This post is for those who are tired of asking for people to acknowledge 400 years of black pain in America. This post is for those who know that our education system works in tandem with our criminal justice system to devalue black lives. Our school leaders and policymakers shouldn't have needed to see George … Continue reading Tools for students and parents fighting against racism in their schools
You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
After the latest spate of black pain and protests interrupted the white gaze, there seems to be a great white awakening afoot. I'm not quite sure what was particularly poignant about this round of lynchings but folks are starting to connect the dots between 400 years of oppression and our present condition. And like Ibram … Continue reading You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
With school buildings in Delaware now closed until the end of the academic year, it is more important than ever that educators and policymakers understand how remote learning is working for students. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of students from across the state of Delaware where they shared their thoughts … Continue reading What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
How “woke” white folks block black women’s progress
It's Women's History Month and this is your friendly reminder that black women are undermined, underappreciated, and outright mistreated in this country. Black women are the breadwinners. They are “the most active voting blocs in the US electorate.” They are community-builders and the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. They are the United States’ … Continue reading How “woke” white folks block black women’s progress
The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about
Delaware school boards have been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. But the most alarming school board controversy is getting no attention. Several articles have been written about offensive comments made during Odyssey Charter School board meetings and the corresponding backlash. Christina school board member Fred Polaski’s “take ‘em away from mom” … Continue reading The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about
‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
It's that special time of year again. While some of us are sound asleep, things are being packaged and wrapped up neatly with a bow for us. But during this season of giving, what if the surprise package that awaits is unwanted or is not beneficial for us? As someone who works to empower everyday … Continue reading ‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
While some bribe, low-income students hurdle their way to higher education
By Tatiana Poladko News about the college admissions scandal this week shattered the romantic picture many hold about college admissions. We want to believe the process is fair and merit-based. We are fine with unadulterated competition for spots at selective colleges. But it is the lengths some families are willing to go —photoshopped pictures, $1.2 … Continue reading While some bribe, low-income students hurdle their way to higher education
Love public education? Care about who runs our schools.
It doesn't matter how much you wear “red for public ed.” It doesn't mean you love public education. It doesn't even mean you stand with teachers or truly care what happens with students in our schools. It's like wearing red on Valentine's Day as your gift to your significant other. They’d take substance over style … Continue reading Love public education? Care about who runs our schools.
Why the reforms Wilmington’s kids need are sure to fail
The Christina School District board has perfected the art of pushing paperwork that produces little progress for Wilmington students. Last week, its members signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gov. Carney’s office designed to take a bolder approach to education in a district whose graduation rate has dropped each of the last three years … Continue reading Why the reforms Wilmington’s kids need are sure to fail
When public meetings are super secret
Much to my wife’s disappointment, everything that bears an organic label in the grocery store is not really organic. Likewise, much to the disappointment of everyday Delawareans who want a say in the education policy process, everything called “public” isn't really public. For example, we have “public” schools and districts governed by board members elected … Continue reading When public meetings are super secret
Urgency of Now 