Welcome warriors!
This am we are diving into the impact of Brown vs. Board of Ed w/Core Warrior @D4Griffin3 leading the convo!
But 1st...introductions!
Please share who you are, how & where you "gladiate" for students!
#EduGladiators
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It's fun & easy to jump right in & share your thoughts or ask more Qs! Here's how...
Qs drop as Q1...Q2...& you answer A1...A2...
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@EduGladiators where ALL of our Qs drop from!
A1: This legacy essentially created the inclusion movement. Inclusion in regards to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and academic achievements/needs--special education #EduGladiators
A1: codifying the need for equal opportunity was a critical step in the long path towards justice. We need to continue to give voice to the voiceless! #Edugladiators
A1)I think Brown at the time was probably the building block on which segregation would begin to end. It was the first significant step toward that end.But, unfortunately, it is difficult to change mindsets. It is our job to make small moves to cont that legacy. #edugladiators
Indeed. Even how we learn about history. Someone else shared “it’s like one day...there was slavery, and then it ended. On day two, there were civil rights issues, then it ended. One day three, we got a black president, so all is well!” That’s the narrative. #edugladiators
In reply to
@D4Griffin3, @EduGladiators, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
Having lived in LR, AR there was still recently moves of desegregation/bussing! I feel the convos and changes that need to happen will take a lot of humility, grace and listening. The wounds are deep and deserve validation. This is still a live issue! #EduGladiators
A1: truly important in laying groundwork for equity in resources, but sadly (and inevitably?) used to close schools and lay off black teachers as well #EduGladiators
A1 A revolution has to start somewhere...this one began in a courtroom with a decision...although our system may not be perfect, the conversation has and will continue thanks to the efforts of those who participants updated in this decision #EduGladiators
A1: Brown v BOE was a very influential case as it highlighted the fact that separate is never equal. It created opportunities for people of color to apply to any college/university of their choice. #edugladiators
Honestly, brown was merely the latest tactic of white folx to block black advancement. The court shot it down, but white power continues to find ways to block black advancement #edugladiators
A1: The work is still unfinished as far too many disparities remain. Changes have been made but isolation still exist especially within culturally homogeneous communities. #EduGladiators
A1 I believe it was a historic opportunity for us to change the path and advance. Instead, there was created a multi level segragation by moving to wealthier suburbs &/or changing to private schools so students again were separte: first by economy then race. #Edugladiators
A1. I think that it has put some districts into “compliance” mode because legislation does not change the minds & hearts of ppl. So some districts are doing things not because it is the right thing to do but to comply with the law. ie. The bare minimum. #EduGladiators
I’m also reflecting on how the decision closed black schools, putting black teachers out of work and integrated white schools. The integration usually only went one way. #edugladiators
A2 This is something our district has FINALLY begun to talk about. POC make up more than 50% of our Ss. We need to do better recruiting & networking. #edugladiators
And I would argue that it is up to us to help push that story forward. I say small moves because on my own, the impact I may make is small. But, together, our collective small moves can translate in huge moves. #EduGladiators
A2 Diverse institutions (business, education, government) perform better! We loose role models, exemplars, great thinkers, care takers, leaders and change agents when we homogenize. #Edugladiators
A1: This decision has taught acceptance and fairness regardless of any other factor. It is always devastating to current students when they find out segregation went on. #edugladiators
A1) The idea of equity, the idea that others should not be excluded from education and educational resources....but I don't believe the work is done. #edugladiators
I have also wondered about the legacy of the generation of black educators and the pain wrought on black children by heartless, unenlightened, racist white teachers. #edugladiators
A2: Great question. Just had an interesting conversation about the very same topic. Many districts can do more than just the traditional posting of positions and interviewing of candidates. I plan to be part of that focus in my own district. #EduGladiators
A1.The legacy of desegregation is just that in our current system-a legacy. For many, this equates to something distant, decontextualized and seemingly disconnected from today's state of education. How can we reignite this concept to draw essential connections? #EduGladiators
And how many of those black children were found responsible for “violating” school policies and they ended up being in trouble with “the law” #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A2 DIVERSITY creates a dynamic work place! I live in the most diverse county in the country (Ft Bend County TEXAS) LOVE the diversity. On my street we have 1st generation Americans from China, Africa and Mexico. <3 it!
A2 The more diverse we are, the better we are...We can share our stories while building something special around a common goal of school excellence... #EduGladiators
A2: NYC has many teacher recruitment programs, some of which are directed at ToC, and specifically male ToC. I know that statistically having ToC can have a significant positive impact on SoC, but it's important for W Ss as well 1/2 #EduGladiators
A2 Babies need to see their heroes be their color! I don’t like it when folks say God is color blind, God is NOT color blind, He made every shade as beautiful as the next.
