Since the Wake Schools Community Alliance has a new press release out today, it's better late than never to post a Coalition of Concerned Citizens for African American Children press release on the WSCA.
In a Sunday press release, the CCCAAC takes shots at the WSCA for supporting the community-based schools resolution. The CCCAAC accuses the WSCA of being "a group of citizens whose views/political platform do not support equal education for all children, namely low income students."
There's a slightly different version of the press release on the group's web site. But here's the press release the CCCAAC e-mailed to the media on Sunday:
The Coalition Of Concerned Citizens For African American Children comment on WSCA's response regarding low income children and their support of WCPSS Resolution
WSCA is comprised of a group of citizens who cannot identify with the struggles that many of our parents and children face in Wake County.
WSCA is a group of citizens whose views/political platform do not support equal education for all children, namely low income students.
WSCA members do not know how neighborhoods in Southeast Raleigh are structured and developed.
It is time for WSCA to stop hiding behind our children in an effort to implement/support neighborhood schools.
The CCCAAC believes that education is the great equalizer and WCPSS present diversity policy supports equal education for all students without focusing on our students economic status.
CCCAAC believes that children benefit when they attend racially and socio-economic diverse schools.
Comments
Sigh.
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 18:21 — SDR256"....WCPSS' present diversity policy supports equal education for all students
without focusing on our students economic status."
Without focusing on our students' economic status? Really? REALLY?
Ms. Wright. I really wish you would read that SAS report I handed you.
I understand there is a lot of fear and suspicion and so if you don't believe us, I get it. Please please please look into it yourself. Data is available through WCPSS. They have admitted that children are systematically tracked by the socioeconomic label that WCPSS assigns to them, and that when that label says ED the Effectiveness Index weights them so that their expected achievement for the following year is artificially supressed. Teachers then think they are capable of less. They are not seated in accelerated classes EVEN THOUGH they have scored as well as or even better than their peers. Be brave. Ask John Tedesco himself what he has found out here. I really wish we could work together to put this system back on track, treating kids equally.
Today in Wake County 85% of Level III and Level IV minority and poor children are in remedial programs BECAUSE this system focuses on their economic status, not their score results. Is that what you call a success for these children? I would call success allowing these children (LEVEL III and LEVEL IV in remedial programs!!!) to rise as they have already proven they are able, and achieve diversity in accellerated programs and diversity in graduation rates. Because this system pays such maniacal attention to economic status of children, we have in fact an institutionalized class system in our schools. This isn't good for anybody.
WASHINGTON – Minorities
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 18:04 — user12345WASHINGTON – Minorities make up nearly half the children born in the U.S., part of a historic trend in which minorities are expected to become the U.S. majority over the next 40 years. In fact, demographers say this year could be the "tipping point" when the number of babies born to minorities outnumbers that of babies born to whites. Whites currently make up two-thirds of the total U.S. population, and recent census estimates suggest the number of minorities may not overtake the number of whites until 2050.
... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_white_minority
What will the NAACP do when
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 20:07 — loriacWhat will the NAACP do when people just start seeing each other as ..... people.
The big problem is that if
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:07 — user12345The big problem is that if our generation ignores minority education now it will be a big problem for the economy when our children reach our age.
What, exactly, in 2010, is a
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:05 — shearertwWhat, exactly, in 2010, is a minority?
I wonder if they will ever
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 09:31 — shearertwI wonder if they will ever recognize "white" as a color?
Aw...
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 10:29 — supportwcpssYou poor persecuted non-minority...I feel so sad for you.
The true sadness comes from
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:10 — shearertwThe true sadness comes from you allowing your perception of persecution focus your energies on victimhood vs a will to succeed in the face of all obstacles, both real and perceived. To suggest a person hasn’t overcome real obstacles in their life just because the color of their skin is not recognized by the NAACP is quite bigoted.
note to wright
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:44 — red_balloonWSCA is comprised of a group of citizens who cannot identify with the
struggles that many of our parents and children face in Wake County.
You do not need to identify but understand that there are several viewpoints different from yours.
WSCA is a group of citizens whose views/political platform do not
support equal education for all children, namely low income students.
