Parents of Color

Democrats Won’t Dictate Where My Black Children Go to School.
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Democrats Won’t Dictate Where My Black Children Go to School.

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This is a guest post by ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson, who currently resides in the west suburbs of Chicago with her two school-aged girls and her husband, Brian. She blogs at ShaRhondaTribune.com and ChicagoUnheard.org. This piece originally appeared on Education Post. “What you not gone do…”—An African American proverb Last month Democrats for Education Reform released polling… Continue reading Democrats Won’t Dictate Where My Black Children Go to School.

This Is How We Damage Our Black Students’ Prospects
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This Is How We Damage Our Black Students’ Prospects

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

Growing up in my home, education was pushed as the most important resource to obtain. My parents reminded me repeatedly that I was already born with two strikes against me — being a female and being Black. They prepared me for the harsh yet true reality that although I was smart and did exceptionally well… Continue reading This Is How We Damage Our Black Students’ Prospects

My Son Has Autism and This School Taught Him to Say ‘Mom’
School Choice

My Son Has Autism and This School Taught Him to Say ‘Mom’

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(This is a guest post by Violet Stevens, a 44-year-old mom of four living in the Bronx, New York City. Her youngest child, Niko, is on the spectrum. She has two passions, autism awareness and God. It was originally published at Education Post.) At 5, my son, Niko, was still in diapers. He didn’t know… Continue reading My Son Has Autism and This School Taught Him to Say ‘Mom’

An Open Letter To Matt Damon Who Only Wants School Choice For His Kids – Not Yours
Finding the Right School · School Choice

An Open Letter To Matt Damon Who Only Wants School Choice For His Kids – Not Yours

Alina Adams3 Comments

Dear Matt Damon – You don’t know me, although we do have some mutual acquaintances. Those would be families whose children attend(ed) a New York City private school alongside your daughters. I, in fact, am the person who helped them with the application process for those schools. Because that’s what I do, Matt Damon. I… Continue reading An Open Letter To Matt Damon Who Only Wants School Choice For His Kids – Not Yours

Am I Making The Right Choice to Raise My Children in a Segregated School District?
Blog · Finding the Right School · School Choice

Am I Making The Right Choice to Raise My Children in a Segregated School District?

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This is a guest post by Lisa Petgrave-Nelson, a graduate of Adelphi University’s School of Social Work.  She is a licensed master social worker and a certified health coach. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and nature photography. I grew up in St. Albans, Queens and attended Andrew Jackson High School in the early… Continue reading Am I Making The Right Choice to Raise My Children in a Segregated School District?

Shadina Charles’ Story: Homelessness, Cancer, and a Two-Hour Commute Won’t Get in the Way of Her Daughters’ Education
Blog · Finding the Right School · School Choice

Shadina Charles’ Story: Homelessness, Cancer, and a Two-Hour Commute Won’t Get in the Way of Her Daughters’ Education

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This is a guest column by Keciah Bailey, a freelance education journalist. Shadina Charles (see picture above) is a native of Grenada, a cancer survivor, and the mother of four daughters, two of whom attend Hebrew Language Academy Charter School in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. In Morris Heights, Bronx, the alarm sounds at 4:00 a.m. signaling to… Continue reading Shadina Charles’ Story: Homelessness, Cancer, and a Two-Hour Commute Won’t Get in the Way of Her Daughters’ Education

Dear NAACP: This Charter School Embraced My Son After a Traditional School Tried To Push Him Out
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Dear NAACP: This Charter School Embraced My Son After a Traditional School Tried To Push Him Out

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This is a guest post by Felecia Brown Butler. Felecia was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She is a dedicated mother of three beautiful sons and a fierce advocate for her community and great schools for all children. When my son was in Kindergarten, he didn’t seem to be learning like the other children.… Continue reading Dear NAACP: This Charter School Embraced My Son After a Traditional School Tried To Push Him Out

Update: NYC Parent Says, “Say Yes To The Test!”
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Update: NYC Parent Says, “Say Yes To The Test!”

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(The email copied in the post below was authored by Jean Holybrice, a public school parent in Fort Greene. It was originally posted in Medium and titled, “New Yorkers Opt In.”) If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. That’s a rule many live by, but it rings especially true in our schools. That’s… Continue reading Update: NYC Parent Says, “Say Yes To The Test!”

NAACP: Who Exactly Are You Working to Advance When You Ignore Black Parents?
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NAACP: Who Exactly Are You Working to Advance When You Ignore Black Parents?

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It was my prayer that the NAACP hearing on their charter school moratorium that happened three weeks ago in Los Angeles would go far better than the ones I recently attended in Orlando, Florida and Memphis Tennessee.  It would be an understatement to say that both were appalling experiences for me as a black woman… Continue reading NAACP: Who Exactly Are You Working to Advance When You Ignore Black Parents?

How Do I Help My Children Feel Pride in their Heritage in the Face of Ignorance?
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How Do I Help My Children Feel Pride in their Heritage in the Face of Ignorance?

Mariana Lara Lennon1 Comment

(This is a story told to me by a devastated friend, struggling to make sense of this new America. He wishes to remain anonymous.) “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This is far from the truth: I did not know racism until I came to this great country.… Continue reading How Do I Help My Children Feel Pride in their Heritage in the Face of Ignorance?