🤷🏻♀️district is doing. #truth. But, now I wonder - that is the doing better part.
#EduGladiators
A1. The legacy from my POV has made educators act as if segregation was fixed w/ Brown vs BOE. Working in NYC, I’ve learned that redlining has kept people apart to this day. So while ruling is law, the law is not practiced. #EduGladiators
A2: Teachers of color provide the opportunity for ALL students to have someone to connect with and look up to. In order to be it, students have to see it. Our district know it is important but are still working out how to intentionally recruit. #edugladiators
A2: we all need role models to inspire us (Many of mine are in the ring this morning!) Role models who have lived their life through a similar prism are powerful influencers. #Edugladiators
A1 This ? makes me think of when magnet schools thought to be the solution & busing was going to be the solution. Here we are many many years later and magnet schools are gone and we are facing similar challenges because people have moved into the suburbs #edugladiators
A2)We have so much to learn from each other. Our life experiences, person to person, differ from one another. It is important to find different perspectives and a diverse set of mentors for our youth. #edugladiators
A2: the importance of having a diverse leadership and teacher team is to help us all build capacity to engage and lead across differences. How we do this? Next tweet; #EduGladiators
A2. All Ss need role models they can aspire to be. It is important for them to see diversity in their educators across their K-12 experience. Often Ts in a building all come from a very similar background that is incongruent with their Ss. #edugladiators
A2.1; we do this by creating a scho culture that values dissent and moves beyond politeness. Dr. rev Jamie Washington: “politeness is the glue that keeps oppression stuck.” #edugladiators
A2: Diversity of teaching and leadership staff is critical. Such diversity brings multiple perspectives and experiences to the table when making decisions. #edugladiators
A2) I really think it's important that our Ss see themselves represented in the education system &community,&that they can see themselves.Additionally, we need a diverse population working in education.The more perspectives, experiences, views,etc., the better we r.#edugladiators
A2 cont: W Ss need to know the voice/face of knowledge & authority is not always white. I am a math T because of a ToC - my 8/9th grade Alg teacher was a black woman, which was highly unusual in the LI suburb in which I was raised. 4ever grateful to her, Mrs. Adams #EduGladiators
A2.2: we also look at our community and figure out how to make the community more inclusive. How do we expect black teachers to be a part of the school if they can’t find hair care product, or find place to cut their hair? (as an example) #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A3 Treat ALL KIDS equally! Skin color is way less important than touching the hearts of the kids and growing them as a person and academically.
A2) It is critical that every student see leaders that represent their culture(s). Building empathy, strong, creative & collaborative school environments & communities. #EduGladiators
A2cont. However, I think it is also beneficial for ALL Ts spend time learning to be culturally sensitive and embrace diversity in order to combat some of this incongruence. #edugladiators
A3 - It doesn't matter whether the classroom is diverse or not, it is still our responsibility to bring in a variety of perspectives and stories into the #classroom. In fact, the less diverse a class, the more diverse the materials should be. #equity#EduGladiators
A3)I have a great job! I get to advocate for the ELs, the SpEd kids, the 504 kids, as well as anyone and everyone else. I wouldn’t want it any other way. #edugladiators
A2. All educators should reflect the demographics of their Ss. This shows possibilities & negates the “us vs them” or invader mentality with parents & Ss. Plus studies show academic benefits as well. Most districts recruit diversity but they don’t retain them. #EduGladiators
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this information! Great reminder that change happens as a result of a sustained effort not the simple stroke of a pen! #EduGladiators
A3 - Talk about it! We can’t quietly avoid, we have to graciously speak. My babies are 1st grade. Their naïveté is my gift. We talk about the hard things and puzzle through them, we stretch and grow our idea of family to include everyone in our classhome. #EduGladiators
A2. Schools should be reflective of the community. I work in an area that is primarily multi-Asian, multi-Latinx, with a small population of African American and hardly any white but the staff is 98% white. It’s a tough task but one we are trying to address. #EduGladiators
A3: we discussed this as a part of #satchat this morning. You listen. Don’t “there isn’t enough data to provide statistical significance” the voices of the small portion of students of color #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
A2) Many Black principals and teachers lost their jobs due to the Brown decision. School boards often look and blamed the educators of not doing a sufficient job educating black students which was not the case at all. #edugladiators
A3: It is essential that our learning environment contains relevance for EVERY student. Each student must be able to see themselves in the learning that takes place. The way S’s see themselves will help them make sense of the world and how they interact. #EduGladiators
A2 simply put we live in a diverse society and that diversity is growing. We need leaders and teachers that represent that diversity for our students. #edugladiators
A3: I try to decenter my own voice in the classroom, and notice who seems to feel comfortable in the classroom, and who doesn't. The space needs to be a place where all Ss can take ownership of their learning, if that makes sense, and make their voices heard. #EduGladiators
A3 Treat them kindly, build a relationship. Get to know them and what they do. Foundatation is everything. Most importantly... do it because they are a S in your building and deserve to be cared for. #Edugladiators
A3) It is important to not make your students feel that they have to assimilate to the dominant culture of the class. This requires the desire to learn and have empathy for others. #edugladiators
A2 - As a student once said to me "you are the first teacher of color I have ever had, it made a big difference to me" We need diversity in classrooms, in #edleadership and at the district level, so that all voices are represented and not forgotten #equity#EduGladiators
A3 In my work, both as classroom and consultant, nearly all of my students are #refugee#newcomers.These students stand out, even under the umbrella of diversity, as they work through transition shock and cultural assimilation, too. Support/advocacy can look like: #edugladiators
A3: I continue to reflect on EQUITY vs equality. I try my best to advocate for all, Ss, Ts, Leaders, in an Equitable manner #EduGladiators also thinking of a statement a leader has shown me "step up, step back"...
