New Blog Site for William Jackson

This blog will discontinue to have postings to it.

I have moved my blogs to a new site on WordPress.

The new site is located at:
My Quest To Teach

Please make note of it in your Favorites and History on your browsers.

Peace,
William Jackson
jacksonw@duvalschools.org

Gwinnett County, Ga. Needs Black History Month

Gwinnett County, Ga. Needs Black History Month

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"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 recent events in Gwinnett County Georgia proves
America still needs Black History Month and the
teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Not only the recognition of African American contri-
butions to this country, but the continuation of
educating non Blacks, that respect and dignity
should be shown at all times. In the educational
realms of our schools Professional Development is
still needed for cultural, racial and colorism
understanding of teachers.

We have not arrived to the degree of sensitivity
and respect that is awarded to other cultures in
America. It seems that Black women can be called
ugly in news reports claiming the use of data and
scientific research:
Black Women Are Ugly
Black men are told they are more destined to be
criminals and involved in criminal behaviours:
Ron Paul & Blackmen
Black children in our educational systems are exposed
to the ugly realities of possible racism, potential
unethical behaviours and poor decision making. The
recent events in Gwinnett County show that even
educators can be insensitive to their students and
make very stupid decisions. Maybe with the coming of
Black History month these educators wanted to precede
the month with information that makes their students
reconsider their worth and value. The birthday of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. should be a testiment that
Blacks deserve respect, as citizens of the United
States of America. Maybe those teachers need to hear
the speaches of Dr. King and even of those of Malcolm X.

To truly understand the struggles and sacrifices of
Blacks in America. There is a disconnect that these
teachers and unfortunately others have about the
experiences of death, beatings, defication and denial
of civil and human rights that Blacks have and still
due experience.

A homework assignment should not be used to display
cultural disrespect. Copy and paste link into new
browser:
http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2012/01/06/video-
third-grade-homework-asks-how-many-oranges-can-each-
slave-pick

The recent events in Gwinnett County are a testament
that Blacks have not arrived in the sense of equal
respect or sensitivity to the emotional and psychological
support that as a people Blacks justly deserve. If
this was an equal and just situation, the mention of
Jews would have been mentioned, they were slaves in
Egypt in the time of Pharaoh which is also historically
documented. Reading information from
“How long were Jews slaves in Egypt?”
http://judaism.about.com/od/passove1/f/slaveegypt.htm
this information is available online. Why was this not
also presented, it is historical fact as well. The
insensitive nature of the homework questions posed to
students on the homework displays a lack of common sense
that these educators should have had. Regardless of any
cross-curricular assignment common sense and dignity
should be shown at all times.

The sensitivity to the students and their parents
cultural background should always be thought of when
developing content and assessments that could cause
any type of educational distraction. Information from
the International Test Commission, ”Culture can be
understood as “a shared way of life of a group of people”
(Berry, Poortinga, Segall & Dasen, 2002).

In this case the teachers did not understand the
students nor took into consideration the parents views
and the way they would perceive the testing questions.
Thus many non Blacks, not just white teachers do not
understand or do not care to understand their students
or other cultural backgrounds. There is a shared
group mentality that each group is given respect and
their cultural differences are respected and considered.

Education is a diverse occupation, but teachers have
to learn to embrace diversity and understand that the
wording and development of assessments (testing) can
affect a student’s success or failure. Culture does
have a link in assessment development. Taken from
Culture and Assessment: Discovering What Students
Really Know, 2010, “but what if the way we
ask the questions unintentionally causes some
students to fail? What if our assessments miss
uncovering the depth and complexity of knowledge
because they contain assumptions about language,
culture, values, and experiences that these students
don't share?”

Not just Black students but even students of other
cultuers do not understand the complexity of slavery,
but teachers still must be sensitive when using this
type of material when teaching and testing knowledge
about slavery or a cross integration of curriculums.
If done in the wrong way the teacher creates confusion,
accusations of unethical behavior and the perception
or being careless and unprofessional concerning race.

Suggestions for teachers when designing questions is
that for parents to have input in (of understanding)
the design and potential implementation. Stated in
Culture and Assessment, “Getting to that point
involves communication with community and others in
the community based on mutual respect.” Respect is a
key component for educational success of students.
Parental support is valuable and far reaching for
teachers. If teachers do not have parental support
or respect there will be serious challenges because
teachers will not have the confidence of parents to
be effective in the classroom and in the community.

Sharon Nelson-Barber, former Director of WestEd's
Center for the Study of Culture and Language in
Education states when developing assessments there
should be, “advocates for cross-cultural awareness
and competence in assessment and teaching because such
understanding sets a more solid foundation for
improving student success.” One of the items for
discussion for students is their ability to
understand what is actually asked of them to perform.
Slavery is a sensitive subject for many people not
just Blacks, so even the discussion can cause anxiety,
stress, and other emotional responses.
Even though the students talked about slavery in class,
have questions on a test may as Nelson-Barber states,
“elicits very little of the student's understanding.”

Teachers must consider at all times the ramifications
of their questions and the potential student impact.
Because education is an experience Nelson-Barber asks,
"What is it about a test question that continually
appears not to map onto some students' experiences?"

This incident is a lesson for other educators when
developing assessment or testing questions. Be careful
of the content and contextof the questions, a cultural
awareness would guide test creation, test
dissemination, and test evaluation. A broader look
might bring about eliminating cultural bias in testing
and the need for accommodations for some students and
at least an understanding of what not to ask.

At the school level, teachers and administrators can
build alliances with parents and leaders of different
cultural groups represented in the school populace.
Partnerships can be especially vital to school
communities where demographics have changed the student
populations of many classrooms and new teachers that
are unskilled and unaware of the cultural diversity
in schools they work in.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere
ignorance and consciencious stupidity.”

A word of caution and wisdom to educators and
administrators:Culture and communication are
inseparable because culture not only dictates who
talks to whom, about what, and how the communication
proceeds, it also helps to determine how people encode
(understand) messages, the meanings they have for
messages, and the conditions and circumstances under
which various messages may or may not be sent, noticed,
or interpreted...
Culture...is the foundation of communication.
(Samovar, Porter, & Jain, 1981)

Children encode and decode information differently
then adults, so educators need to be knowledgeable
and sensitive to their students and what maybe potential
parental reactions. Living in southern states
there are still sensitive feelings about slavery, the
civil war, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
So educators themselves must "educate" themselves about
how others will feel, Black, White, Asian, Jewish,
Hispanics, Muslem, etc. Would those teachers have
conducted a similar test on Asians, because of World
War II, how about those of German backgrounds of both
World Wars?

An Anointing Message To Fathers for 2012

An Anointing Message To Fathers for 2012
by William Jackson, M.Ed.

Going into the new year Pastors, Bishops, Apostles,
Priests and others of religious faiths should pray
over all fathers. Now more than ever in history do
we need spiritual guidance, wisdom and protection.

As a father, educator and mentor, I want to inspire
and motivate fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers,
fathers to be, divorced fathers and even absentee
fathers, men who are guardians: to be the best men
their families, children, communities, and churches
need.
Difficult times and many challenges are around us;
spiritually, economically, educationally,
environmentally and politically.
As men we should be taking the lead in the direction
to move to care for our loved ones,
our communities and supporting our churches. Fathers
have a historical responsibility and spiritual
accountability to place our families above our
personal needs. We cannot nor should not be selfish
in our love for family, devotion to God, giving to
community and mentoring to youth. These things as
men we should pray and act on to improve ourselves.