Give me a break. You don't care about all children unless they are children of your supporters. You should show genuine concern for other stakeholders before expecting the same of others.
WSCA members do not know how neighborhoods in Southeast Raleigh are
structured and developed.
They don't but they have tried. You took them off the mailing list in a most vindictive manner. You refuse to collaborate and demand Tedesco, WSCA, etc. demonstrate their AA/ diversity credentials. I don't think they need to demonstrate anything to you. You, on the other hand, owe it to those having faith in your organization to reach out to Tedesco, WSCA, etc. and ensure AA childrens' interests are represented at the table. What I have seen to date is not indicative of mature leadership within the CCCAAC.
It is time for WSCA to stop hiding behind our children in an effort
to implement/support neighborhood schools.
You too should stop hiding behind children and stop stooping to juvenile antics.
The CCCAAC believes that education is the great equalizer and WCPSS
present diversity policy supports equal education for all students
without focusing on our students economic status.
Do you have basic comprehension skills? Follow the news? Understand WCPSS' policies? How on earth did you deduce that economic status is precluded from WCPSS' computations?
CCCAAC believes that children benefit when they attend racially and
socio-economic diverse schools.
Undoubtedly. More time on the bus means less time to make trouble. But someday, when you realize that education is what benefits the children, you will hopefully expend your energies toward educating the children and quit playing social engineer. Children cannot be bused to prosperity and responsibility. They need education, discipline, and involved parents to attain those goals. Focus on the right goals and root causes than look to blame the hard working, law abiding stakeholders of a conspiratorial approach.
why didn't CCCAAC target the
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 19:01 — carson79why didn't CCCAAC target the New board in their release? It's their condescending cowboy tone and complete disregard for minority viewpoints that has made me angry, WSCA has seemed to be somewhat neutral after the elections, trying to be more of a reconciling group rather than polarizing.
Looking forward
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:44 — SDR256Thank you Carson. You made my night. This shows that there is hope that we can all come to some kind of understanding if there is openness. Not pretending to be perfect. And I still hold out hope for the folks the CCCAAC say they represent. I hope they might consider coming to find out for themselves what we're about. And I hope you might consider coming too. F2F is very different than blogging.
I hope the WSCA remains
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:51 — red_balloonI hope the WSCA remains level headed and continues to remain receptive to opposing viewpoints. All the partisan bickerings and vitriolic exchanges will eventually die down when saner elements from both sides make progress than be dragged into the war of words. It will take time but there is hope as long as at least some key players don't act churlish.
Yep--we're just staying the
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:59 — jenmanYep--we're just staying the course. We're still reaching out and making connections with people all over the county. Just going about our business. :-)
Coffee
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 00:26 — SDR256Which is having coffee and listening, right jenman? :)
One Point Of View
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 18:27 — JanisTangoI find it interesting that that CCCAAC press release is specific regarding the WSCA and their motivations and not in a flattering way. I know the WSCA has tried time and time again to reach out only to be told they are not welcome. That to me says a lot about the motivations of the CCCAAC. I think it's about power and money to them. Not about the education of all kids!
In graduate school in 1995 a
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 18:17 — willynillyIn graduate school in 1995 a high school principal made this statement in the Trends and Issues in American Education: "Mark my words, in coming years one set of parents with more money than they know what to do with, with just an average child, will see that his/her needs were not met because so much time has been spent with all of this other stuff. While a special needs child is getting everything they need a judge will see that other students cannot have their needs met. When this happens we will go back to the drawing board and dismantle everything."
Why is it that parents do not want to take this to the courts? My child is not an experiment. I do not want my child taught based on "philosophies" I want him taught with skills being kept in mind. Teach him how to read, write and organize. If my son is standing at a bus stop before sunrise and something happens.....oh wait, it already did and we are just discussing it still.
"Mark my words, in coming
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:52 — aquaman4life68"Mark my words, in coming years one set of parents with more money than they know what to do with, with just an average child, will see that his/her needs were not met because so much time has been spent with all of this other stuff. While a special needs child is getting everything they need a judge will see that other students cannot have their needs met. When this happens we will go back to the drawing board and dismantle everything."
