Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s Post

As an 18-year veteran public school educator I have found that bridging “equitable and empowering” access to “deeper learning” often reserved for “elite” schools required me to go against the grain. Our desire for these essential learning components that enable our children to soar is undermined by policies aimed to relieve inequitable outcomes. Districts that feel the pressure of statewide metrics such as state standardized testing will continue to regulate and micro-manage the learning experience in order to “make the grade.” As a bright African-American female student of mine once wrote, “Parents: Unenroll your students out of public school, they treat us like we’re TEST RATS.” We cannot increase access to deeper learning while simultaneously over emphasizing teaching to the test. Testing culture seeps into daily lessons, not just a few times during the year. That’s not the intent but that’s how it plays out. These communities desire so much to close the gap and to improve scores and the district profile that it ends up working against the goals of civil rights equity in education. I’ve observed, visited, and worked with “elite” schools and often they are private independent schools who do not have to take the state exam. Some explicitly state they opt out in order to provide a more creative and rich learning experience for their students. If this is the case for them, then I say it is the case for our public schools as well, especially in low-income communities. To increase access to “deeper learning” we must remove the shackles that standardized testing accountability brings. These other schools simply liberated themselves from a factor that interfered with more productive forms of learning. If we are to have a hope of educational equity then public schools must have access to the same freedom. But I fear we are too afraid to pursue another way. Deep learning is not teaching to the test. Low performing districts feel pressure to teach to the test due to state accountability metrics. The policy indirectly undermines its own intent. The state exam in California is not even a great measure say for mathematical understanding and yet it’s weighted heavily in social opinion and in local district policy and practice. We are trained in SEL, Project Based Learning, the 6 C’s, and more. But in reality much of the pressure goes back to testing and we rarely have time or autonomy to implement this training. Administrators feel it, teachers feel it, and more importantly our students feel it. If private schools have the right to freedom from state exams in order to enrich the learning experience and outcome for their students then our public school students should have this right as well. Or is it only a right if one can afford it? *Note: CA parents can opt-out of the test but their child would still likely be subject to frequent testing in school, testing incentives, overvalued testing culture, and top-down teach to the test classrooms.

“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.” - Martin Luther King Jr. Kudos to this gentleman here for speaking up about the educational divide in our country! It is true that a significant challenge in our country is the vast disparity in educational experiences and life outcomes for students based on their zip code. It’s disheartening that students living just down the street from one another can face two completely different educational realities. This issue spans across communities nationwide. I am passionately committed to the belief that every child in our nation deserves a high-quality, equitable education. Unfortunately, our current educational system is not designed to meet the needs of all students fairly. Addressing these systemic inequalities is essential to providing every student with the opportunities they deserve. We must unite to push for reforms that guarantee equitable funding, resources, and support for all schools. The future success of our children hinges on the decisions we make and the actions we take today. #EducationalEquality #OpportunityForAll #EducationMatters #SupportEveryStudent #FairEducation #CloseTheDivide

“The failure to invest in youth reflects a lack of compassion and a colossal failure of common sense.” So said Coretta Scott King- civil rights leader and wife of Martin Luther King. It feels a lot like that's exactly what is happening in our society right now. So it's perhaps all the more surprising that huge numbers of young people still want to invest in their society. One of the most rewarding jobs I do when not focusing on TAC access is to interview young people who, despite all the negative publicity, have decided that they want to become primary school teachers. The number of applicants is reducing year on year but still, there are a surprising number of highly moral and motivated youngsters who want to make a positive contribution to the lives of those following behind them. Their very recent experience as consumers of British education gives them a highly developed sense of what needs to change and what they want to preserve. It’s humbling and uplifting to discuss this with them. They tell me consistently that the things they value and that they want to characterise the system they teach in are: -a pro-active approach to mental health -relationships and trust within and beyond the school community -inclusivity- almost without exception they talk about the need to get provision right for all learners; -passion for developing lifelong learning. My hope for them is that we reform education so that their passion becomes the engine of hope and progress.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” In this blog article, Dr. Evette Riley Allison delves into the true repercussions of the teacher shortage, its impact on services, and student outcomes. With 45% of schools facing a severe shortage of special education teachers, many students aren't receiving the support they need. Proximity Learning is here to bridge that gap with live online instruction by certified teachers, ensuring every child gets a quality education, regardless of location or resources. Our services are customized to meet the unique needs of students and schools, providing flexibility, structure, and consistent support. No child should go without a quality education. Discover how Proximity Learning is making a difference! #SpecialEducation #EducationForAll #EducationMatters #LiveInstructionalModels https://lnkd.in/gFY8X-Sf

As we reflect on the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it's enlightening to draw parallels between his vision and the current landscape of education. MLK championed the idea of an education system that serves all, irrespective of background – a dream where classrooms reflect the diversity of our society. Today, as we glance into our multicultural classrooms, we see glimpses of that dream turning into reality. But the journey isn't complete. While we've made strides in inclusivity and diversity, the goal of educational equity that MLK envisioned still requires our dedicated effort. How do we ensure that every classroom not only embodies diversity but also champions equity and inclusivity at its core? How do we, as educators, leaders, and lifelong learners, contribute to the realization of MLK's dream in today's education system? Let's take this moment to both celebrate our progress and recommit to the work that remains. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can continue building a more equitable educational future. #MLKDay #EducationalEquity #DiversityInEducation

