THE PASSION TO EDUCATE: MOVING STUDENTS FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE
Dorothy Travis Moore’s latest inspiration book delivers and is a must-read for teachers and parents. Christian references are sprinkled throughout this narrative. One-hundred thirty-nine pages highlight real stories of at-risk students. Tried and true tactics developed to motivate young people to recognize their potential and move toward their destiny of accomplishments and success are also identified. Each chapter ends with tips ‘action plans’ for student progress. Final pages include an outline of ‘The Dangerous Dozen’ or social and emotional dynamics that can affect a child’s ability to learn — Low self-esteem. Inability to resolve conflict. Hostile school climate. High suspension rates. Outdated curriculums. Ineffective parenting. Peer pressure. Criminal behaviors. Failure to dream. Emotional isolation and feeling invisible. Dorothy Travis Moore is an educator’s educator and practices what she teaches. Her life of service and dedication to shaping successful career habits, particularly for African-American adolescent males, resulted in her being honored by the National School Safety Center as one of America’s Top Ten Principals of Leadership. Dorothy Travis Moore is a true icon, a blessing to everyone who has encountered her.
Dr. Ronald D. Stephens | Executive Director | National School Safety Center | Westlake Village, CA
Academics Rebecca Epstein, Georgetown University; Jamilia J. Blake, Texas A & M Unversity; and Thalia Gonzalez, Occidental College authored this report. Published by Georgetown University- Law Center on Poverty and Inequality
GIRLHOOD INTERRUPTED: THE ERASURE OF BLACK GIRLS’ CHILDHOOD
This report, for the first time, represents a major step in addressing the disparate treatment of Back girls in
public systems. It challenges researchers to develop new studies to investigate the degree and prevalence of the adultification of Black girls. Data presented confirms that many adults view Black girls as less innocent and
more adult-like than their white peers, ages 5 to 14. “In light of the proven disparities in school discipline, we suggest that the perception of Black girls as less innocent may contribute to harsher punishment by educators and school resource officers.”
A snapshot of the data indicates that compared to white girls the same age, survey participants perceive that Black girls need less nurturing, protection, support, and comfort. And that Black girls are more independent, know more about adult topics and sex. Results of this attitude may translate into fewer leadership and mentorship opportunities for Black girls. Additionally, discrepancies in law enforcement and juvenile court practices may contribute to the more punitive exercise of discretion by those in positions of authority, greater use of force, and harsher penalties.
“Stereotypes often operate at subliminal levels, are reinforced by prevailing cultural representations and can have a dramatic impact on offenders, particularly juveniles.” The authors conclude that “Only by recognizing the phenomenon of adultification can we overcome the perception that innocence, like freedom, is a privilege.
DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE: ESSAYS IN HISTORY AS ACTIVISM
BY Nathan Wuertenberg and William Horne, Eds.Westphalia Press
There are those among us who do not or choose
not to understand or accept history’s impact on the
present. Addressing this dilemma, these scholars
contend that, “The culprit in this American historyas-
mythology may be our schools and textbooks
which often depict historical knowledge as
complete rather than ongoing.”
Wuertenberg and Horne report that “The deceptive
timeline of beginning, middle, end that presents
history as linear and distant” can also be blamed.
“Contemporary issues are produced historically.
Prior events, ideas, and systems of power created
our world, and are repetitions of chronic problems which confront Americans.” Titles of the twelve essays included
are — Liberals, Leftists, And the Democratic Party, Racism And Rights: African-Americans and Contested Citizenship (s), Monuments and Power: Racism and Public Memory, Jobs and the Environment: Moving Beyond the Herrenvolk Democracy of Coal. Insuring Mental Health:Treatment and Access for the Mentally Ill, and Poverty as Policy: Wagelessness and Aid are also featured. Each of these examines the role of history in
shaping ongoing debates and highlights the ways that today’s issues are historical expressions of power that continue to shape the present.