It Takes A Village Family of Schools’ Post

In recent research, it has become evident that majority-Black school districts are grappling with significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified special education teachers. A striking incident in September 2022, where a teacher at Tipps Elementary School in Houston was recorded dragging a young special needs student, has highlighted the urgent need for well-trained educators in handling students with disabilities. This case is not isolated but symptomatic of larger systemic issues including the severe shortage of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and aides, compounded by the specific needs of Black special needs students. Remarkably, studies indicate that Black students benefit substantially from having teachers who share their racial background, yet there is a notable scarcity of Black special education teachers. The 2022-23 school year saw approximately 7.3 million disabled students in U.S. public schools, with Black students constituting 17% of this demographic. This shortage is further exacerbated by the alarming trend of a special education-to-prison pipeline, disproportionately affecting disabled Black students through disciplinary actions. Federal and state responses, including the provision of provisional licenses, aim to address the special education teacher deficit. However, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness and potential consequences of assigning inadequately trained individuals to support the most vulnerable student populations. Read the full story by Aziah Siid from Word In Black at dallasweekly.com #Iamdw #blackpress #specialeducation #teacherrecruitment #blackstudents #disabilityrights #educationdisparities Word In Black

Let's dive into a nuanced discussion on special education and representation in schools! Constance Lindsay unpacks the complexities of racial representation in special education services in our latest episode of Conscious Pathways. In exploring this topic, Dr. Lindsay highlights the ongoing debate in special education literature about whether Black students are overrepresented or underrepresented. This discussion underscores the importance of cultural awareness and understanding within the teaching profession. Join us in exploring the impact of cultural mismatches and the need for inclusive practices in education. How can we ensure that all students receive the services they need while addressing these complex dynamics? Tune in to this weeks episode of Conscious Pathways for more insights! Link in the comments to listen. Let's deepen our understanding together! #SpecialEducation #RepresentationMatters #CulturalAwareness #InclusiveEducation #ConsciousPathways #EducationDiscussion. #BlackStudents #SpecialEducationDebate #CulturalMismatch #EducationalInequality #RacialDisparities #InclusiveEducation #EquityInLearning #EducationSystemIssues #DataDrivenInsights #EducationalChallenges

Narrative change is part of the solution to redesign schools so everyone sees the potential in our Kings. Thank you to our The BELE Network partner for showing that our program models are working. We are increasing collaboration, updating curriculum, and implementing student feedback. This has a direct result in creating and sustaining equitable learning environments that support and affirm #students. Read the full article on Medium. https://lnkd.in/gZSVJhi2

In this article, Dr. Leslie Fenwick discusses the expulsion of Black principals and teachers from desegregating schools after Brown v. Board. In the article, Dr. Fenwick explains that discriminatory (and often illegal) removal of Black educators started as early as 1952 and lasted “well into the 1970s.” Dr. Fenwick goes on to say that, “Today, the nation, not to mention our public education system, is still living with the fallout [of Black teacher removal after Brown v. Board]: traumatized Black school children; roughly $1-2 billion in salary losses and the largest orchestrated brain drain ever experienced in the U.S. public education system.” This article (and the rest of Dr. Fenwick’s published work) shows how the segregation of the past perniciously persists into the present. That’s why we’re highlighting her work (like our podcast episode with Dr. Fenwick, which you can listen to with our link in bio). We’re highlighting it to show how school segregation still happens today and how it often happens in insidious ways. Yes, Brown v. Board made school segregation federally illegal, but that doesn’t mean Brown v. Board actually ended segregation. In fact, in the midst of progressive strides like Brown v. Board, those that refused to let go of segregation found a way (and continue to find a way) to limit and thwart integration anywhere they can such as removing and discriminating against Black teachers. Read the full article https://buff.ly/3Li7IAc And JOIN US to discuss Dr Fenwick's book Jim Crow's Pink Slip https://buff.ly/3OrYcxh #IntegratedSchools #BlackandWhite #Interracial #Multiracial #Identity #CivilRightsMovement #HumanRights #AntiRacism #DeSegregation #WealthEquity #DiversityandInclusion #inclusion #community #redlining #diversity #socialjustice #socialjusticeeducation #wealthgap #local #publicschools #parenting #parent #momlife #dadlife #boymom #girlmom #schoolchoice #privateschool #publicschool

Challenging the notion of 'white allies' in #AntiRacist education! A critical conversation unfolds in the world of education as we delve into the role of educators who consider themselves '#WhiteAllies' in the journey towards developing anti-racist classrooms. The intention might be noble, but the impact can be detrimental. It's imperative to recognize that intention alone is not enough. A nuanced understanding of the complexities of racism and systemic oppression is required to truly make a difference. #Educators who position themselves as 'white allies' might inadvertently perpetuate harmful dynamics, undermine the experiences of marginalized communities, and hinder genuine progress.

What strategies do you use to address #teacher shortages and a lack of educator #diversity? Join experts from the The Center on Great Teachers and Leaders at American Institutes for Research and the Center for Black Educator Development as they discuss these issues and learn how the #COVID19 pandemic exacerbated the situation. Participants will discover integrated approaches and strategies that promote equity in education at the state and district level. Register: https://lnkd.in/eEH57Kcu

Start with the environment.

It takes intentionality to build programs for recruiting, retaining, developing, and advancing a diverse team of teachers. Great suggestions in this article. #weneedblacktechers #blackeducators

In a post-#AffirmativeAction world, improving access for Black & Latino students in #HigherEducation is a matter of will. Our report offers 10 recommendations for campus leaders & policymakers to create racial equity in #CollegeAccess. https://lnkd.in/dkDaXNy #EndCollegeSegregation

Thank you Dr. John King for your glowing endorsement of The Advocate Educator and for all you do, and have done, for our nation's students! "As President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Education, I fought to ensure a safe, non-discriminatory environment for transgender young people in our nation’s public schools and higher education institutions. The Advocate Educator’s Handbook is rooted in the same inarguable premise that fueled those efforts: that trans youth have a right to learn in welcoming, nurturing schools where they can grow, be themselves, and live joyously. The challenge the authors have taken on, to help educators learn how to create and maintain such spaces, is crucial. Rigorous but not pedantic, The Advocate Educator’s Handbook establishes a blueprint for creating, in your classroom and your school, the environment of acceptance trans youth need to succeed. What’s more, this book clearly identifies the challenges in creating such environments, and the strategies for overcoming those difficulties. This is an important text for educators, parents, and those seeking to build safe and supportive communities for young people - and thankfully, it’s also a well-written, superbly organized, optimistic and loving one." Pre-Order Today: https://lnkd.in/eC7EmqPd