Let’s Improve Education For Our Students

Current trends in our education system do not appropriately support our black and brown students. If you want to learn how you can help, continue reading...

We've all heard the murmurings and some of us may even know the statistics but there is truth in the fact that the educational system has failed our black and brown students. While it is true that black female students outnumber black male students on a national level, there is still much work to be done in this fight.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~ Nelson Mandela

Dr. Martin Luther King said that the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character -- that is the goal of true education. The problem that we are seeing is that the goal of education seems to have changed; it is now to teach our children to think for a test and not necessarily to think outside of the box. This stifles creativity and independent thinking, which can have detrimental effects on young children as they were created to soar through the use their imagination.

Practical Ways To Help

We know that standardized tests are biased and do not account for the different experiences and lifestyles of students of color. As such, many of our textbooks and teachings tend to steer our children toward thinking alike and makes individuality look as if it is something to be shunned. Low tests scores and poor grades are usually a direct reflection of the even bigger problem that exists in black and brown communities -- the lack of early childhood education. With the rise of single parent households, many of our children do not have access to the consistent education and resources that are needed to be successful in school. So how can you help?

Push For Quality Early Childhood Education And Programs In Your Community

Many communities, where the majority of the residents are people of color, do not have access to quality early childhood programs for their children. This poses a problem because it causes these children to start out with a deficit and they will usually spend their entire lives trying to catch up. Early childhood education is formal and informal education for children up to the age of 8 years old. They focus on developing the skills that children need to be successful throughout their lives. Working toward obtaining quality early childhood education in your neighborhood may take a lot of work, but it will be worth it to the lives of the children who will benefit from your efforts.

Write A Letter To Your School Officials Or Your State Representatives

"You have not because you ask not" (James 4:2). This may be one of the easiest things you can do but also one of the things that many people do not do because of the impression that one person cannot truly make a difference. I'm here to debunk that lie and tell you that one person CAN make a difference or they can at least get the ball rolling. Make it a habit to put pressure on your school officials so that they know of your concerns. If that does not bring about the results that you desire, reach out to your state representatives. Whatever you do, don't give up!

Donate Books Or Start A Literacy Program

Having access to a library is not a luxury in every community. Even when there is a local library, it does not guarantee that there are books and resources that are helpful and appropriate for every age and learning style. If you are an avid reader or you have books that are just collecting dust in your home, why not donate them to your local library or to a family who may not have the resources to purchase books for their family. Literacy is a huge problem in America and studies show that reading to children, even before they are born can have a major impact on their ability to learn and develop.

Mentor A Child In Your Community

Yes, we've saved the best for last! Mentoring can include tutoring or just presenting the mentee with a new experience that will help to expand their imagination and their view on life and the many things that are possible for them. Studies show that mentoring a child has many benefits, to include: increased high graduation and low high school dropout rates, enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, healthier relationships and lifestyle choices, and the list goes on and on. Even more than this, mentoring helps the mentee to know that someone truly cares about them and reassures them that they are not alone as they go throughout life and encounter various issues that may arise. If you or someone you know would like to be a mentor or would like to donate to this work, feel free to contact us or your local church or youth program to see where the need is and to get started. We know that your life will be enriched by the experience and we appreciate all of your help!