1. Fathers, should go to Jesus in prayer and pray
with their children and families. Leading
prayer as the leader of the household.
2. Fathers, make mistakes, but own up to them and
correct the mistakes they have made.
Working not to repeat them and modeling responsibility.
3. Fathers, discipline their children with love and
not with physical violence, verbal degradation
or emotional manipulation.
4. Fathers, take their children/families to church
and bible study to receive the Word of God
and meditate on these words to empower, inspire and
strengthen the family unit.
5. Fathers, are not perfect and should not try to be
perfect, ask God for wisdom, direction and
discernment.
6. Fathers, don't blame others for their weakness,
but work to strengthen themselves
in the Word of God through prayer and reading of
scripture.
7. Fathers, will not "follow the guys" when they
are disrespecting women, this sets an
inappropriate and dangerous model for their sons
to follow.
8. Fathers, don't block their children's anointing
with ungodly actions and modeling that may
be repeated by their children as they mature into
adults.
9. Fathers, ask for discernment to recognize the
signs of trouble, chaos and confusion
before they happen.
10. Fathers, model respect for the spirit of the
church and church representation.
11. Fathers, lead grace/prayer at meal time and
anoint their children with oil.
12. Fathers, should be able to purchase their
daughters personal items and be
proud in doing so. Setting a standard of respect,
pride and responsibility for the
young lady he protects and loves.
13. Fathers, promote education in the household.
Reading should come before video
games, television or play time.
14. Fathers, talk to their children about drugs
and sex before the street or television does.
15. Fathers, do not whine about what "HIS" daddy
did not do for him, but follow a model
indicative of Godly men and accountability.
16. Fathers, do not blame where he came from for
his short-comings. He focuses on
where he is going in a positive direction.
17. Fathers, takes time to visit their children's
school and talk to teachers about their
children's progress, strengths, and challenges.
18. Fathers, will happily sacrifice for their
family, showing how God’s love sacrificed
for all of us.
19. Fathers, accept responsibility for their
children's actions. Remembering that
“the apple does not fall far from the tree.”
Fathers recognize and work to stop
generational curses so a new and positive direction
is made for his children.
20. Fathers, will visit their children and spend
time with them even though he
may not be present in the home. A true father takes
responsibility for a life that
they helped create and a true mother/woman allows
the father to do this and
puts her feelings aside to allow a father to be a
father.
21. Fathers, aren't afraid to show love to their
children, children still need reinforcement
that they are loved and respected by their father.
Love cannot be bought, bartered,compromised, sold,
exchanged. Love is a action word and actions speak
louder than words.
22. Fathers, spend time just being together with
their children and doing things their
children like and will remember doing.
23. Fathers, teach your child to be responsible
and accountable for their actions. Not to
blame others for their actions or think they are
owed anything. Respect is always earned.
24. Fathers must teach and model respect to women
for their sons and respect to men
by their daughters. Sex must be taken seriously
not as a game, violence is not
acceptable by men or women. Fathers must lead in
the understanding of this.
25. Fathers must teach respect, honor, and fear
of the Lord.

Quote:
A truly humble man is sensible of his natural
distance from God; of his dependence on Him;
of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom;
and that it is by God's power that he is upheld
and provided for, and that he needs God's wisdom
to lead and guide him, and His might to enable
him to do what he ought to do for Him.
Edwards, Jonathan

Social Media and Teachers in 2012

Social Media and Teachers in 2012

Don’t allow frustration in the classroom prompt you to
post inappropriate content online in 2012.

As teachers begin to make the transition from holiday
relaxation spent with family and friends and back to the
business of educational professional at their respective
schools, they should remember to reposition and refocus
their minds to that of professional educators.

This transition for many that are experienced educators is
second nature, but for new teachers it takes adjusting back
to the rigors of responsibility and accountability being
teachers of young minds. Teaching is not something that
a person can just jump into, it takes proper educational
training, professional development refinement, seasoning
and dedication.

There are adjustments, modifications and changes to make
sure the educational climate is conducive to learning.
Distractions in the learning environment are held at a
minimum as much as possible and outside personal matters
are kept away from the classroom.

That being said, teachers should be mindful of their
online content that consists of text, photos and video.
Online content can present a distraction that maybe
unseen and cause unforeseen professional ramifications.
The continued debate as educators is privacy as
individuals, but in the field of education in many ways
we loose our privacy when working in the public spotlight
in a profession that has great exposure.
Working with children automatically puts us in the spotlight
and with the advancement of interactivity in Social Media,
growth in Social Networks, and integration of Web 3.0
protocols(tools) online content is scrutinized even more
whether teachers like it or not.

In any social media situation educators should be careful of
what is said about students and their families. Educators cannot
afford to be their student’s friends in the classroom and on social
media because of the potential of misunderstood content that is
posted or that may be posted by other adults/friends/family members.
Posted on the web site The Drum it is stated about teachers and
students that, ”teachers (should) keep their private and professional
lives separate.” Increased access to social media has created a
hyper-sensitivity to information and the message it presents about
educational staff, teachers, administrators and included custodial
staff and cafeteria staff. Online information has ramification for
years. As I have discussed in past presentations with teachers the
way you present yourself online in social media today may be
scrutinized in 5 to10 years.

A teacher’s level of perception should include how to conduct oneself
online is a component of media literacy – the ability to think critically
about messages received through television, newspapers, books or
online. Educators use multiple media types to teach with and communicate
with, but our involvement for the most part is the educational access.
Students have a more social behavior, this may create conflicts in
the intent and purpose of communication and sharing information.

Discussing school activities, procedures, rituals and routines are
common place in dialogue that teachers share, but when discussions
are directed to student behaviors it becomes a issue of student privacy.
All teachers should remember that anything posted online will never
go away, it will always be located some place, even if the use of
Smart Phones is used to transmit or post information. Simplistically
do not share or post any information about any student in a social
media environment even if you think your security or personal
settings will protect you. THEY WILL NOT!!!

This would seem to be a No Brainer, but with confidentiality
laws on information sharing, beyond the obvious facts that
some information could be embarrassing to the student and
family there are other relevant facts about students. Student’s
personal lives are affected dramatically by their parents or
guardians ability to provide for them, homeless is increasing,
medical issues are present, custody issues are involved during
divorce or adoptions, and from several previous experiences
there are families that are in protective custody. Professional
educators are not always privy to this information so caution,
common sense, good judgment along with professionalism is
always suggested. Make sure that information posted is not out
of frustration, aggravation and argumentation.

Transitioning back to school will bring some frustration, anxiety
and apprehension. Social media is not the place to vent to online.
You never know who could be reading your entries, looking at
your photos and videos, importantly who could be telling others
what you said. In the digital age information is never discarded,
it is archived, stored and housed some place. That is why those
in professional positions as education, medicine, law enforcement,
etc must be mindful of what and where we vent or exchange
information. It could be used against you in the future and has
happened in recent court cases against educators.

On the student side of free speech; Freedom of speech cases have
been in favor of students; In a groundbreaking free speech case in
the age of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and
MySpace, the ACLU of Florida received a favorable decision in
a lawsuit filed in 2008 on behalf of a high school student against her
former principal and teacher at a High School. In the ruling, a United
States Magistrate Judge denied the Principal’s motion to dismiss the
student’s complaint, allowing the lawsuit against the teacher, principal
and school board to move forward.

The student’s lawsuit allowed her to post unfavorable words against
the teacher on social media sites because they were viewed as,
“off-campus, non-violent expression of her opinion about a teacher,
posted on the Internet, is protected speech.”

Teachers do not have free speech support in some cases because
our work involves minor children and their families. Even if a court
case is won concerning freedom of speech and online postings, this
sometimes destroys or damages the teacher’s reputation as a professional
educators because their past is brought forward into the public eye.
This is not something any teacher, administrator, staff member would
want told to the world. The type of information they access on their
personal time that may influence or inhibit their professional duties.
Posted on Teachers and the Dangers of Social Networking (2011)
a reminder that, "teaching is a public profession and it's a public
image issue." An educators private information through social media
is made public.

As we teach our students, education will empower us to make intelligent
decisions that affects our lives. Please use this information to empower
and protect yourself as teachers.

More information to support teachers and social media can be found at:
Blogging Content for Teachers
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400553/william-jackson/2011-08-30/blogging-content-teachers

Caution for Teachers that Blog and Facebook
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400553/william-jackson/2011-04-25/caution-teachers-who-blog

Teachers and Blogging
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400553/william-jackson/2011-04-19/teachers-and-blogging

African Americans; Technology and Social Media

African Americans; Technology and Social Media
by Sean Jackson (FAMU) and William Jackson, M.Ed.
(Edward Waters College)

The holiday season shows the passion African Americans
have for technology. Cyber Monday was an economic
boom for companies offering online discounts and
provide devices that traditional stores did not have
in stock.

