*Contributed by George White, Executive Director of Social Economic and Educational CHANGE
KALAMAZOO (MICH.)-It begins with the profiling of our students and the gentrification of our public schools. In a scene that plays out Locally (Kalamazoo Public Schools) and in schools across the nation, Low-income students (mostly African American) and students with disabilities are being segregated against their wishes into alternative schools.
Locally, what the students also appear to have in common is they are all NOT proficient in academic state testing and they have been involved in one or more (alleged) behavior-related suspensions that are the cause for their displacement. I say allegedly because the students have no constitutional due process protections and eye-witness testimony, or video evidence is most often denied under FERPA.
The Child Find Act that provides school districts with federal funding is clear. Public schools MUST locate, evaluate, and provide education services (with no exception) to low-income African American students and students with disabilities that require intervention.
Kalamazoo Public School Board has the responsibility to have an individual plan for each student that ensures they are grade-level proficient in all academic courses (18 credits) required under the Michigan Merit Curriculum law before graduation can occur.
Low-income African American students and students with disabilities have been passed through the system unable to read and do math at their age and grade level. In most cases, students are two years behind. However, in some cases four or more years behind in their reading and math skills.
KPS School Board must mandate the testing of all students to determine what reading and math skill areas students are below grade level in. Each student must have an Educational Development Plan targeted to strengthen the specific skill level area of weakness until the student is grade-level proficient!
Economic Justice begins and ends with the education of African American children! Michigan Department of Education confirms that the statistics show Low income (mostly African American) students and students with disabilities are most impacted and are more likely to drop out, require public assistance, or have a criminal history without intervention.
Grade level proficient graduates will be more equipped to participate in the essential processes of government, politics/voting, and compete in the global economy and an emerging workforce. It is clear at least to me that the miseducation of African American youth is KEY to killing their dreams.
*Views contributed to Community Voices are independent.