A new report is out that states that empirical evidence shows that "... students of color do better ... if they're taught by teachers of color."
Isn't that the crux of the very sticky situation that enabled several teachers to win a lawsuit against District #150, citing racial discrimination?
Isn't that the crux of the very sticky situation that enabled several teachers to win a lawsuit against District #150, citing racial discrimination?
In Illinois, 46 percent of students are of color but only about 11 percent of teachers are of color. A new report released by the Center for American Progress finds that nearly every state is experiencing a large teacher diversity gap, or a significant difference between the number of students and teachers of color.
Teacher Diversity Matters
The report, titled "Teacher Diversity Matters: A State-by-State Analysis of Teachers of Color," indicates that such large diversity gaps are common across the country. In fact, more than 20 states have differences of 25 percentage points or more.
"... the makeup of the nation’s teacher workforce force has not kept up with ... changing demographics. At the national level, students of color make up more than 40 percent of the public school population. In contrast, teachers of color—teachers who are not non-Hispanic white—are only 17 percent of the teaching force.This is a problem for students, schools, and the public at large. Teachers of color serve as role models for students, giving them a clear and concrete sense of what diversity in education—and in our society—looks like. A recent review of empirical studies also shows that students of color do better on a variety of academic outcomes if they’re taught by teachers of color. "
Findings from the report suggest that "the nation needs a two-pronged approach to improving teacher diversity; the need to expand high-quality recruitment programs, ... with some of this being done through the alternative certification programs; and the need to do more to improve the professional experience of teachers of color."
Read entire report here.
12 comments:
Absolutely! I think it would help if there were more teachers of color in Peoria. Both the students and the parents seem to respond better when they are talking to African American teachers. With the lives that some of these children have, a black teacher at school may be the only positive role model of color they have. I would love to see a recruitment program at the colleges which encourage people of color to enter the teaching profession and work in Peoria.
Yes. This is what happened in District 150. In the 1970s through the 1980s, black teachers were hired. Then in the 1990s, most of them became administrators. Black or white, teachers have more positive impact on students than do administrators. True, of course, because teachers have constant contact with all students. Administrators have only occasional contact with a few students.
Also, it has been my experience that black teachers face all the same problems in the classroom as are faced by white teachers. Teachers do not differ that much about the need for discipline, etc.
What the district needs, also, is more black males in classrooms. I may be considered a bit of a sexist, but both Dr. Royster and Dr. Lathan placed women into administrative positions. Right now the central administration is very top heavy with females (black and white). It has always been difficult to find males who want to teach in the primary grades, but I believe students, especially black students, need black male role models.
I am not going to agree that black teachers are more effective with students than are white teachers. However, I do believe a "mixed" faculty is much better for students. I know that my black students responded better to me because they knew that I was friends with my black colleagues. Those relationships are important as models for students.
Ok, I know that I am stepping into a mind field here. Didn't Dr. King say something about judging a man (woman) by their character, rather then their color? I think it is pretty naive to think just because some one is black or white, that makes them more or less qualified. For anything. For instance, I grew up in District 150, particularly in the south end. I have been accused of "trying to sound black". To me, it was "south end." I have know several black educators in 150, that were accused by the students as trying to "sound white". They were speaking correct English. I have also heard a lot of black educators in Dist. 150 use the term "axe me latter" or skool. I guess you have to talk to someone in a language they understand. On the other hand, I have know some white teachers who really had no business trying to teach in the south end schools. They were just so far removed from this by the way/place they grew up.
Every time I hear a white person quote Dr. King's speech about judging people based on the color of their skin, I cringe.
I honestly and, for what I believe were all the right reasons, did call attention to the "axe" instead of "ask" pronunciation with my students. I'm not sure why, but I do know that it is difficult for some students to make that switch--difficult to actually say "ask." However, I knew they would forever be judged by that mispronunciation alone.
I do believe that teachers and especially administrators (white and black) are no longer held accountable for correct usage of the English language, both spoken and written. For every black example you can give me, I can find a white teacher or administrator who uses incorrect grammar from time to time or all the time.
Like it or not, rapport or not, teachers of black children (and white) do have an obligation to help them change some of their speech habits because in the business world they will be judged by their use of the English language. Language usage alone can open or close many doors.
Ironically, it's only in the field of education where little attention is paid to the language usage of its leaders.
By the way, does anyone remember listening to Dr. Royster--she was language-ready for the business world.
My apologies to the above Anonymous--my little harangue about Dr. King's speech wasn't leveled at you--because the spirit of your comment didn't really use the quote disingenuously. I just find it hard to take when I hear the likes of Glen Beck using the quote (and I have heard him use it) to apply to reverse discrimination. At the time, Dr. King made his speech discrimination against blacks was the problem--there was no such thing as reverse discrimination at the time because there were few, if any, blacks in positions where they could discriminate. My objection is in going back to his quote and taking it out of context.
Someday I hope people won't see color and use color as an excuse for anything. It's been well over 100 years since slavery. Well over 50 years since King gave his speech and yet this society today relates more on color than anything. Why can't a black student have a white role model any more than a white student having a black role model. Color and labels. Until we start to think human beings, we will never break the divide, ever. We all have eyes but many can not see.
I agree with Sharon that a mixed staff helps all teachers in D150. However, I often ask my African American students about the gap and their response almost every time is that they want more African American teachers but none of them would think about becoming one themselves. When asked why, their reponses are ALWAYS the same. They do not want to deal with these rotten kids.
The report Emerge quoted states that nationally, there 40% of the students are non-white, whereas only 17% of the teachers are non-white. In D150, that divide is far greater - 74% of the students are non-white and only 10% of the teachers are non-white.
In other words, this is a district that has a far more non-white students than the national average and yet at the same time as far less non-white teachers than the national average.
So, should all the white teachers just quit teaching in District 150? What is the answer? Instead of bitching about the teachers being white, maybe we should thank them for even trying.
I honestly believe that District 150 has done its best to recruit black teachers. I believe that aualified young African-Americans are doing one of two things: they are entering fields other than education or they are not coming to Peoria or staying in Peoria.
I believe the same is probably true of young white teachers. I think the time will soon come when the tide will turn and districts will once again be begging for young people to come to inner city public schools to teach--few with a choice are flocking here.
DistrictWatch will meet Sunday at Monical's on Lake and Knoxville at 6 p.m. All are definitely welcome.
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