According to CNN Cyber Monday was the highest grossing
online shopping day in U.S. history, spending reached
$1.25 billion. An increase over 20% from 2010 and expected
to grow even further with the availability of secured online
security, Apps that allow for shopping directed at a person’s
interests and retailers marketing based on culture, race,
gender and age.

African Americans projected economic contribution was
as high as 30% in online buying and the understanding
that Black buying power is expected to reach $1.1 trillion
by 2015, according to State of the African-American
Consumer Report.

The evidence of the Digital Divide for African Americans
is further declining with Smart Phones and Tablets leading
the way for providing unprecedented access to online
content. Apps (small computer applications) have grown
tremendously offering additional connectivity using
Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 protocols (tools). Even though
traditional media does not admit it, African Americas
are still the highest purchasers of Smart Phones.

The question(s) where/when/will and how Blacks will
benefit?
Blacks are consumers of these resources, but to build
wealth Blacks need to start being developers of digital
tools. Once again Blacks are taking capital or monies
out of their communities and putting it someplace else.

According to Nielson reports

http://www.nielsen.com/africanamerican
a. African-Americans use more than double the amount
of mobile phone voice minutes compared to Whites
b. African-Americans send/receive on average 907 text
messages
c. 33% of all African-Americans own a Smart Phone

These statistics are growing as tweens and teens
receive phones this holiday season and mobile phone
providers are offering specials and low rates for
multi-phone purchases and specials on data bundles.

Technology has opened up the capability for virtual
traveling, ecommerce, political and religious exchanges
and socializing on a global scale, literally.
No longer are African Americans restricted or confined
from digital access and there is a growing digital
social media presence besides Facebook.
African Americans have a presence on Facebook,
Google +, Nings, Youtube, Blog Talk Radio and Tweeting
While Black has grown. Entrepreneurialism
such as Tiffany Duhart’s eblast
Nokturnalescape
and Facebook presence
Facebook.com/nokturnalescape have seen great growth because of the information provided on
community events.

Social media sites for Blacks:
BlackBloggersConnect.com, SeeingGrowth.com,
BlackFathers.org, BlackBloggersNetwork.com,
BloggingWhileBrown.com and DelawareBlack.com
have grown for Black Bloggers.

Caution with Employment
Caution still should be used potential and current
employers are viewing social networking activities
and content. African Americans should be aware that
their content and information may be scrutinized
by employers and potential employers
before they are interviewed for jobs and entrance into
higher education.

Content is creating a f irst impression and first impressions
are always powerful; African Americans should use this
knowledge to be empowered about what their social
presence is saying about them. Social content can be
used as a resume to highlight knowledge of and proficiency
with technology, the level of professionalism you display
with technology and networking connectivity to the business
world. Networking in sites such as LinkedIn can display
your association with businesses this can be beneficial
by opening doors and create collaborations.

Influence of African Americans
African Americans make technology fun and exciting,
just look at Facebook and Twitter entries. Tiffany Duhart

BlinkVirtualBuzz tweeted
(Why Do Blacks Make Technology Popular?) take a look
for yourself

Black Technology.
The use and sometimes misuse of technology is representative
of ingenuity and creativity. An African American developed
the concept of cell phones.

Online information suggests that Jesse Eugene Russell,
an African-American inventor helped create the technology
of cell phones. Mr. Russell trained as an electrical engineer
at Tennessee State University, recognized globally as
a thought-leader, technology expert and innovator of
wireless communications. An American legend, in 1995
Russell was inducted into the National Academy
of Engineering for “pioneering work in digital cellular
communications technology.” This is information youth
need to know to continue to inspire their
influence in STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics.

Data and Statistics
Nielsen data shows that during July 2011 23.9 million
active African-American Internet users and African-Americans
are 30% likely to access online content.
I can attest to this fact watching my fiancée Cheryl visit
JCPenney, Shoefab, and other fashion sites getting the
best of ecommerce and establishing a catering
business with her sister Sister2Sister Catering

Sister2sister Catering.

Since their web presence their business
has grown by 20% and receiving catering orders throughout
Jacksonville, Florida.

Parenting
As parents my fiancée and I our sons respectively find
great deals online through Ebay, Amazon, Best Buys and
other sites looking for electronics and clothes.
My daughter is a true 21st century teen at 15 yrs,
connected to her friends and family through Facebook and
using Apps to video chat and enjoy music. On a serious
note as a divorced father I keep in contact with my children,
being their Friend on Facebook, through Twitter, Texting
and Skypeing. Divorced or parentsin the military or who
travel for business find the Internet valuable for communication.

Digital Age of the 21st Century
The age of digital information is an age of moving information
with the “Speed of Thought” Bill Gates; Business @ the
Speed of Thought and George Andersen; Wikipedia:
A WikiFocus Book , both books should be read or at least
get the DVD used to learn about the evolution and application
of digital content for business and education.
In the book “Business At The Speed of Thought” (Bill Gates);
Gates discusses that the life blood of business and networking
is information. As an instructor at Edward Waters College
(Educational Technology) I try to instill in my students the
use of technology allows people to grow and expand into
learning opportunities, new careers and educational
growth. Social networks, IT (information technology),
content creation, SoLoMo (Social Local Mobile) digital
access and Blogging creates business and social resources
where virtual partnerships develop; potentially enhancing
communication, collaboration and commerce.

Closing
A quote by William Clinton addresses the connection
of education and economics, “In today's knowledge-based
economy, what you earn depends on what you learn.
Jobs in the information technology sector, for example,
pay 85 percent more than the private sector average”.

Still A Need for HBCU's Part 1

Still a Need for HBCU’s Part 1

“If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand
that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong
enough to get out of the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson

Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State University)
and now working at Edward Waters College, the oldest HBCU in
Florida, I learned from past and current experience there still is a
need for these culturally diverse educational institutions. My son
(honor student) attends Florida A&M University, my fiancée’s
sons are graduates of SCSU and Florida A&M, respectively
both honors students.
HBCU’s are under attack it seems by the federal government,
state governments and none Black institutions that see Black
students only as financial aid receipts not as potential scholars
and graduates.

The need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities can
be heard in media circles like the Tom Joyner Morning Show,
blackamericaweb.com, hbcusonline.com/, hbcuconnect.com/
and uncf.org/aboutus/hbcus.asp that consistently promote the
benefits and societal contributions of HBCU’s. The need for
HBCU’s is evident in the understanding that students that lack
exposure to advanced technology and technical instruction still
need traditional methods of hands on learning and instructor led
discussion and dialogue; this is still available at HBCU’s.

Higher education institutions embracing technology lead the
way for digital learning environments (DLE) and online
platforms that demand technical skills. The unfortunate reality
is not every student graduating from high school has sufficient
technology knowledge to be successful in a high tech classroom
of the21st century. The cost of technology implementation and
supporting infrastructure along with obtaining and keeping teachers
that use and can teach with technology are not always available.

Those that have technical skills move to high paid jobs or seek benefits
from non Black institutions that may pay more, but do not support
students lacking technology skills.
Many high schools do not have the resources to provide advanced
technology instruction especially in many urban environments. The
access to hardware and a sufficient ratio of computers to students,
again students in particularly urban schools may have sporadic use
of computers for academic and research work.

Minority students more than their white counter parts embrace
mobile technology that is acquired through cell and smart phones.
This type of access is not the same as with standard desktop or laptop
use and guided by an instructional model that is created for urban
students to be successful. Mobile technology is the way most youth
communicate so instruction should be molded to meet this need.

When transitioning from high school to higher education HBCU’s
serve a purpose in providing a needed traditional approach to
providing educational services that many students still need. Even
non Black students from urban areas benefit from attendance. Data
shows that non Black students are accepted at HBCU’s from urban
high schools have. They have lower opportunities for entrance in
traditional white universities so enroll and graduate from HBCU’s
where they are embraced as “family”. This is seen as a revere
cultural discrimination as more white students seek entrance into
HBCU’s.

