Can’t Wait on Superman for our Schools

I had the opportunity to view the documentary
“Waiting for Superman” and wanted to view without
all the previous verbiages, good, bad or
indifferent so I can base on my own judgment.

The documentary “Waiting for Superman” displayed
several key points that showed validity in concerns
for public education. There are challenges; lack of
equitable funding, instructional competency of teachers,
limited technology, physical infrastructure of schools,
educational/instructional curriculums, outdated
standards, instruction of minorities and those of
multicultural backgrounds.

Geoffery Canada an educator himself proclaimed
that education is failing, but my contention is, if we
as parents first and educators second (a child’s first
teacher is their parents) allow education to fail then
we as parents have failed our children not just our
educational system.

There is more to educating young people than a
dollar amount, but the effort we put into teaching our
own children. If we can fill the stadiums at football
games at Raines, Ribault, Ed White, First Coast,
Andrew Jackson, Sandlewood and other schools then
we should be able to fill our schools with mentors,
tutors and those who will intervene to keep our children
from failing. It is inexcusable for DCPS to not have
support for its children, similar to support a football
stadium receives.
There are challenges, but despite there is still the
desire by communities to have faith in public education.
The feelings are still strong in our communities,
neighborhoods, and cities for the success of public
education. In mentioning Charter schools they do
influence public education, not as the movie would
have us to believe. This educational option exists for
parents in their choice to seek the best education for
their children. Even though one in five Charter schools
is successful, parents must participate more in the
learning of their children, where this same energy should
have been applied in the public school before the Charter
school option was even considered.

The movie depicts that public schools are bad, privately
managed charter schools are good. The proportion of
Charters that get awesome results is smaller than 17
percent nationally, but this fact is not elaborated in the
movie. In the Charter school environment parents are
expected/required to make positive contributions by
attendance and participation. This same energy and
effort should be channeled into public education
environment during their child’s learning experiences
instead of waiting for someone else to tell them or
even make them do what they should have already
been doing. It seems contradictory and hypocritical
for parents to complain about how a teacher teaches,
or their child never learns, but that same parent has
not been to a teacher/parent meeting nor monitored
their child’s behavior during the school day, but that
same parent can attend football, basketball,
baseball or other sporting events. What message does
this send to the student about the importance of taking
responsibility for ones education?

Realistically some students and parents cannot adapt
to the rigors of Charter school instructional methodologies,
and the mental discipline to focus on academic
responsibilities. The amount of time required to
study is a serious challenge claimed by some high school
students, but the ironic part is our children; including mines
can play video games for hours on end, memorize hip hop
beats and funky lyrics with precise annunciation, but claim
that they cannot learn how to read and are below grade level.
In the documentary several parents struggled financially;
in these economically challenged times how many other
parents will struggle with the financial responsibilities of a
Charter school environment if there are no vouchers,
scholarships or deferments? Waiting for “Superman” showed
five children and their families who try to win a
place in a charter school.

In Duval County alone there have been several Charter schools
in the past that claim academic successes, but these successes
are from watered down (dumb downed) curriculums, falsifying
student assessments, manipulation of student records and even
imitating successful strategies learned from public schools.
Charter schools do provide a learning alternative, but in some
cases do not give credit to public school instructional strategies
that they implement for their students. A good indication of student
success is AYP Annual Yearly Progress. The AYP is based on
several criteria for public schools, but for Charter schools this
maybe independent of each school.

Parents need to see their child’s AYP from the school to see
how their children are growing, not just based on a report card.
These criteria of success range in reading, math, and writing
assessments. Included in this is FCAT assessment, in the
elementary arena there is also FAIR assessment inclusive
to FCAT (http://www.justreadflorida.com/instrreading.asp), to
the retention or promotion of students in public schools.
In the Charter school environment if students do not/cannot adapt
to the academic requirements, they maybe released from the
school, sending them back to the very environment they are
running from. It was quite noticeable in “Waiting for Superman”
the families interviewed were supportive and involved in the
process of instruction. The reality in public education is too many
of our students of all colors may lack parental support, facing
homeless situations, living in foster care, may not have
encouragement, love or nurturing to their physical,
emotional and psychological needs.

Parents are the initial ones to model and teach their children to
value education, but that is not always the case in our public
schools. As a public school educator I cannot pick and choose
who I want to teach as in Charter schools. I’m required contractually
as well as morally, ethically, and in my spiritual being, spiritually to
teach ALL students. There is no flexibility as in Charter schools to
admit based on color, sex, ethnic background and the use of profiling
of students and families in some cases. In some cases if money is
coming from the state and going to a Charter school, if the child does
not meet the expectations and they do leave the money may stay
right there and not go where it is needed to support that child in
another academic environment.