I hear this from teachers loud and clear today. When will the parents get up and do something...OH WAIT , we do see this happening, however these parents are called racist, just because they want their child to get a quality education.
The parents with the money, could cause a nightmare to the education system with this issue. The average child is getting the shaft big time today in the classroom. It is a very sad.
Ok
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 00:30 — SDR256But I hope that was just a transcription from a streaming audio and not something he wrote down, because the English is so bad I'm not sure I understand the message. If it was a Principal and if it was something he had written to read, then that would be depressing. I guess Aquaman understood, but I didn't get what the heck you were talking about.
Silly.
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 18:10 — Bob_SconceThere's absolutely nothing of substance in this press release. Why not just say "WSCA has cooties"?
I have a feeling that CCCAAC is still in the "Anger" phase. Let's tune back into them when they hit bargaining.
I agree, Bob. This isn't useful.
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:24 — raleighlauraI'm ready to get past the name-calling. And I don't think any parent group has to "prove" anything to any other group. We're advocating for what we think is right for all children. You are free to do the same. And while I may think you're wrong, I'm thankful you have the right to your view and I have the right to mine.
Jennifer, why..
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 17:42 — RiversideRealist... do you bother responding? Seriously. The bait on User's hook is so obvious, he should be required to have a gaming license to post.
I know, I know. Maybe you
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 18:11 — jenmanI know, I know. Maybe you need to move in next door so you can whack me on the head. :-)
WSCA website says they
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 17:25 — user12345WSCA website says they support "Stable neighborhood schools" not community schools. This would not be the first time Whites felt the need to take control and guide AA to the "right" solution. It is probably time for WSCA to trot out their Black supports to counter CCCAAC claims the the organization does not represent the interests of AA children. Otherwise, WSCA should stop claiming a mandate to have the exclusive answer for AA education.
Stable neighborhood schools
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 17:29 — jenmanStable neighborhood schools in a community model.
We have NEVER claimed to have the exclusive answer for anybody's education. Our group has always said that we do not have all the answers. One thing that we are sure of is that the current policy and its implementation is NOT working.
NOT working for you ... but
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 19:11 — user12345NOT working for you ... but maybe working for others.... WSCA does not have any support in the AA community beyond a few Republican Blacks who do not represent the views of most ... the one major weakness of WSCA is the failure to attract AA to the cause .... I know you have tried but what you are selling is not what they want to buy … hopefully; you do not feel that you have a superior claim to knowing what is best for their children, which I know you would resent if the tables were turned.
It's impossible to have an honest debate
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:47 — Apexter"WSCA does not have any support in the AA community beyond a few Republican Blacks who do not represent the views of most ..."
It's impossible to have an honest debate with someone who is willing to throw out random statements and declare them to be facts when they are demonstrably not true.
You have documentation on the number of blacks who support WSCA? (And this is without having actually attended any WSCA functions, I seem to recall.) And, without having met any of these blacks who actually did attend WSCA functions or support their cause, you know their political affiliation? And you've done a survey that gives you the viewpoint of "most" for comparison purposes?
Agree, or disagree. But don't make up your arguments. I don't think you're fooling too many people who read this blog.
(And, no, I'm not in the WSCA leadership. I just read this blog a lot, and this is just the latest of many "facts" that you have declared ex cathedra from your bellybutton.)
Wrong!
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 19:27 — JanisTangoWSCA does not have any support in the AA community beyond a few Republican Blacks
W-R-O-N-G
Well, now is the time to
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 19:50 — user12345Well, now is the time to disprove what everyone thinks ... WSCA can disprove that they only understand and represent the interests of OTB (WW and N. Raleigh) upper income families now ...
"It is time for WSCA to stop hiding behind our children in an effort to implement/support neighborhood schools."
These are AA parents asking a non-AA group to not use their AA children to further their agenda.
Think again
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:49 — SDR256I don't think I have ever seen any release or website posting by WSCA that said anything about African American children. All we've done is try to open dialog for understanding. And we were refused. If there had been even the tiniest crack in the armor to some kind of dialog we might have avoided all of this flame throwing. But maybe the flame throwing is what was desired by some in the first place. Very very sad. We were so naive.