A3) This was often the case for me when I was in school. I eventually convinced several of my friends to take honors classes with me.
Unfortunately, my daughter experiences being the only Black girl in many of her classes. We talk about the experience. #edugladiators
A3 Here in my country we rarely have a cultural mix but since I started leading learning in an international school, we realize there is much to learn about others and openness and perspective help. #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @Rdene915, @D4Griffin3, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
I find it interesting that so many of us needed to answer question 2 in multiple parts- that tells us it's a big issue with many layers for us to dig into as a community! #edugladiators
A4) There are times that we must challenge the #StatusQuo. It might not appear popular at the time. We might be isolated at the time. I believe the future is worth it!!!
#ThurgoodMarshall#edugladiators
A3: It doesn’t matter if you have only one student of color in the school, we must teach Ss to be culturally competent. Many Ss will leave school and enter diverse environments for work. We must prepare them to succeed. #edugladiators
Why would we ask folx who have been beat down on by the system to be “respectful.” As white folx we need to respect the anger of black folx, not ask them to “calm down.” We wouldn’t stand for an abuser telling his wife “she needs to calm down before I listen.” #edugladiators
A3: do not make them responsible for representing their race, ethnicity. Give them a safe space to share the lens with which they see the opportunities or obstacles that exist. #Edugladiators
A3: It doesn’t matter if you have only one student of color in the school, we must teach Ss to be culturally competent. Many Ss will leave school and enter diverse environments for work. We must prepare them to succeed. #edugladiators
Cultivating #confianza. Our students come with terrific funds of knowledge. How do we draw these out and advocate for their place in our classrooms? #EduGladiators
A3:(pt2) the "Step up, step back" idea here being that people: Ts/Ss who have access can step up while others step back, but sometimes Ss need Ts to step up in their advocacy to assist in making a way for others to step up so Ts can then step back #edugladiators
And again, why does this only go one direction. Generally it is us as white folx saying “assume good intent” and yet we constantly assume the worst about being challenged by folx of color confronting our racism. #edugladiators
A4 - See them, all students! Honor their culture! Guide them when they learn hate, don’t take every offense. Learn from them, we have to be teachable to be teachers. Educate yourself. Empathize! Rejoice in their gains and fight to make more. Be a safe place. #EduGladiators
A3. Intentionally celebrate diversity even when your class/school is not highly diverse. Read books that feature children of color, be intentional in learning about history and traditions of families of all backgrounds. And include families! #edugladiators
A3. The first thing I do for my teachers is model how Ss should be treated. I came across the term #WarmDemander and I’ve been using that mindset with Ss. It’s never about lowering expectations. It’s building trust & learning how to be culturally responsive #EduGladiators
A4 - It is important to disrupt the conversation when we know it does not represent all students, especially those on the margins. We must be brave and speak up, and when we cannot be brave, find strength in Ss, and find allies! #equity#EduGladiators
Being honest with ourselves. We have biases. We have prejudices. ALL of us. Do we take the time to acknowledge them without judgement, reflect on them and take actionable steps toward alternative viewpoints where we need to? #EduGladiators
Dissent from the forces that protect our own (white)—that say the right words about equity but aren’t willing to give up any privilege. #EduGladiators A4
#EduGladiators A4 I can't imagine growing up at the time of my parents, when the country was segregated. Just unthinkable thinking about kids seeing different water faucets and rest rooms for colored people. LOVE EVERYONE! This is our job as a Tr. LOVE = antidote to hate
A4) I really think we need to work hard to cultivate a culture of respect & appreciation. I do something I call "Recess Buddies" so twice a week my Ss play w/a S from our class that I choose. They get to interact, play,& really get to know all their classmates. #edugladiators
A2: Bringing more people of color in the administration will not just reflect different POVs and perspectives but also help the S's of color. They will see role models around them who look like them. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
A3) This was often the case for me when I was in school. I eventually convinced several of my friends to take honors classes with me.