The realization is that teachers are an important PART of a student’s
success, but not the only part. Our educators have to contend with
students’ backgrounds, families, and other factors beyond control.
Teachers can have a great effect on students, but it would be
unwise to believe that teachers alone can undo the damage
caused by poverty, broken families and its associated burdens.
The Supermen and Superwomen in our schools are the teachers,
staff, custodians, cafeteria workers and office staff that truly care.
They are the Supermen and Superwomen who do not give up even
when exposed to the Kryptonite of inadequate resources, disrespectful
children, threats of budget cuts, parents who do not value education,
and blame teachers for their own parental shortcomings. Teachers are
exposed to the Lex Luthor’s who seek to undermine a teacher’s role to
teach, that try to blame teachers for student violence and unethical
behavior, try to make teachers go beyond their training and roles as
educators.

A teacher should not meet a student’s parental needs, what should
have been taught at home. There are REAL Supermen and Superwomen
that are seen everyday in our schools, we should not have to wait on
someone else just support those in our schools as they work to be the
best they can be as educators.
Speeches about the educational responsibilities of students and parents
should be learned when presented from our President, but the truth of the
matter is more parents need to repeat what President Obama has said
in his speech of valuing education by our young people. The President’s
”Back to School Speech” of September 14 2010 telling students they
need to take responsibility for their future and the value of a good
education. As stated; “Your life is what you make of it. And nothing,
absolutely nothing is beyond your reach, so long as you’re willing to
dream big, so long as you’re willing to work hard. So long as you’re
willing to stay focused on your education, there is not a single thing
that any of you cannot accomplish, not a single thing.” The key is
education, not sports, dance, hip hop music, drugs, sex or other
distractions as I tell my children and young people I mentor.
Even in these economic times, “an education has never been more
important than it is today.”

Parents need to understand that they are not alone, have resources at
their disposal. If they would visit their children’s schools and not wait
for Superman, that in the case of THEIR children THEY need to be the
Superman or Superwoman they are waiting for. Taking responsibility
for their child and working with them. Parents do not have to have all
the answers, but in some cases need good questions to help their
children make it though. The quality of an education, “An education is
about more than getting into a good college” as some must learn in the
educational community. Not all of our students are going to college,
more and more want to work with their God given talents. We must not
feel that we are competing with the neighboring county, state, or
country for the most students going to college when most of them may
drop out before they are done. Parents must prepare their children to
survive with skills that allow for critical real world thinking, be able to adapt to the situations and circumstances that life will throw at them.

In conclusion;
Not to far in the past, Georgia, South Carolina and other states passed
laws not to educate slaves. This put slaves Black, White, and Indian
at deplorable conditions. Slaves understood that education offered an
opportunity to be free and risked death to learn to read and write.
The mentally was that Indians, Negros, Mulatto children and poor
Whites were heathens and incapable of learning. This thinking today
is not totally gone, but the actions and attitudes of many youth
unfortunately display their attitudes devaluing of education.
The power of learning can overcame fears and the use of education
used to develop self respect, self support and usefulness in
ones community. Frederick Douglas’s view of education, stated in the
book; The Education of the Negro, “to make the education of Negroes
so articulate with their needs as to improve their economic condition.”
These words ring true today, in order for people to improve their
economic conditions is only through education, including vocational
education. The 21st century is waiting for NO ONE, no one should be
waiting for Superman, Superwoman, Batman, Wolverine, or other
fictional characters. 2011 is upon us and will be a time of transition,
who will be left behind during graduations in June of 2011 or
walking across the stage reaching for their diploma?

Florida A&M Graduation 2010

I attended my first Florida A&M University graduation.

My journey only took several hours, the accomplishments
of Darryl "TopShelf" McClenton his journey started after
graduation from Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

I should correct myself the journey is not just his, but his
family that supported him to matriculation. His mother
Cheryl laboured, not just worked, but laboured to see her
sons graduate college and put aside her dreams of a college
diploma as so many mothers do to support their children.
The eldest is a graduate of South Carolina State University;
the youngest attends Tallahassee Community College.

The focus is on Darryl and his accomplishment, graduating
Cum Laude from Florida A&M University. What a testament
to the foundation of success laid by a solid education from
Raines High School, the prayers, sacrifices of a determined
mother who worked sometimes multiple 12 hour shifts as
a nurse and at times had two jobs. Driving to the University
a day early making sure Cheryl saw another son graduate.
Just as my mother saw me graduate from college, more
mothers need to see their children graduate and more
fathers need to support their children's quest to be educated.

There are too many mothers alone, while fathers "claim"
to help, do nothing, try to take unearned credit. Thank you
to the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and men that are
stepping in and contributing.