"All we've done is try to
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 09:36 — user12345"All we've done is try to open dialog for understanding"
SDR ... you are trying to impact THEIR kids ... some say you have support and understanding in that area ... I have NEVER seen an AA parent speak at a BOE meeting asking to get out of Leesville because the trip was too long and their neighborhood school was better.... other say you are trying to open a dialog to get an understanding of the issues ... I do think you are naive ... that a few white people from the north side could make one trip to a church basement and be hailed as saviors in so silly... trust does not automatically occur because of your wealth, race or that you show up once.
Also, true commitment does not become discouraged by not being received as the “Great White Hope” on your first visit. Typically, White folks only show up in AA communities when they want something … and ignore them the rest of the time … so understand the suspicion … if you never show up again, it will proves the point …
user,SDR and the folks
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 09:58 — shearertwuser,
Don’t you find it a little bit ridiculous when someone complains about the manner and way someone provides help? Oh, the help wasn’t fast enough….the help wasn’t big enough…the help wasn’t good enough. How about, thank you for trying to help. Thank you for reaching out.
SDR, you are a Saint. Your mission and the mission of WSCA is righteous for all children in Wake Co. Drive on and don’t give up. You are making a difference. You may never hear thank you from all the people you have and will help. They may even call you a racist as you reach your hand out to them. One day, in the not so distant future, the value of your service to this community will become clear.
“SDR, you are a
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 10:55 — user12345“SDR, you are a Saint. Your mission and the mission of WSCA is righteous for all children in Wake Co. Drive on and do not give up. You are making a difference. You may never hear thank you from all the people you have and will help. They may even call you a racist as you reach your hand out to them. One day, in the not so distant future, the value of your service to this community will become clear.”
I actually agree with most of what you say, except for the SDR as saint only because I have not seen her miracles. I agree that the spokespeople for the poor / AA may not be the best and may have other motive. They do not have PACs, website, etc. as if you do and have to take what they get. I have said it before that WCSA truly cared that having groups that do not want to play would not be a roadblock. Another post mentioned a number of AA and poor advocacy groups that are not publicity seeking that would be far better to work with. But if you are on the northside and do not know the people, organizations, or needs of the people on the southside and can only interact with them through a limited set of ineffective groups you are dead in the water. That is why it is so obvious that WCSA does not know the people or issues since they do not know how to work the area … they are naïve and ineffective and keep going back to the place thinking it will change … until WSCA gets some connections in that community they will not be an organization of ALL kids and will frustrated and eventually want to jam their ideas down the throats of people they see as ignorant.
“Your mission and the mission of WSCA is righteous for all children in Wake Co. Drive on and do not give up. “
That is the status quo reaction when one culture meets another. I know what is right for your children, I will blindly drive on and implement my plan, and you will thank me for it later. How many times have White folks said that?
jenman's post above covers
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:48 — shearertwjenman's post above covers this very nicely. They are not niave. They may not know exactly the best way to make the connections you mention but who does? Shouldn't you be asking why must someone make all the right connections in just the right way to be able to collaborate with the AA community? WSCA is reaching out and hitting road blocks. Why blame WSCA for that? Shouldn't you be blaming the people who are putting up the road blocks? The CCACCCACCCAAC and NAACP are going around behind WSCA and blowing up the bridges they are trying to build. That's not helpful. That's destructive. As I said before, isn't it ridiculous with people complain about the manner in which someone is trying to help. WSCA is not trying to tell people that they know what's best for them or their children. They're saying "what's working now is not helping anybody, so let's work together to build something that helps all of us. Please join us." The response they're getting from the groups listed above is "go away white people, just send money. Oh, and make the check out to Rev Barbar".
User1-5: And they are trying
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 09:44 — red_balloonUser1-5: And they are trying to impact our kids without even trying to do at least what the WSCA has done! And on top of that, they demand to see 'diversity' credentials, etc. from Tedesco, WSCA, etc. Do you see how one sided the effort has been to date? Nevertheless, for the greater good, I do see your post as something valid and hope CC, Jenman, SDR, etc. take note of it.
