Equity and High Quality Education for Urban (All) Students

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Equity and High Quality Education for Urban (All) Students was another conversation that took place pool side with my sister this past summer.  This conversation started due to our discussion about students who were not rising to the occasion and what I "thought" could possibly be the reason why.  My sister being in true administrator form gave me the third degree on what was I doing to assure success was being achieved in my classroom.  She also asked how administration felt about the situation.  I told her I didn't know their thoughts.  BIG MISTAKE.  She began drilling me that it was unacceptable not having a healthy dialogue with my administration about any weaknesses that was being demonstrated by my students as well as by myself.  (Amazing on how we allow friends to talk to us.)    

Later in the discussion my sister shared she participated in a discussion with Dr. Pedro A. Noguera in Chicago.  Dr. Noguera is a professor who has done extensive research on race and closing the achievement gap.  My friend shared with me the discussion was video taped, watch and learn from it which I did dutifully. 

Dr. Noguera's focus during this discussion was how to ensure high standards are available to students in order for students to participate in powerful learning.  He gives possibilities on how this is achieved.  He mentions different schools across the nation who are being successful with minorities.  Dr. Noguera also provides five essential ingredients for school improvement which are:
1) Coherent Instructional Guidance System
2) On-going Professional Development
3) Strong Parent and Community Ties
4) Student Centered Learning Climate
5) Leadership

What I loved most about watching this video is how Dr. Noguera is reality based and reiterates how we as educators have felt for quite some time.  The best teachers of teachers are teachers.  Success in students must start in continued education and support of teachers.

Below is the link to watch the video as well as a link to the discussion panel. Yes it is lengthy.  However, it will be 40 minutes well spent. 

Dr. Noguera starts talking around the 13:00 minute mark if you want to fast forward

Keep in mind this discussion is taking place in Chicago.  However, the information discussed is pertinent to schools everywhere.

            Dr. Pedro Noguera presentation http://youtu.be/hColwdmbkXY

            Dr. Pedro Noguera panel discussion http://youtu.be/5Wms7RK1sVY


Comments

  1. TraciNovember 2, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Thanks for this. I work in an urban Title 1 school and some of the staff struggle with assuming our students need everything "dumbed" down. This year we are doing Growth Mindset training for our teachers and Brainology for our students. We are hoping this will change the mindset of both teachers and students. We are also having Ruby Payne come and talk to our staff. Too often I see teachers (myself included) confronting students in the wrong way. We need to understand they do not (usually) respond to people screaming at them or getting in their face. I look forward to learning from Dr. Noguera. Thanks again for sharing

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