Critics of HBCU’s (mostly non Black) educational institutions
claim HBCU’s have “no legitimate purpose” (Ebony.com 2011),
dispelling these potentially racial statements, data shows 25% and
higher of Bachelor’s degrees of Blacks come from HBCU’s and a
large number of advanced degrees are earned.

Instructors at HBCU’s encourage students to seek advanced degrees
because they understand the challenges Blacks face even with earning
a Bachelor’s degree. HBCU’s although have lower entrance standards
this can be justified because young adults and adults are given
opportunities to earn their degrees and provided support in a nurturing
and culturally/ethnically familiar environment. My experience as an
instructor at EWC an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida is that students
are unique because of their age and maturity. Many already have
families, jobs and other responsibilities; yes there are the “traditional”
freshmen, first generation students, challenged students, those looking
for a “second chance” in society.

Many HBCU’s were founded after slavery and based on doctrines of
religious expression and spiritual empowerment. Education for Blacks
began in the Bible, reading, literacy and comprehension was started
even before federal and state mandates for instruction in public schools.
Second chances were understood by Blacks when slavery was abolished
and learning opportunities where welcomed even those that were elderly
wanted the opportunity to learn.

In biblical scriptures from Jesus to Mohammed second chances are
granted, how can educational institutions deny those that make mistakes
in their youth continue to plague them into adulthood. HBCU’s see the
potential to grow, the ability of students to mature and the possibility
to be productive in society if only people are given a second chance.

A quote that has Islamic origins, “Whoever will not endure the
affliction of being taught, will stay forever in the debasement of ignorance.”

Need for HBCU’s Part 2

Part 2
“Philosophers have long
conceded, however, that
every man has two educators:
'that which is given to
him, and the other that
which he gives himself.




Of the two kinds the latter is by far the more
desirable. Indeed all that is most worthy in man
he must work out and conquer for himself. It is
that which constitutes our real and best nourishment.
What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind
like that which we teach ourselves.” Carter G. Woodson,
The Mis-education of the Negro

HBCU’s provide a chance to improve a life and look
past mistakes, what sometimes society tries to throw
away, an opportunity to grow and change for the better.
Stated by Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Ph.D.,
“People often think of HBCU’s as places that find
services for needy students. This is just one
argument made to justify HBCU’s existence. HBCU’s
do things that majority of college don’t do,
that they are more sensitive to certain things.”

Too many people especially in higher education
forget their mistakes of youth, that maybe from
social challenges and even incarcerations they
were given a second chance. Higher education is
the right for all citizens no matter their color,
culture or creed. HBCU’s recognize this that is
why some students are allowed to enroll to get
their lives back on track. Unique to HBCU’s
instructors see that when a person enrolls they
already may have financial, social or family
challenges; their desire to succeed is stronger
because there is a need to be in school and the
rewards of education are apparent. Addressing the
unique situations of students, Johnny Anderson a
Southern graduate states that HBCU students,
“they’re single parents, teen parents, folks
working two and three jobs to get ahead, and
dealing with a whole range of issues related
to their individualistic circumstances.”

Even in my classes at EWC I have single parents,
students working through medical conditions and
those that are working to mature into the person
they need to be to move forward in life.

“If you can control a man's thinking you do not
have to worry about his action. When you determine
what a man shall think you do not have to concern
yourself about what he will do. If you make a man
feel that he is inferior, you do not have to
compel him to accept an inferior status, for he
will seek it himself. If you make a man think that
he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order
him to the back door. He will go without being told;
and if there is no back door, his very nature will
demand one” Carter G. Woodson, The Mis-Education
of the Negro.

The growth of HBCU’s can be seen in data, in 2000
HBCU students were at 276,000, in 2009 the numbers
were 323,000. Success continues to be shown in other
studies, Inside Higher Education has shown that
HBCU’s enroll 18 percent of African Americans in
higher education and graduate 30 percent of those
who persist to graduation. They graduate 40 percent
of African Americans who obtain degrees in the STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
fields, 50 percent of those who go on to become
professors and 60 percent of those who major in engineering.

The surprising effectiveness of HBCU’s is that HBCUs
are as effective in graduating African-American student’s
equivalent to white institutions (Inside Higher Ed 2009).
HBCU’S continue to take a risk on students, giving them
a chance when non Black institutions may not consider
the potential within Black, Hispanic,Latino, Mexican,
Haitian and South American students. Even the President
of Spelman Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D. comments on the
benefits of HBCU’s and the help they provide students,
“what I don’t like is the continued question of why
HBCU’s are still needed.” Just from the examples stated
they are needed now and in the future. Students find
themselves more challenged than ever before so HBCU’s
provide an opportunity for higher education. Even in
a recent speech about HBCU’s President Obama has
claimed that HBCU’s are important to restore the U.S.
to its higher ranking as a higher education power house.

Graduates like Darryl “Topshelf” McClenton (FAMU 2010)
are future leaders being positive role models for others
that strive for a college education and attending HBCU’s.
His story is here:
Darryl McClenton Story

Moving into the 21st century for HBCU’s implementing
advanced technology maybe a challenge, but HBCU’S face
challenges and still turn out capable and confident
graduates. If not for the support I received attending
an HBCU (SCSU) I would possibly not have graduated. As an
instructor at Edward Waters College (Jacksonville, Florida)
I find that there is a strong desire to obtain an education
by the students that attend and at Florida A&M University
where my son attends. The challenges that the students face
are basically life itself. If Blacks are going to compete
and contribute to society they must make education a
priority for themselves and their children.

Education does not always open the doors we think is should,
change the minds and perceptions of Blacks by some in society,
but it empowers the spirit and the mind to press on to
overcome challenges. Maya Angelo wrote in “Still I Rise”,
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream
and the hope of the slave”; holds true, not to let the
challenges of life and the low expectations of people stop
you from growing into a better person.

HBCU teachers, teach from the heart and their experiences
not from the microchip or for political gains. HBCU’s are
important because they recognize the human element of
learning and the growth and potential of their students.
Malcolm X’s statement about education can still can be
applied even in the 21st century,” “Education is our
passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the
people who prepare for it today.” HBCU’s prepare future
scholars that will influence the world in many career
fields.

Our country still benefits from the education that
HBCU’S provide, countries outside of the U.S. are
seeing this as well and sending their students to
attend and experience the HBCU tradition of family
bonding and cultural strengthening.

Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century

Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century Part 1

“If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed
by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he
will never become strong enough to get out of
the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson

Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State
University) and now working at Edward Waters College,
the oldest HBCU in Florida, I learned from past and
current experience there still is a need for these
culturally diverse educational institutions.

HBCU’s are under attack it seems by the federal
government, state governments and none Black
institutions that see Black students only as
financial aid receipts not as potential scholars
and graduates.

The need for Historically Black Colleges and
Universities can be heard in media circles like
the Tom Joyner Morning Show,blackamericaweb.com,
hbcusonline.com/, hbcuconnect.com/ and
uncf.org/aboutus/hbcus.asp that consistently
promote the benefits and societal contributions
of HBCU’s. The need for HBCU’s is evident in
the understanding that students that lack
exposure to advanced technology and technical
instruction still need traditional methods of
hands on learning and instructor led
discussion and dialogue; this is still available
at HBCU’s.

Higher education institutions embracing technology
lead the way for digital learning environments
(DLE) and online platforms that demand technical
skills. The unfortunate reality is not every
student graduating from high school has sufficient
technology knowledge to be successful in a high
tech classroom of the21st century. The cost of
technology implementation and supporting infra-
structure along with obtaining and keeping teachers
that use and can teach with technology are not
always available.

Those that have technical skills move to high
paid jobs or seek benefits from non Black insti-
tutions that may pay more, but do not support
students lacking technology skills.

Many high schools do not have the resources
to provide advanced technology instruction
especially in many urban environments. The
access to hardware and a sufficient ratio of
computers to students, again students in
particularly urban schools may have sporadic
use of computers for academic and research work.

