you. You don't have to do what everyone else does. That's not the mark of a true leader. They observe the masses and do the opposite. Remembering this will always help you make better decisions.
Parents
You have a responsibility to be parents, not friends. You should not allow your children to have or attend parties where there is underage drinking. If you are aware of this, you have a responsibility to report it to the appropriate authorities. Your children are your first priority. They didn't ask to be here. Your lifestyle must change to ensure that they are being raised to be productive members of society. This means teaching your children right from wrong. In addition, it means leading by example. When crimes occur, it's your responsibility to report them and lead by example, no matter if it's your child or not. You have an obligation to teach your sons that rape is NOT ok. It is NOT a joke. It's not something to tweet and post pics of jokingly. In fact, they should be appalled to even hear the word, let alone witness it. Your children should be scared of YOU before they are scared of the law. Your children are not your friends. They are not your peers. Defending your children when they are wrong means that you are not being a responsible parent. You have a responsibility to teach your daughters that their bodies are not to be violated by them or anyone else. You must teach them to respect themselves and others. You must teach them that some people will not respect them, and they should be prepared to handle these situations correctly, should they be forced to encounter them. Simply put, you must be a parent.
Coaches/Teachers/Other Adults
You are the individuals that these students look up to when they don't look up to their parents. You should be more concerned about developing great human beings than winning championships. You often learn about things long before parents do. As a result, you are expected to do the right thing and not turn a blind eye to wrong, especially in such a horrific example as this. No trophy, award, or prize is worth some child's life.
There is so much about this situation that was horrific, disgusting, unbelievable, and tragic. Three lives are forever changed, and countless more will probably follow. Are we back to a time where women are viewed with no value in this society? Is this what we are raising our boys and young men to think?
Furthermore, whether you are young or old, male or female, black or white, you must learn that right is right, and wrong is wrong. Period. Steubenville isn't just some small town in Ohio. This is happening around the country, and around the globe. We each have a responsibility to ensure this never happens again.
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