During our journey we talked about the achievements of
our children and sacrifices as parents. My oldest is a freshman
at Florida A&M and my youngest is a high school freshmen.
Cheryl and I share our hopes, dreams and expectations for
our children's success and paths in life. Somehow this has
stopped in many families, instead there is mutual disagreement
on the value for education. Thus the child suffers in the end
particularly when parents divorce or one parent is uncaring
and unwilling to help. As we traveled down I10 we listened
to music, it is amazing how musical lyrics perpetuate emotions
that bring about memories. The song that stood out from
melodies of Marvin Gaye, Luther, Temptations, Isley Brothers
and others was a gospel song "God Specializes". We gave
glory to God because he does specialize in supplying all
our needs long as we are faithful, hopeful and recognize
where our true strength as parents comes from.

President Barack Obama has stated, "In a global economy
where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge,
good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity -
it is a pre-requisite."

Fast forward to graduation day, we met up with family, friends,
this was not just Darryl's graduation, but the family's achievement
also. There are few events in a young person's life that is
interconnected to family. The accomplishment of earning a
college degree brings families together in a unification of spirit
and accomplishment.

There is a connection of family as a whole, each member
has contributed; has a vested interest in seeing that young
lady or young man earn their diploma. If there was more of
an emotional and energetic attachment to academic excellence
as there is to sports and entertainment there would be more
minority doctors, teachers, surgeons, engineers, entrepreneurs,
business owners, scientists and community activists.
More of our communities would flourish instead of crumbling
because of devaluing of education, lack of respect for self,
others, community and even God.

"Without education, you are not going anywhere in this world."
Malcolm X.

As an educator, African American male and parent my heart
swelled with pride, felt my soul would sing witnessing so
many young people of African American descent, and other
cultures accomplish this wonderful thing. Today their families
witnessed the fruits of their labour, tears, prayers, hard work
and sacrifices.

Viewing the ceremony gave me pause to the growing value
of education these young people realized. Obtaining an
education is not just learning the alphabet, the numerical
organization of numbers, deciphering the calculative formula
to perform mathematical equations. Education is not just
learning civics, biology, physics, world history and a foreign
language, all these are important.

Bill Cosby stated, "Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world."

Obtaining an education is development of a person's mind,
to expand psychological perceptions, ideologies making
positive contributions in our communities and the world.
The lack of education proves "A Mind is a Terrible Thing
to Waste" because of the wasteful actions of youth
resulting from drug use, incarceration, multiple unprotected
sexual encounters.

Watching graduates enter; the atmosphere was electrifying
all over Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center. This graduation
shows not all African American males are on drugs,
incarcerated, or have death knocking on their doors.
That not all African American women are pregnant,
uneducated, on welfare, have low self esteem and only
aspiring to do hair, nails or work in Dollar General, Dollar
Tree or in a fast food establishment. There is
nothing wrong with employment at these places supporting
yourself and family, our young women and men need to
understand they can aspire to grow beyond these employment
positions; instead seek management or ownership of a business.

For their families they are the best, brightest, the talented
and guiding lights. The graduates are the extensions of their
families, communities, churches, and their respective high
schools. These young ladies and young men did not and are
not "Waiting For Superman or Superwoman" they are SUPER
in their individual and respective ways. They are motivated
to move forward in life and not to be stuck in a modern day
Lodebar in biblical terms. Lodebar is a dismal place of no
pasture and no hope, total desolation. There is a psychological
Lodebar when you were crushed by the storms of life and
believed that life is over for you because of tough economic
or physical challenges.

The Commencement Address by Donna Brazile spoke of
this generation's ability to access digital content online
using tools that were not available 10 years ago. This
generation and those to come not only read digital content,
but are creators of multimedia content that can be accessed
globally influencing future political, economic, social and
cultural changes in our world. As she spoke I could only pray
and have faith that my son and daughter and the kids I
teach will graduate from college and move on to advanced
degrees. The ironic twist my dreams as a parent and teacher
are contradictory to many others who only hope their child is
drafted in the NFL, NBA, etc counting only on money that is
an intangible commodity that can come and go, as fleeting
as the careers of many athletes who shine for a while, but
then subside into bankruptcy and poverty. This does not have
to be, as Brazile spoke that these graduates are an agitation
for change and have a duty for continued growth. The high
expectations are for these young men and women are to
defend what we as a country have accomplished.

The accomplishments of these graduating students are
setting the foundation for further social and cultural change.
These young men and women are role models for other
children in their homes, high schools, churches, and
communities. Just as Darryl is, graduating from Raines
which has received unfavourable media coverage about
the failing students, I ask what of the successful students,
why do we not hear more about them?

Brazile challenged the graduates to soar and grab hold
of the future to make the world a better place for everyone.
The foundation has been laid, the building blocks of upward
mobility and competitiveness in global economy, dynamic
political environments, operating rooms, courtrooms,
classrooms of our county, future scientific discoveries and
exploration in space and deep oceans are within the grasps
of graduates from educational institutions such as Florida
A&M University. Only time and God will tell how these
students use their talents for the betterment of mankind.