Unfortunately, my daughter experiences being the only Black girl in many of her classes. We talk about the experience. #edugladiators
A4: By examining through inquiry that leads to impactful actions. By doing what’s best for each of our students. By making sure that we are focused on doing what’s right instead of what’s convenient or easiest. #EduGladiators
We love to talk about the “spirit of the laws” when it works in our favor, but we will immediately shift to the letter of the law when it challenges us. This is white supremacy #edugladiators
A4: By examining through inquiry that leads to impactful actions. By doing what’s best for each of our students. By making sure that we are focused on doing what’s right instead of what’s convenient or easiest. #EduGladiators
And. This is another area where our white privilege exists. We get to determine when we follow the “spirit of the law” vs. the “letter of the law” #Edugladiators
A4: I will fight against the tracking of "those Ss" into remedial & rigor-less classes, against the labeling of children as 'bad', & work to provide enriched, S-centered coursework for all students. I will disagree publicly with policies that unfairly target SoC. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @D4Griffin3, @PaulONeill1972, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
A4 Don't stay quiet. Speak truth to power and always put all students first. Not becuase they are white, black, hispanic, female but becauset hey are humans dereving of our love, care, and a world class education that they see themselves in/through. #edugladiators
Thanks for your passion and your fearless comments. Have you read @timjacobwise? He speaks and writes eloquently on issues of white privilege. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@3_DLeadership, @VNixon1988, @timjacobwise
When I was a teacher in a school that was 99% Black I had one of the three white students in my class. I was able to create a space that validated her because I knew how she initially felt. Her grandmother always thanked me for that. #EduGladiators
A4) Advocating from the heart & recognizing growth is always needed. I am a work in progress. Committing to reflect daily to be intentional in planning. #EduGladiators
A4+)We need to always be working towards cultural sensitivity, towards compassion, respect, & appreciation in ourselves& in our Ss. This implies it's not a one-time thing; We must constantly, explicitly, & intentionally work towards this goal. #edugladiators
Yes. I have. I much prefer reading the many works of those most directly Impacted. bell hooks, W.B Dubois, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Dr Carol Anderson to name a few #edugladiators
A3 Education must always be shown to be an avenue for betterment...with that will come tough choices and ups/downs...if we become an advocate or voice for all students...we become better educators #EduGladiators
A4. Reflect on our personal (hidden) biases and make sure we aren't part of the problem! You can't advocate for change if your actions say otherwise! #edugladiators
A4. I’ve started with the elimination of Ts using the terms “These kids” and “Those kids”. The next area is amending curricula to address realities and not Euro-centric thinking. #EduGladiators
Yes. I have. I much prefer reading the many works of those most directly Impacted. bell hooks, W.B Dubois, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Dr Carol Anderson to name a few #edugladiators
Thank you so much @D4Griffin3 for an amazing #EduGladiators Going to make a fresh pot of coffee and re-read today’s chat, wasn’t able to keep up from the start.
The problem is as white folx, #contentofcharacter > skin color has given us carte Blanche to ignore the disparate Impact skin color has on our society. “I don’t see race” is NOT the answer #Edugladiators
A4. I’ve started with the elimination of Ts using the terms “These kids” and “Those kids”. The next area is amending curricula to address realities and not Euro-centric thinking. #EduGladiators
A3. By making sure “all” Ss have the opportunity to reach their potential. This is done by monitoring equitable practices in class which should result in similar results with all demos. ie who is in the top 10%, AP classes, honor society, college acceptances, etc #EduGladiators
A3. Intentionally celebrate diversity even when your class/school is not highly diverse. Read books that feature children of color, be intentional in learning about history and traditions of families of all backgrounds. And include families! #edugladiators
A4. Having the courage to stand up to discriminatory practices & not be a part of the problem. Also not only stand up but develop programs which will help Ss of color. Just do the right thing(s) everyday, there are kids in school who will not make it if you don’t! #EduGladiators
The federal law says least restrictive environment, but if you’re a parent in NYC without the means to fight for it, mostly families of color, your kid goes to segregated sped school or class. #EduGladiators
