Raise Up Kids-Don't Give Them Excuses

This just gets my blood boiling!

Hunter College High School, considered one of the most academically brilliant schools left in USA, is under fire for not having enough students of color in its ranks. The criticism stems from a single written test as being the main criteria for getting in. The faculty making the most noise believe there should be interview and other processes so that children of color will have a better chance of getting in. They say in part, that this is unfair because many of the students are prepared by professional services to do well on the test. This leaves affluent kids, mostly white at a distinct advantage to get in.

I am here to say that there is no reason to expect less from anyone, but to prepare all kids better. Our education system has slipped well below the global average. Let’s raise everyone’s quality of education by going back to true education and not the warehousing of kids nobody has bothered to raise.

I worked for five years in an inner city school, junior high level classes, and most of my kids came with no learning skills and sub standard test scores. Because parents were required to take part in their child’s education (e.g. we would speak to a parent every single time a child came to school without homework completed), these kids were able to advan ce grade levels within a couple of semesters. They were expected and encouraged to work at their top game and most kids genuinely came to love it. We gave them all the tools and support they needed to acheive greatness and they lived up to the occasion!

When our school closed due to lack of finances, our kids literally cried. But most went on to be at the very top of their classes because we gave them the tools to learn.

When you make an excuse as to why a child shouldn't have to meet the highest standards they will never attempt to achieve them. Let's leave raising the kids to the parents (& hold them accountable if they don't) and let's find ways to teach every child to reach their true potential!