Congratulations to Darryl "Topshelf" McClenton class of
2010, who will continue his education at FAMU working
on his Master Degree in Educational Leadership.
Congratulations and God's continued Blessings upon all
the graduates and their aspirations.
God's grace on the families that support and will continue
to support these graduates. As my sister Dawn from Philly
uses the term, "Don't' get it twisted" African American
young people are making right choices in valuing the
power of education. Don't get it twisted parents, empower
your children with value for what education can do.
Written in the "Education of the Negro", by
Carter G. Woodson, page 172.
Almost every Colored person who could read and write
was a missionary teacher among his people.

This still applies in the 21st century; we are all
missionaries to our people and each generation.
We must Educate, Encourage and Empower (E3 motto)
each other as we grow so as a people others grow with us.

E3 @ The Speed of Entrepreneurial and Business Thinking

Applying the concepts of technology integration to
E3 business direction and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs.
As it related to Bill Gates “Business @ the Speed of Thought”
A synopsis in applying digital infrastructure and digital nervous
systems to the concepts of sharing dynamic information in the
digital age.

The application of community entrepreneurs has grown
proportionally to the change in the ideology of its members to the
collaboration of business and community services. Community
service, not just with a hand shake, a pat on the back and a smile,
but a commitment to affirmative change. To be involved in a cause
that elicits grassroots involvement to do something substantial in
the lives of others. The change must be unselfish and direct in
it application.

Applied in concert to the philosophical statement, paraphrasing
Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see,” and the 20th
century rendition by Michael Jackson, “Start with the Man in the
Mirror”. Applies in Business @ The Speed of Thought the very
nature of business must change from product companies to service
companies that have a supportive and empowering service to offer.
That product may be a commodity or a tangible material possession;
more appropriately a service to “Educate, Encourage and Empower.”

E3 is moving forward in supporting businesses to be leaders
and empower them. What better way to empower and build
leadership than to become involved in the community. Business
leadership asks the question about this ideology WHY???
Why step out from the business side to the community side.
As Anthony Butler, Sr. Executive Director of E3 responds
WHY NOT???

What better way to build and empowered than to be involved in
ones community?

How can a CEO or Executive Director, President or head of
HR broker business deals and manage hundreds of thousands of
employees, but cannot volunteer for a cancer walk, attend a
forum to discuss racial diversity or share their knowledge
and experience in the application of ethics that even some of
our current City Council members struggle with.

Grassroots community involvement can be synonymous to
building a community nervous system. Just as Bill Gates talks
about the integration of technology into all aspects of information
sharing, Mr. Butler carries the application in a similar direction
with a personal touch of a community nervous system.
Where members of E3 who are entrepreneurs, business owners,
educators, fitness specialists, attorneys, law enforcement and
others are involved in their passion for community service, but
collectively nurturing resources for support.

The concept of Business @ the Speed of Thought is transparent
when our system of collaboration and connectivity supports true
collaboration. Using technologies to spread the Word about our
passion for community service initiatives that have a direct and
fundamental impact on children and families. We as E3 support
each other as a foundational family. Building each other up and
supporting ideas, initiatives, resources that bring people together
in a proactive and positive direction. The misconception that support
must come monetarily is erroneous, but comes in the Speaking of
success, the sharing of resources so the proverbial “Wheel” does not
have to be rebuilt again and again. E3 uses the “flow of information”
as Bill Gates has expressed to provide tools that would not have been
available singularly or as cost effectively.

E3 members have access to a web presence, social media infrastructure
on Facebook, Twitter and Webinators. The ability to record digitally a
face to face interview that promotes your business. Just ask Kevin Cobbin
about his interview. E3 members must avail themselves to these technologies.
If you do not realize this ask Bill David of Snow Owl about the benefits
of Social Media and Nicholas McClenton a rising star in technology.

Using technology as a social medium makes gathering information inclusive
and productive. E3 provides the access to information to “educate” seekers
of information not just giving links and web content. Borrowing the concept
of “an educated customer is a better customer” from Bill Gates. Information
technology balances the needs of the customer to the services of the business.

Balancing a web work style with a web life style. The building of communities
for personal and business use can be seen from the dynamic creation of Nings,
MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Avatars, and other social networking sites.
Using the technology as to tool to teach others about what your business can
and will do. E3 has the tools to help you grow, use them the cost is too
high not to....

Apply the concepts of E3’s mechanism for the integration of technology to
build a solid business, entrepreneurial and community foundation.

E3 @ Warp Factor 10

William Jackson and Cheryl Williams
Vice President E3 Business Group North Florida Chapter
William_j@e3businessgroup.org