Minority students more than their white counter
parts embrace mobile technology that is acquired
through cell and smart phones. This type of
access is not the same as with standard desktop
or laptop use and guided by an instructional
model that is created for urban students to
be successful. Mobile technology is the way most
youth communicate so instruction should be molded
to meet this need.

When transitioning from high school to higher
education HBCU’s serve a purpose in providing a
needed traditional approach to providing
educational services that many students still
need. Even non Black students from urban areas
benefit from attendance. Data shows that non
Black students are accepted at HBCU’s from urban
high schools have. They have lower opportunities
for entrance in traditional white universities
so enroll and graduate from HBCU’s where they
are embraced as “family”. This is seen as a
revere cultural discrimination as more white
students seek entrance into HBCU’s.

Critics of HBCU’s (mostly non Black) educational
institutions claim HBCU’s have “no legitimate
purpose” (Ebony.com 2011), dispelling these
potentially racial statements, data shows 25%
and higher of Bachelor’s degrees of Blacks
come from HBCU’s and a large number of
advanced degrees are earned.

Instructors at HBCU’s encourage students to
seek advanced degrees because they understand
the challenges Blacks face even with earning
a Bachelor’s degree. HBCU’s although have
lower entrance standards this can be
justified because young adults and adults
are given opportunities to earn their degrees
and provided support in a nurturing
and culturally/ethnically familiar environment.

My experience as an instructor at EWC an HBCU
in Jacksonville, Florida is that students
are unique because of their age and maturity.
Many already have families, jobs and other
responsibilities; yes there are the “traditional”
freshmen, first generation students, challenged
students, those looking for a “second chance”
in society.

Many HBCU’s were founded after slavery and
based on doctrines of religious expression
and spiritual empowerment. Education for Blacks
began in the Bible, reading, literacy and
comprehension was started even before federal
and state mandates for instruction in public
schools.

Second chances were understood by Blacks when
slavery was abolished and learning opportunities
where welcomed even those that were elderly wanted
the oppourtunity to learn.

In biblical scriptures from Jesus to Mohammed
second chances are granted, how can educational
institutions deny those that make mistakes
in their youth continue to plague them into adulthood.
HBCU’s see the potential to grow, the ability of
students to mature and the possibility to be
productive in society if only people are given
a second chance.

A quote that has Islamic origins, “Whoever will
not endure the affliction of being taught, will
stay forever in the debasement of ignorance.”
END OF PART 1

Jacksonville Giants Treat DCPS Students

Jacksonville Giants Treat DCPS Students

William Jackson, Andrew Robinson Elementary

Duval County Public School students were treated
to a rollercoaster of athletic prowess and comical
entertainment as the Jacksonville Giants battled
The Gulf Coast Flash.

The game was close during the professional basketball
contest; DCPS students enjoyed the opportunity to
see a professional basketball team which inspired
their own dreams of becoming professional athletes.
The Jacksonville Giants provided vouchers for the
schools they had an opportunity to visit before the
season started. Andrew Robinson was the first school
to be visited by the Giants.

During the game each team’s mascot engaged in
playful antics bringing cheers and laughter from the
fans. As MR. BIGGS the Giants mascot walked the
stands children happily gave him high fives and hugs.
The energy felt electrifying in Veterans Memorial
Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and kept the over 3,500
in attendance motivated and cheering for a win by
the Giants.

MR. BIGGS recently visited Andrew Robinson
Elementary along with several players from the
Giants and other DCPS schools as a partnership between
the Jacksonville Giants and the school system.
This partnership is a positive fit for encouraging
students to work hard for academic success. The
Giants are providing role models, and mentors that
display sportsmanship and a winning attitude, and
just as importantly the importance of gaining a quality
education by graduating from high school and going
on to college/university or vocational school.

The Jacksonville Giants provided a fantastic finish
with a win three (3) seconds left that had fans jumping
from their seats and a thunderous roar.
As the crowds left several students from Andrew Robinson
Elementary and R.L. Brown Elementary happily and
proudly commented they wanted to go to college and
play basketball, then come back to Jacksonville to play
for the Giants. This is a great testament to the importance
and power of academics and athletics.

Jacksonville Giants information can be found at:
jacksonvillegiants.com/

Game pictures by William Jackson can be found at:
http://photobucket.com/giantsfirstwin

Supporting Art Education in Duval County Public Schools

Supporting Art Education in Duval County Public Schools

Support Art Teachers in Duval County check out the Facebook page.
Support Art Education in DCPS

Supporting education typically means supporting traditional
reading, mathematics and literacy, but supporting education
also means giving credit to supporting educational resources
that Art Education brings to the classroom and overall learning environment to any school.

A diverse learning environment embraces multiple elements that
bring out the creative abilities in students that encourage
students to use their minds not just for the cognitive development
of the traditional teacher student relationship. Art education
allows students to “think” differently, use their imaginations and “exercise” other areas of the brain. Art teachers are
architects of human development. Seeing the artistic potential
in children, then guiding the artistic potential that lays dormant
inside young minds waiting to blossom.

Stated by Kelly Borsheim, “When elementary schools include art
programs in the curriculum, children do better with math.”

This statement and others provide a respectful and accurate
importance of why Art Education is valid to the educational
directions of schools. Art education at times displays the essence
or soul of a school, students put their feelings, dreams and
creativity in art work. Even Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC) understood
the nature of Art by stating that, “Art is born of the observation
and investigation of nature.” Students use skills of observation, investigation, rationalization and association to put their
interpretation to a medium that can range from paper to canvas and
wood to clay. Using artistic tools of pencil, brush, charcoal,
crayons, paint, and other tools.

The development and continuation of supporting Arts in Education
is seen as a testament to a “hands on” approach to teaching. The
love of using a persons direct talent can never be negated by
technology which is being implemented in all areas of instruction. Computers serve a purpose for instruction, but art is still formed
from the heart. The sentiment is stated by Marshall McLuhan, when
he makes the statement, “As the unity of the modern world becomes increasingly a technological rather than a social affair, the
techniques of the arts provide the most valuable means of insight
into the real direction of our own collective purposes.”

Keeping this in mind the community has a responsibility to support
Art Education in Duval County Public Schools. What parent has not
put their child’s art work on the fridge or the coffee table
to display it proudly? The Duval Art Teachers Association Art
Auction Fundraiser will kick off on December 7th during Art Walk
at Hemming Plaza Jewelers. Bids can be made on site during
Art Walk on December 7th.

D.A.T.A is committed to providing scholarships. The Duval Art
Teachers' Association (DATA) is the local professional organization
of both public and private school art educators. The organization
is comprised of elementary, middle and senior high teachers as
well as those in higher education. Support their efforts to
raise money to provide scholarships for growth in Art Education.

”Be drawn to the visual arts for it can expand your imagination.”
Barbara Januszkiewicz

Support Art Teachers in Duval County check out the Facebook page.
Support Art Education in DCPS

Where are the Christians

Where are the Christians

The death of a young man at any time is an unfortunate
reality. To add insult to injury is the lack of
seemingly Godly compassion, Christian sensibilities
and Faithful devotion to a God that does not like chaos
nor confusion.

I was confused, my faith challenged and my Christian
sensibilities questioned when Christopher Thompson
suddenly and tragically died this Thanksgiving
holiday.

A young man in his twenties, not even discovering his
talents, gifts and direction in life. Loved by many,
seen as a role model. Chris was NOT seen as a thug,
gangsta, hip hop wanna be, playa nor a baby daddy,
or sperm donor.

Chris graduated from high school, was working and
productive, he was contributing to society in a
positive way. His coworkers loved him, his parents
were proud of him and his brothers looked up to
him. If you could have seen the young men in
attendance paying their respects it would make
parents proud. They were young men, respectable,
intelligent and honorable. It was an honor serving
meals to young men who were respectable and mannerable.

They were Chris's friends so they deserved respect
from and older man such as myself.