The idea of inviting speakers from different works of life to speak to the children at their tender stage in UPHOLDER SCHOOL is to really help the children to discover on time their innate potentials which environment and lack of exposure kill in so many lives. This innate potentials are global solution for this generation and generation yet unborn. That is why UPHOLDER SCHOOL has been committed to this course of discovering and utilizing on time. Exposure sometimes bring to lifeline the thought of the heart. Having exposed the children to the lecture by @iyasereoluwaseun on the topic PASSION IS STRENGTH and another by Mondiat Gbadamosi ( founder of Kiddie Cloud Academy in Texas USA) on the topic HOW TO TURN DREAMS TO REALITY . The children expressed some of their fears by asking questions that review some of the worries and discouragement they have within them . Questions like "how can we fund our expensive dreams", like becoming a pilot in the future seeing that my parents are not buoyant to fund such, a pronounce pianist and the likes. UPHOLDER SCHOOL has not only birth the idea of giving the children the courage to pursue their passions but has also put them on the pedestrian of possibilities Some of the take home messages from the past lectures that the children shared include 1.Passion is energy 2. Idea may be stolen but passion cannot be stolen by anyone 3. dreaming big even from your humble beginning 3. Choosing your friends and people you spend time with in order not to be talk down on your dreams 4. Having role model to look up to, is also vital in achieving ones dream. ( model like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr) Abati omotokunbo bolaji Yemisi Elizabeth Legunsen #youthdevelopment #passion #education #childdevelopment

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking the late civil rights leader’s birthday. Dr. King was an activist of nonviolence and racial equality. His message is taught to American children of all backgrounds, and scholars and students worldwide study his teachings. But the US is yet to achieve racial parity in the classroom. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 1.3% of US public school teachers in 2020–2021 were Black men —down 6.5% from three years before. Overall, Black, non-Hispanic men are 6.1% of the general US population. Black women, meanwhile, made up 4.8% of all public school teachers and 6.5% of the general population. Together, Black men and women comprise 6.1% of all public school teachers and 12.6% of the US population. Where do Black male teachers work and how has the number changed in recent years? Explore the data this #MLKDay: https://lnkd.in/gnM7HdQ6 #KingHoliday #MLKDay2024 #MLK #MartinLutherKing #civilrights #civilrightsmovement #education #mlkjr #teacher #educators #martinlutherkingjr #classroom #dataviz #usafacts

“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.” - MLK Today, as we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let’s continue to create a world of peace, equality, and education. #MLK

🌟 Embracing the Dream, Facing the Challenges 🌟 As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s crucial to remember the journey we’re still on to fulfill his inspiring dream. Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and peace remains a beacon in our continuous fight against the shadows of inequality. As the President of the Board of Education for the Compton Unified School District and a proud fraternity brother of Dr. King, my commitment to his legacy is unwavering. Today reminds us of the persistent inequalities in education, economic opportunity, and social justice that we must tirelessly work to overcome. Despite progress, our community still grapples with disparities in educational resources, unequal access to advanced learning opportunities, and the lingering shadows of systemic racism. In our district, we confront these challenges head-on, striving to provide an equitable education for every student, irrespective of their race, background, or economic status. Dr. King’s dream compels us to build a future where every child can realize their potential in a society that values them equally. Our mission in education is not just academic excellence, but the cultivation of an inclusive, understanding, and just community. Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy not only today but in our everyday actions. By committing to equality in education, we take significant strides towards a world that truly embodies the ideals Dr. King fought for. #MLKDay #FightForEquality #EducationalEquity #ComptonUnified #KeepTheDreamAlive

On this #MLKDay, let's reflect on the profound words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who envisioned a future where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to society. Just as Dr. King championed equality, access, and opportunity, Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a pivotal role in realizing these aspirations. CTE empowers individuals to bridge the gap between passion and profession, providing practical skills and knowledge for meaningful careers. Connecting Dreams to Careers: 🔧 Hands-On Learning: MLK advocated for tangible change, and CTE embraces hands-on learning, allowing individuals to actively engage in their education and acquire real-world skills. 🌍 Diverse Opportunities: MLK dreamed of a diverse and inclusive society. Similarly, CTE opens doors to a diverse range of careers, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. 🤝 Community Impact: MLK emphasized the importance of community, and CTE education often involves community collaboration, preparing individuals not only for personal success but also for making a positive impact on their communities. Let's celebrate MLK's legacy by recognizing the role of CTE in empowering individuals to turn dreams into reality. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the tools and knowledge to achieve their aspirations. 🌟 #MLKDay #CTE #DreamsIntoReality Teachers, if you're looking for activities for the week, check out my resource link in the comments with some great lessons from our African American History course!