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November 15, 2005
Overcoming Negative Attitudes Toward Diversity~a Snapshot of District 8
I have to say that our Hamilton County teachers are doing well compared to those in Michigan above. As our campaign prepares for its fifth "listening forum" (on education) as part of the 40 Days of Listening, I thought it would be appropriate to start with these statistics. Of course, teachers work hard to improve their students' attitudes toward diversity, and yet teachers admit to struggling with their own attitudes toward diversity. We're all human.
Still, I am pleased to say that in District 8 we have teachers who fearlessly and daily promote an acceptance of diversity. In fact, if you look at schools in District 8, you will see how our teachers face diversity.
Before I forget, let me remind you ALL that you are invited to this "listening forum" on education at East Ridge's Eidson Restaurant today at 5:30 p.m..
Now, I have picked out one school to focus on in an attempt to understand the diversity challenges facing public education in District 8.
Looking at this one school in District 8 might also reveal some characteristics about the area I'm running for commissioner. McBrien Elementary School is smack in the middle of East Ridge. Not a magnet school, McBrien sits just behind the East Ridge City Hall and offers public education to K-5th graders.
It is a school in good standing. As you will see in this snapshot of the school, McBrien is far from economically advantaged and racially homogenous, yet the teachers and administrators are succeeding and overcoming diversity issues that hinder others. Why are they? These teachers and administrators are extraordinary people!
This snapshot should also reveal why public education is so important to our rapidly growing diverse community as it provides a leg-up for so many who would otherwise be left behind.
McBrien Elementary School (2003-04)
Student Population = 458
Economically Disadvantaged = 63.6%
White = 74.5%
African-American = 13.2%
Hispanic = 8.2%
Asian = 4.1%
Attendance = Above State Average at 94.8%
Promotion = Above State Average at 97.5%
Administrators = Madeline Bell (Principal) & William Fain (Asst. Principal)
| By wjbailes | 08:04 AM
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