IMHO to give insult to injury and to add to my
confusion the Head Pastor of the Thompson’s church,
I believe did not contact the family, did not visit
the family’s home, nor did he Preach at the funeral.
What has become of our men of God, are they so high
and mighty that they can demean a Christian family
to the point where they send subordinate or associate
Pastors to do a service that I’m sure should have
been performed by the head NPIC.

What are the protocols to comfort a grieving family
when their son is killed? The Head Shepherd should be
involved to comfort, show compassion, begin the
healing process and then support with associate or
subordinate pastors last not send them first and not
even show up at the funeral.

These are my feelings about the mission and vision
of so called elevated shepherds that seem to downcast
their sheep, their flocks because they are not
important enough when one of the sheep’s children dies,
the flock seems not to notice nor give credence to
the tragic loss.

As a past Church administrator, an educator of over
20 years, and having “served” as an Armorbearer for
an Apostle, Pastor and Bishop.
I have seen and helped these men of God go out their
way to Preach at funerals, visit the sick and shut-in,
perform last rights of those dying,and rushed to those
involved in accidents and injury. Where have our
Men of God’s priorities gone to that they cannot
perform these tasks even when death is involved?

I’m not a member of the Thompson’s church, but
still I’m a Christian. I’m a family friend of the
Thompson’s along with my fiancée’ and her family.
My fiancée’s family cooked all night to serve food
to the family and friends after the funeral.

We helped setup a church “New Life Evangelistic” for
serving the family and friends of Chris Thompson after
the funeral service. The Thompson’s own church could
not even provide a place for the family to eat and
receive family and friends. We bought food and
drink, served these to our fellow Christians during
their grieving time. Where was the home church???
There was no one offering to help serve, no one
offering to help bring sustenance to the elderly
attending or comforting the grieving.

Not looking for money or accolades, but being good
Christians. My fiancée and her sister has a catering
service Sister2Sister Catering, but did not ask to be
reimbursed, they helped their friends and family when
others that claim to be Faithful and Christians did
NOT offer to help obtain food,setup to “serve” their
own members nor did they offer to clean up.

Where was the Faith and where were the Christians.
It gives further credence to Mohandas Gandhi when he
stated, “I like your Christ, I do not like your
Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ..”
This is my opinion not representative of the Thompson
family in any way, but they needed support from Faithful
Christians, where was the support when they needed it?
What good are Mega churches and Mega Pastors and Bishops
when their flocks suffer tragic losses, but they are not
even caring enough to see about their grieving flocks when
one dies?

The holidays are upon us, this is an especially hard
time of loosing a child for anyone,but have churches
lost their sensibilities, compassion and focus that
they cannot even lend a helping hand? Will the Thompson’s
ever receive a comforting embrace from their Pastor,
will their home be blessed by a visit from the HNPIC
or are they only worth an associate pastor. I guess maybe
if they increased their tithes and offerings or just
stopped all together they would get more attention from
the HNPIC.

This is just my opinion.

Tonya Click, A Teacher Going Home

Tonya Click, A Teacher Going Home

“What nobler employment, or more valuable to
the state, than that of the woman who instructs
the rising generation.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

On Saturday, November 26th Ms. Tonya Click was
laid to rest. Physically her body has passed, but
her presence, her joy, her love still lingers within
her family, friends, educational peers, brothers and
sisters in Christ and the students she has taught.
Jacksonville, Florida will miss the love and devotion
that Ms. Tonya Click shared as a member of this
community and a teacher in Duval County Schools.

Habakkuk 3:18-19, prophetically Tonya Click is
rejoicing with the Lord and basking in the salvation
of eternal happiness. She is where we as all children
of God strive to go when it is our time to go home.
Pastor Brodes C. Perry (Educational Pastor of Shiloh
Metropolitan Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida)
preached recently about giving thanks and being
thankful. Even though as humans we do not
understand God’s ways he is always in control and
as always we should give thanks for what he has
and will continue to do.

I give thanks for the opportunity to have worked
with and able to call Ms. Tonya Click my friend.
I will miss her laughter, her glowing spirit and her
loving heart. The passing of a teacher creates
a void that cannot be ignored nor easily filled.
Teachers such as Ms. Click put so much passion,
love and pour their very essence into their
profession that the distinction is sometimes
lost between the person that is a teacher and
the person that is a member of another
family outside of education.

Teachers lay an anointing on lives that do not
just make a temporary impression, but they
create indelible marks in the lives of students
they teach and the families. No disrespect to
those in Ministry, but a teachers anointing is
powerful also, just look at the changed lives
they influence. Look at the hearts and minds
Ms. Click has influenced during her teaching
career. This does not stop here;
teachers influence their educational peers they
work with and the influences they have in the
community. Teachers many times see their
students longer than the students see their
own parents, teachers spend in some cases
more time at school than they do at their
own homes, and take their personal children
to work with them. This is reason alone for
men and woman of God to bless teachers
and anoint them with blessed oil not
just at the beginning of the school year, but
throughout the school year.

Ms. Click linked with so many lives as a dedicated
professional, friend, role model and member of
her loving family. Her personality shined with a
light that embraced people even before she got
into their presence. Ms. Click has a unique and
special presence about her that brought forth
smiles, laughter and happiness just being in her
presence. The laws of gravity propel the Earth
through space, but Ms. Clicks’ spirit of love and
peace gravitated people to her especially children.

You could feel the love she had in her heart and
the presence of a spirit that had the calling of a
teacher. As an educator Ms. Click understood her
role in the lives of her students, not just as their
teacher, but as their guiding light through the
challenges they faced individually and collectively
in the classroom. Ms. Click’s praise of her students,
sternness in discipline in their academic abilities
to succeed and social growth were strong. She
had faith in her student’s growth in positive ways
no matter the challenges each faced and support
of the student’s families often times took her
above and beyond her professional responsibilities.

The relationship with her fellow teachers was just
as involved and transcended a professional
educator’s relationship, but developed beyond
friendships; it melded into a family bonding. Those
that are not educators should not criticize educators
for they do not understand the diverse and intricate
relationships and professionalism that this career
has. Just as our proud Marines of the military state,
“Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Educators can
proudly state that, “Once an educator, always an
educator.”

Even in passing Ms. Click will always be respected,
admired and loved beyond measure and distance.
The peculiarities of being a teacher requires
following standards, developing lesson plans,
understanding benchmarks and evaluating data.
Mr. Click’s efforts to empower her students beyond
academics where note worthy. Working with sedulity
the individual student success was important and
paramount. There is an anointing that allowed
Ms. Click to move her students beyond where they
started academically and socially, her students are
the better because of her tutelage, calming embraces
that her students needed from time to time and
loving wisdom in the understanding that they (students)
are important in the world and that they will be loved
and appreciated.

Rarely do we hear of the efforts of teachers such
as Ms. Click until a retirement ceremony or unfortunate
and untimely passing such as this case. Let the
community know that Ms. Click possessed the best
of what it is to be a teacher, a child of God and a
role model for young women. Ms. Click looked
beyond personal position and stature, to work in
an anointing to help young people that
sometimes because of personal challenges are
sometimes overlooked or cast aside. Mr. Click was
and even now is in the right place at the right time.

A Teachers Prayer
Lord, let me be just what they need.
If they need someone to trust, let me be
trustworthy.
If they need sympathy, let me sympathize.
If they need love, (and they do need love),
let me love, in full measure.
Let me not anger easily, Lord but let me be just.
Permit my justice to be tempered in your mercy.
When I stand before them, Lord, let me look
strong and good and honest and loving.
And let me be as strong and good and honest
and loving as I look to them.
Help me to counsel the anxious, crack the
covering of the shy, temper the
rambunctious with a gentle attitude.
Permit me to teach only the truth.
Help me to inspire them so that learning will not
cease at the classroom door.
Let the lessons they learn make their lives fruitful
and happy.
And, Lord, let me bring them to You.
Teach them through me to love You.
Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach.

Author Unknown.

Parents and Businesses Support Educational Success

Parents and Businesses Support Educational Success

Parents and business owners, the students of Andrew
Robinson Elementary School are working hard to obtain
five hundred thousand (500,000) words read by the middle
of this school year and one million words (1,000,000)
read by the end of this academic year.

