Reflecting on what we have learned about Equity in Education

Yesterday with the freshmen and sophomores, I lead reflective conversations where we reviewed what we have learned and how that affects our actions now.

We briefly discussed the Little Rock Nine, Central High School today, Foss High School today, and the Achievement Gap.

The students realize we have come a long way since 1957, but we also have a long way to go.

They said they know they need to step up and try harder, do better in school. But sometimes they feel stymied by their teacher. It is so hard to stay motivated and to do well in a class where you think your teacher doesn't believe in you or where you feel intimidated by the other students. This is what I will be mulling around in my head over the next few days. How do I help them with this?

The sophomores were so joyful about meeting Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine. We spent a few minutes recalling his speech and one of their favorite quotes from him was:
"The biggest lesson I learned was whatever people think about you is none of your business. It wastes all of your time and energy, and nothing of what they say is as accurate as how you feel about yourself."

Wow!