Oct 25, 2016 12:00:00 AM
The current narrative in education reform has failed in a few significant ways…it has failed to include the voices of communities of color in a sincere and meaningful way…[it has] overwhelmingly centered on a deficit lens…[and it] has at times been problem-oriented instead of concentrating on initiatives that truly have African American students’ interest at the core.Drawing from a broad set of research studies the report captures themes that are common heard in Black communties. Black parents are tired of the incessant "awfulizing" of their children, teachers and schools. For them the deficit-basis by which we seek to improve education rings less true than a solutions-focused agenda highlighting successes with a "what works" orientation. They also believe language matters. They don't want to "reform" schools, instead, they want to transform, improve, and strengthen them without a lot of "government bureaucracy." For education reform to be effective it must balance honest admissions that most schools are not helping students reach their full potential while also lifting up the cases where schools are changing the game for young Black lives. After years of arguing about whether or not Black parents care about education (they do), and whether or not schools can make a difference (they can), "Better Narratives" research answers both claims. Ninety-six percent of parents and grandparents agree that education remains the civil rights issue of our time, and it is key for Black social mobility. At the same time, the majority of Black people believe public education is off track and that the quality of education our community receives isn't equal to what other communities get. To address those issues the report offers four key reforms that research finds Black families at all levels support:
The narrative on Black education must be grounded in continuous improvement and focused on tangible solutions. It is time to build this narrative and to deviate, in part, from conversation that are centered only on failure. We cannot wait; the stakes are too dire. Forging the difficult terrain in the education reform movement can be an arduous task, yet it is important to move swiftly in this endeavor.It might be time for education world to take a breath and follow the lead of the UNCF and the Urban League.
An award-winning writer, speaker, and blogger, Chris Stewart is a relentless advocate for children and families. Based in outstate Minnesota, Chris is CEO of brightbeam, a nonprofit media group that runs campaigns to highlight policies and practices that support thriving kids. He was the founding Director of the African American Leadership Forum, was an elected member of the Minneapolis Board of Education, and founded and served as the CEO of Wayfinder Foundation. Above all, Chris is a serial parent, a Minecraft enthusiast, and an epic firestarter on Twitter where he has antagonized the best of them on the political left and right. You’ll often see Chris blogging at citizenstewart.com and “tweeting” under the name “Citizen Stewart.”
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