Parents be aware of the one million (1,000,000) word
reading standard that your child should be working towards.
Information has been provided so please be aware of this
event. Other schools in DCPS may have similar celebrations
so check with your child’s individual school for
participation.

All students are required to read 1,000,000 words each
school year. The first grading period has ended which
means all students should have a word count of 250,000
at this time and by December 14th have a count of at least
500,000 (five hundred thousand).

A special celebration is being planned for December 14th,
for Andrew Robinson Elementary so students will be
recognized for their reading achievements. Students must
be sure to take their Accelerated Reader quizzes to
document their word count. These efforts allow students
and parents to be accountable and responsible for the
improvement of reading. We want all our students to
reach reading proficiency and improve their reading,
literacy and comprehension.

Parents, guardians, grandparents and family members
please encourage children to read and work on
comprehending their reading.
This can be simply done by asking the child to;
1. Show you their books they are reading.
2. Tell you about the stories they are reading and
what they learned.
3. Talk to them about the lessons and life situations
that can be applied.

These are real critical thinking skills found to promote
higher order thinking, cognitive maturity, comprehension
(understanding) and improved assessment or testing
success.

This holiday season is the great opportunity to catch-up
on what your child or children are reading. On all families
holiday lists should be creating a literary library of books,
magazines, and other materials that promote reading and
literacy fluency.
Making reading fun is easy if parents would be involved
in reading with their children and making it a part of
the day.

Business Leaders Promote Educational Excellence
To provide business leaders an opportunity to help
promote reading success in DCPS. Andrew Robinson
Elementary is seeking business partnerships for the
upcoming Reading Celebration on Wednesday,
December 14th.

Any business interested in promoting reading at
Andrew Robinson Elementary school is invited to
contact Andrew Robinson to make a donation to
our students meeting their reading goals.

All students are required to read a minimum of
1 million words each school year. Our midyear
celebration is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 14 to honor students who’ve read a minimum
of 500, 000 words.

We are seeking donations from community organizations
and local business to sponsor/purchase electronic
readers (Kindles, nooks, etc.) and personal libraries
(100 books) for our top readers.

Many of our families do not have transportation to
access the public library and this would enable them
to access books easily by downloading literature
directly to their e-reader or selecting from their personal
collection at home.

Any additional funds collected will be used to
purchase gift cards so the students can download
books as needed.

Thank you for any donations that you, the business
community can contribute to instilling the value of
reading in our students which are your future
employees. Businesses have a vested and financial
interest in the success of all students in DCPS.
It is beneficial to support reading efforts now and
be involved. Businesses are finding that if they support
educational efforts when students are in elementary
and middle school, their future employees will be
better prepared and Jacksonville will have a better
educated and competitive workforce for the future.

All donations are needed by Wednesday, December 7,
contact 904 630 6550 and when prompted speak with
the Principals Secretary.

This is your opportunity business owners to make a
contribution and be engaged in providing a hand up
for educational success not just a handout.

To start the process as a supporter of E3 Business
Group North Florida Chapter, and on the Executive
Board of JCCI Forward I will be donating two (2) Dell desktop
computers to this effort and challenge other businesses to
follow.

William Jackson, M.Ed.
jacksonw@duvalschools.org
http://myquesttoteach.wordpress.com

Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

The first 9 weeks report cards have been distributed.
Parents need to know where to go for information to
help their child or children if they are not
meeting with academic success. Technology is available
now to connect parents with educators so they are
informed on how to address learning or behavioral
challenges. Social media is providing access to educators
that was at one time not available, but parents are
accountable in using their access to social media
to help their children not just for social contacts
but in more productive avenues.

The Internet and social media has made a genuine
presence for gaining information that is current
and flexible in its content (information).

The 2011/2012 school year started with online tools
that parents can use to connect with teachers.
Access through technology has enabled parents
and guardians to digitally reach out and communicate
with teachers. Parents will have questions throughout
the school year relevant to the progress and success
of their children in the DCPS school system. One of
the best ways to gain information is through the Internet
using a multiplicity (geek term) of multitasking
(another geek term) digital resources.

These resources include;
Facebook , Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Flickr, dcpsTV,
Parent Portal,dcpsNews, Parent Link, Duvalschools.org.
These are distinctive and effective forms of
communication for parents and the community in
this digital age of social media.

The ability of parents to contact teachers and gain
school related information is aided by technologies
that teachers have access to in their schools and
classrooms. No longer are teachers inaccessible
during the school day, technology allows parents
and teachers to keep open the lines of communication
that were once limited to notes home in bookbags
and phone calls which at times delayed replies.
Teachers need to understand that school email
accounts are of public access and their content
(emails) are stored on a server. That information
never goes away and can be used later. The
opportunity to communicate had a very narrow
window at best with traditional paper/pencil/pen notes.

Parents are encouraged to use digital devices;
computers, smart phone, Pads,etc to obtain
information on related school issues. Facebook
pages, and Youtube videos can disseminate
important information and archive (save) information
for future use. There is now access that you
(the parent) can connect, download, interact,
listen, view, search and integrate with your
dailey routine as a responsible
and accountable parent.

Dates, times, locations and directions for
meetings, school activities and events can
easily be accessed by logging in or accessing
online content. Duval County Public School
learning started the FIRST DAY of school and
so was the accessibility of information to
start the learning process.

Report cards are an indicator if your child(ren)
need tutoring services, extra help, makeup
work or if there are learning challenges. DCPS
has incorporated various technologies that
provide current news and information throughout
the district to help students accomplish success.

Questions can be answered by visiting duvalschools.org
and clicking on Student and Parent information
links to learn more. There are multiple ways to
exchange information besides Duvalschools.org
web site, there is also access through Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, Duval County Public Schools
Television ( dcpsTV), dcpsNews, dcps Parent Portal,
ParentLink, Youtube, Flickr.

Parents are learning the importance of accessing
information about their child in school through
Virtual Information Environments (VIE). Social
media has proven its value in sharing information
on multiple platforms that are SoLoMo or Social
Local Mobile capabilities. The growing trend is
to use smart phones and interactive pads with
WiFi to gain information that is graphical
and interactive. Increased numbers of parents
and children access information from their cell
phones. These numbers are shown by service
providers such as TMobile, AT&T, MetroPCS,
Sprint, and Verizon.

Understanding the social media concept of
SOLOMO (Social access through social media,
Local access to information, Mobile access
with mobile technology(SOLOMO). Parents
quickly apply their mobile skills when accessing
digital content from online sites. The concept
of SOLOMO allows parents to use the available
technology to
1. So – socially connect with family and friends,
2. Lo – locally stay connected to the social
environment and local information
3. Mo – mobile access with technology that allows
for continued and importantly uninterrupted service.

A breakdown of services to access DCPS for parents:

If links are not highlighted, copy and paste into
a new browser for access:
Facebook -
Like facebook.com/pages/Duval-County-Public-Schools/
Twitter -
follow twitter.com/DuvalSchools
LinkedIn –
linkedin.com/company/duval-county-public-schools
Duval County Public Schools Television (dcpsTV)
www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/VOW/Home.html
dcpsNews
www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/
Flickr –
www.flickr.com/people/duvalcountypublicschools/
dcps Parent Portal –
https://dcps.mygradeportal.com/
ParentLink –
http://www.parentlink.net/
Youtube –
search for Duval County Public Schools

These resources can be found directly on:
www.duvalschools.org/

Technology is a powerful tool and used on
multiple platforms; parents, guardians,
grandparents, and family members no longer
have to be disconnected, confused, lost or
feel neglected. Virtual Information Environments
(VIE) are available as listed above.
Social media is proving its value in sharing
information on platforms that are diverse and
mobile. It just takes using your favorite
form of technology to get connected, stay
connected and communicate with your child’s
teacher(s).

The diversity of Jacksonville’s growing
community is addressed, on the DCPS
web site, the capability to Translate
information in multiple languages.
Using GOOGLE Translate, speakers of other
languages can gain information to serve their
diverse language needs. Parents have additional
resources to have an increased influence on
their child’s education and have greater
awareness for themselves.

