I take exception to this precept in terms of a “color” specific cure, but rather peripherally agree that if the “FULL” concentration of this community would support the schools we have – AT EVERY LEVEL – then in fact our schools would absolutely be better. Unarguably diversity is a 21st century stronghold in the business community and schools are no exception, but in the purest sense -- it is the diversity of thought, ideas and partnerships – not Complexions!
I came across this article that I thought was profoundly fitting given some of the comments on Maria’s Blog. If you haven’t already – stop by and check out the commentary she’s developed on this subject matter…and please take a moment to check out the full text of the pull quotes noted below.
Commentary: What do you expect of black students?
By: Leonard Pitts Jr., a columnist for The Miami Herald, 2004 Pulitzer Prize Winner
(CNN) -- Back in 1972, on an episode of "All in the Family," Gloria posed the following riddle to Archie and Meathead.
Father and son go driving. There's an accident. The father is killed instantly, the son is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. The surgeon walks in, takes one look at the patient and says, "I can't operate on this boy. He's my son."
The answer to the apparent paradox eluded Archie, Meathead and the guys down at Kelsey's bar for the balance of the half hour… which was, of course, that the surgeon was the boy's mother.
…Thirty-seven years later it is, perhaps, difficult to appreciate why this riddle ever was a riddle, how so apparent an answer could have stymied Archie, Meathead and, I would wager, the vast majority of the viewing audience.
The riddle speaks volumes not just about how the world has changed in four decades, but also about how unconscious expectations can blind us to the obvious. In 1972, one expected a man when one heard the word "surgeon."
Much as, in 2009, one expects a white kid when one hears the word "scholar."
People will deny this, will say all the right and politic things. But the disclaimers will be as thin and transparent as Saran Wrap. Black, white and otherwise, we are all socialized by the same forces and all carry, by and large, the same unconscious assumptions. One of which is that a certain level of achievement is black and another is white.
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4 comments:
I have a question for you about PEP. What is the difference between PEP and the PTO? I am trying to understand what the PTO is empowered to do and what PEP is empowered to do. Wouldn't it make sense for PEP to join forces with all the PTO groups at all the schools? What is the function of the Community Advisory Council? I see an honorary board member listed but no members.
Pitts' article is a must read. Perhaps it might be the basis of sermons by influential preachers of all denominations. Not until all parents insist on their children focusing on education, and demanding that the system provide the material we will fail in educating our children'
Pitts is wrong in stating whe we hear the word scholar we mean "white". To day its the first generation children of immigrants, Indians, Asians, and Hispanics etc whose parents have never let up in impressing upon them the value of knowlege, not a meaningless degree.
To: ANON 9:22AM
The difference between PEP and PTOs… Let’s start from a historical perspective… PEP was born out of the lack of PTOs presence at each of schools as recognized about 8 years ago. It was chartered by a group of parents and community persons who had decided that they would represent the schools from a citywide perspective because – again – there was no consistent representation at each school. In addition to this representation, PEP wanted to be a clearinghouse for all things parental/communal with regard to PPSD. Whether the focus was safety, curriculum, after school activities or gifted and talented programs – the goal was to create an organization that would work with the school on behalf of parents.
In this regard PEP members developed a strategy that would help create an active PTO at each school. This year’s PPSD administration took that initiative and effectively solicited and provided support to schools for the establishment of PTOs. This is the 1st year in the past 8 years that all schools have had some type of parental representation.
In effect what resulted was the separation of PEP and PTO; not in purpose but in design. So you now have what appears to be two entities functioning with the same intent. PEP’s purpose has always been to empower parents to go back to their individual schools and advocate for their child’s education, create viable partnerships with teachers and administrators and own their part in the success of PPSD.
Additionally, PEP has always sought to partner with PTOs and as learned intermediaries advocate for a high quality education for this city’s children.
Somewhere, somehow the relationship became somewhat adversarial with some PTO leaders, while others have completely embraced the benefit of an independent parental support resource that PEP has aim to be.
In short, the ideal is that we would partner and strengthen our ability to negotiate and navigate both the discourse and school environment efficiently and effectively. Much to my chagrin – we can’t seem to get out of our own way. We’ve allowed miscommunication, personalities and attitudes to keep us separate…and you know what they say…”divided we fall!”
I think PEP has value in this community in that it is independent in thought and focused solely on the benefit that parental and community involvement has on improving the quality of schools. It is not beholden to the District and/or any political party/person or whim. As the leader this past year I was determined NOT to be a mouth piece for the district, but rather represent the parental concerns that were brought to me and offer viable solutions for same.
I hope this answers your question and provides you with a greater understanding of who PEP is and what it does and why, but I would be willing to talk with you personally should you have additional questions.
I am not familiar with the community advisory council as part of the school system.
PEP is purely EDUCATIONALLY focused.
Old Doc got it right...its not the white kids, its the "new minorities", indians, chinese, hispanics that are considered the scholars. Take a look at the Mort Pye scholars in the Star Ledger, far and few white or black faces today. Our kids are lazy. Ipods and TV are more important and, regretably, more accessible than studying to get good grades. Plainfield will always get the rap it has as long as the media has the stereotypes to put in the police log. How many times do they report on the kids who are exceeding the Plfd School system?? Or do they wait until the far and few are arrested? We look around Plfd and see the stereotypes all over, but we fail to see the success that is right in front of our eyes. Not every person is a stereotype. Only when the media realizes that, will peoples viewpoints begin to change.
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