Red ... have you gotten a
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:01 — user12345Red ... have you gotten a clue yet that you are not talking to the people yet ..since you don't know the people, area, or structure, you are banging your head over and over trying to jam you plan down their throat ... it you do not know their needs, shame on you ... if your plan does not meet their needs, shame on you ... if you blow into town and the conversation is one way White folks telling Black folk what is best for them, it is not going to work ... as I mentioned in the other post, a group experinced in the area would know the other avenues to travel ... but WCSA is inexperienced and naive and thinks that using the Republican party, mailers, and website will work for all groups like it has on the northside with their affluent base ... ALL kids is bigger and more (sorry) diverse.
I know that it may seem that
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:28 — jenmanI know that it may seem that way from the outside, but WSCA is not naive. We've always known that reaching all people in the county is a monumental task and that not all methods will work for everybody. That is why we are still trying different ways to reach people. Its working and we are making connections. I have followed these issues since moving here in 1998 and I have yet to see ANY group bring all parties together.
There will be some, like yourself, who will remain skeptical and that's ok. We've never expected to gain trust right away. And that's ok too. We will continue to reach out, to try to find a way to spark productive conversations with all segments of the community. Its hard and we knew that when we signed up for this. We also knew from the very 1st meeting that our group had goals greater than getting new board members elected. We're in this for the long haul and will continue to open ourselves up for conversation with any and all interested parties.
"There will be some, like
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:53 — user12345"There will be some, like yourself, who will remain skeptical and that's ok. We've never expected to gain trust right away."
I want to say that I appreciate what you are doing and the time you are spend doing it ... I am just using a very simple gage to measure the ALL children claim which is to watch for enthusiastic support from ALL parents including AA and SE parents. I have not seen that from SE / AA, which makes me believe maybe naively that that group has not been reached yet.
I do not care if WCSA just represents the interests of some segments of Wake since that is quite common today but I hope that such a powerful organization would include the needs of the underserved and unrepresented which few organizations do today ... but a group that truly cares would break through and find those wanting to work with you … it seems so sad to me watching you meet with the same ineffective folks over and over trying to get entry into the area while there is probably some group without the brand name who is desperate to work with you but you do not know the area well enough to find them L …. Ok here is a naïve suggestion … why don’t you meet with the Barwell PTA and ask them what they need … do not show them PowerPoint about how life sucks in WCPSS, they know that … tell them you want to move them off being the lowest performing school in the county … remember 95% of the kids live within 2 miles of the school so this is as neighborhood and community as we get.
User, Perhaps you should
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 14:30 — shearertwUser,
Perhaps you should meet with/join forces with WCSA in an effort to facilitate the crossing of bridges vs burning them down. You seem to have some good suggestion with regard to some important in-roads.
Sound idea.
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 15:31 — red_balloonSound idea.
that is a good suggestions
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 12:18 — jenmanthat is a good suggestions user and I thank you for it. Not naive at all.
there might be a few schools
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 14:17 — JSBinNCthere might be a few schools that would meet with you along those same lines.
question for wsca
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:19 — red_balloonAnother post mentioned a number of AA and poor advocacy groups that are not publicity seeking that would be far better to work with.
Just curious: Was an attempt made to reach out to the groups identified by user1-5? If not made, was it discussed within the WSCA?
Yes, we've continued to
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:35 — jenmanYes, we've continued to reach out to other groups and individuals. We are finding that people are clamoring for this type of discussion and as noted, they are not looking for publicity. Frankly, neither are we. I'd much rather have a productive discussion without media fanfare. People need to feel free to safely discuss issues without fear of their words becoming a soundbite on the evening news and being taken out of context in order to fan the flames.
To borrow a quote, "We're
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 09:53 — CaryCurmudgeonTo borrow a quote, "We're not going anywhere."
This is one woman asking.
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:18 — jenmanThis is one woman asking.
unless
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:10 — red_balloonThese are AA parents asking a non-AA group to not use their AA children
to further their agenda.
Unless you are with the Enloe parade or with the WEP.