To see a Youtube video on this information
click the link below.
Youtube video on Digital Access to DCPS for Parents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV8coOsSPPM&feature=player_detailpage

William Jackson, M.Ed.
Educator with Duval County Schools and
Edward Waters College

Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr.

Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr. 1926 - 2011
A Voice Not Silenced
by William Jackson and Cheryl Williams

Even though Reverend Wilson has passed, death
still does not have the victory.
Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, still lives in
the hearts and minds he has touched with his biblical
and spiritual teachings.

This icon of Pastoral stature was recently honored
for his self-sacrifice and service not only to West
Friendship Baptist Church, but to the service of
Jacksonville, Florida and more importantly
the service to the Lord.

The passing of Reverend Wilson is a physical passing,
but his spirit, his soul; the true essence of this
powerful teacher of life and bible will live on
through his words to each of us.

Whether in the pulpit, the choir, or in private
conversations his words had power and meaning. They
will endure in each of us that had the honor and
privilege to have Reverend Wilson in our
lives.

Reverend Wilson was many things to many people;
role model, educator, father, grandfather, great
grandfather, brother, confidant,
spiritual leader, community activist, and Man of God.

The quintessential purpose of being a Reverend is
the saving of souls. That is the mission of Men of
God, to expand the kingdom of God through biblical
teachings. Rev. Wilson performed his duties for over
55 years in the service to Jesus Christ.

No words can truly express the kindness Rev. Wilson
showed, the sacrifices he and his family has endured
in their “good works”, the love he has expressed, the
teaching and mentoring he has conducted, even the
individual homes he has blessed, children
christened and those he baptized renewing their commitment
to Jesus Christ.

Reverend Wilson was a unique and out of the box
“Man of God”, having paid members rent, mortgages,
utility bills, and even helping to put children through
college during his leadership at West Friendship.
There are none like him in this age of mega-churches,
television ministries and social media pastors. There
are no others like him and no others that can imitate,
simulate nor can anyone duplicate him.

Rev. Wilson was the first African American Housing
Inspector under the late Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971).

This is my fiancée’s and my tribute to our beloved
Reverend. Thanks be to God for empowering Rev. Wilson
with knowledge, wisdom, anointing, and vision to build
West Friendship Baptist Church to continue the works
of the Lord through Pastor Timothy L. Cole, Sr.
and First Lady Cole.

West Friendship Baptist Church will continue to do
the works of the Lord, to stay the course because a
strong foundation was laid, a foundation of spiritual
anointing, not just a brick and mortar foundation.

What a might God we serve that allowed us to have
Reverend Wilson in our lives event for a moment.
Peace, Grace and Love to Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr.
and his family. His voice cannot be quieten, stilled
or quieted because it remains in each of us.

Published in the Florida Times-Union on
November 10, 2011

WILSON Rev. Dr. Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, 85, passed
away November 2, 2011. Rev. Wilson was a native of
Jacksonville, FL where he served as pastor of
West Friendship Baptist Church for over 55 years.

He was the first African American Housing Inspector
under the late Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971).
Rev. Wilson also served as the Secretary of the
Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial University,
Miami Gardens, FL.

He is survived by a loving, devoted and caring wife
Queen E. Wilson, 7 sons; Richard, II (Rochelle),
Lawrence, Bruce, Roderick, Maurice (Laurece) Anthony
and Micheal; 3 daughters; Kathleen Handy, April Wilson
and Dawn W. Cole (Rev. Timothy);
2 brothers, Charles Morrison (Minnie) and Eugene
Morrison (Delores) Miami, FL; 36 grand children,
several great grands and great- great grands,
nieces, nephews, cousins.

Interment will Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11am
in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the trusted hands of
REGINALD R. MCKINNEY, L.F.D.I.C.

Teachers Voices

Teachers Voices
Jacksonville Education Fund

Educators were provided the opportunity to engage in dialogue about the educational status of schools and the established mindset that parents and community are responsible and accountable to the success of all students in Duval County Public School system.

Teachers Voices provided a powerful and dynamic academic “Think Tank”
of experienced and dedicated educators to share ideas relevant to educational success for students. This discussion was designed to engage an intellectual dialogue from professional educators, substitute teachers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and administrators.

These individual elements ultimately influence the instructional atmosphere of schools, to the responsibilities of parents and the involvement of the business community that also has a stake in
making sure future workers are prepared for the work place.

The morning engagement was hosted at WJCT Studios; educators and those in the public who have a strong desire to positively impact education participated in Teacher Voices, the first of hundreds of conversations that will make up the Jacksonville Public Education Fund’s ONE by ONE initiative.

Those in attendance were provided an opportunity to speak out about what parents, businesses, political representatives and the community should do, can do and should not do in support of schools. Not just what educators and administrators should be responsible? Rarely do teachers have the chance to openly talk about the challenges they face without being ridiculed and policies thrown at them. This is a volatile time for education; the community, politicians, parents and business owners must take time to listen to educators and renew their support and lift morale of educators.

When talking about educational matters many times teachers; these dedicated professionals who have years of instructional experience, curriculum development, technology skills, and classroom management experience are not asked their opinion when changes are being made and policies enacted. Legislative policies and procedures are thrust upon teachers without any consideration to the ramifications with increased work load, professional development and the impact it will have in the classroom.

Teachers Voices provided time to extend expertise and a voice beyond the classroom to advocate for making quality education equitable for all children and a priority in Jacksonville. Duval County Public Schools manages 177 schools and serves about 123,000 students. Each and every student deserves a high quality education. The school district is working to provide quality educational opportunities that help students to grow, but parents are responsible and accountable as well to help teachers.

Educators are trained professionals in their tasks teaching in the schools, but unfortunately too few educational successes are shared with the public. Graduation rates have increased over the years, reading, math and science scores have improved because of teacher’s dedication to press
forward despite challenges, threat of merit pay initiatives and continued changes in state assessments that do not allow for stability and consistency in the educational process.

There seems to be a disconnect by state legislatures that underfund education, they have not spoken to teachers about their challenges created by lack of funding, lack of support and lack of respect. Legislative representatives do not visit challenged school districts, challenged classrooms nor do they talk to challenged students to get a clearer picture of what is realistically happening in the schools. This creates a one sided and one size fits all mentality when addressing educational policies and procedures.

The discussions outlined what works in strong and consistant administration, professional learning communities (PLC’s), integration of technology, and professional development. Other considerations were the increase of vocational education geared for students who do not have aspirations of college and a major concern is that of equity in how schools are supported andoverall unity of the Jacksonville community.

At the end of the discussions participants were provided the opportunity to talk about their impressions of the first Teacher Voices. They were recorded for later broadcast by WJCT and expressed their feelings and hopes for education in Jacksonville, Florida.

Our schools are a representative of our communities, failing schools indicate failing neighborhoods, so it is the responsibility of the whole community to work together in unification to equally support
learning for all students no matter geographic location, zip code or economic level.

Stated by Tavis Smiley that can be applied to the importance of education not just as a local concern, but nationally, “the key to our democracy is education, an educated citizenry is important because it prepares our children for the benefits and burdens of our democratic society” (Accountable 2010).

Teachers help to build educated youth that will be future employees, business owners, tax payers and builders of our community.
It is beneficial to everyone that all children are academically
successful, graduates of high school and productive in society. The ramification of an uneducated society are paramount to economic
collapse and social decay. It is everyone’s responsibility to make
sure our teachers are supported, our schools are equitably supported
in monies and resources and parents are involved in making sure their children are prepared to learn.

Pictures can be found at: photobucket.com/teachervoices

The next Jacksonville Education Fund event is:
Student Town Hall Discussion
Saturday December 10, 2011 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
ONE by ONE Student Town Hall
Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Avenue South
For more information on the upcoming student discussion.
Email events@jaxpef.org or call (904) 356-7757
Students, this is their opportunity to add their
VOICE to the ONE by ONE campaign.
This Saturday Town Hall meeting event features special
guest Al Letson, host of NPR’s State of the RE: Union and
a performance by ONEpush, the ONE by ONE youth street team.