EverbodyLuvsRaymondsEdBlog

Why do standardized test scores matter in the classroom? People would like for you to think standardized test scores do not matter. Are they right, or are they wrong? I'll let you decide. Test scores allow us to determine educational gaps. Sometimes these disparities can be directly associated with race. Any opportunity to bring attention to discriminatory educational policy should be an opportunity that we should discuss frequently. Exposing system failures keep us honest, in my opinion. A failure to provide and monitor education safeguards can be a downright failure to protect those at risk. I'm not making this argument because I believe it is accurate or because I am trying to convince anyone of anything. I will make this argument because of the opportunity to debate and educate others about what we know is necessary to end discriminatory educational practices. The American Association of Colleges of Education (AACE) recently released its 2018 Annual Survey of Postsecondary ...

Every day for a Black educator is tough. In a world of parallel truths, you have to determine what's essential and what is fodder. In many of the articles that I read, I immediately categorize them as fodder. However, on occasion, I read something, and it either triggers me or intrigues me. The most recent article by Rick Hess, Resisting' Anti-Racist' Education Is Neither Racist nor Unreasonable, is a tad bit intriguing. Hess states, "The failure to appreciate what's fueling the resistance is unfortunate, destructive, and obscuring opportunities for constructive engagement." 

I recently read an article penned by Frederick M. Hess and J. Grant Addison . Like most articles I read, I went into it with the best of intentions. Quite frankly, both authors have put out substantial bodies of work. Hess and Addison remain highly respected in their respective fields. I went in optimistically. Hess and Addison immediately rail against anti-racist approaches to teaching. The article compares "anti-racism" to being "anti-crime" or "anti-medicine." I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm certainly not anti-crime or anti-police. But approaches to how law enforcement police minoritized communities have long been a question presented by raced people. 

I recently read (with great reluctance) an article written by Robert Pondiscio titled "anti-racism" is misguided. Can I still teach Black children? The short answer is no, but for the sake of argument, I'll go through my usual triggers when people try and "shock jock" and minimize the importance of anti-racism in schools.                                                                      20 Years of Stellar Service  I'll start with the good. Mr. Pondiscio has spent the last 20 years in high-poverty schools in the Bronx in Harlem. He believes in high expectations for all students and that academically and behaviorally, we must have a high bar for Black and Brown kids (all kids, for that matter). By pointing out, we must have a high bar for Black kids behaviorally gives me racist undertone vibes. It's as if Po...