While We Get Lost in the Wrong Arguments, Too Many of Our Kids Aren’t Ready for the Future

As a Generation Xer, I was sold the dream in the 1990s that one day we would all telecommute to work, execute our daily duties…

I Got Rid of Course Requirements for My AP English Class and I Don’t Regret It

“So you’re just going to let anyone into your AP English class?” she quipped with sarcasm and snark.  “Uhm … yeah,” I responded with cool…

Someone Should Run for School Board, Why Not You?

Let’s get this out of the way. Mark Twain’s famous joke: “In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made…

We Can’t Let Our Love For Our Students Morph Into Low Academic Expectations

I remember the day like it was yesterday. The year was 2013 and I was in the oval office with President Obama to receive an…

Fellow Black Parents, It’s Time to Break the Silence About Our Kids With Disabilities

My mom and society have taught me that it is rude to offer advice when no one asks for it. But Black folks aren’t talking about…

The Case for Supporting the Mental Health of Your Students

Four seniors at Ánimo Jackie Robinson—a Green Dot high school that opened to bring more high-quality, public education to historic South Central Los Angeles—chose to…

Reading the Right Books, Not Just the White Books, Will Help Black Students Succeed

Dear Black Students:  I want to tell you something controversial, something different from the messages most people will give you. I want you to know…

I’m a Public School Parent and I Have Every Right to Complain

When someone speaks poorly of public institutions there is probably a story there.  To that point, if you read the millions of words I’ve written…

The First Weeks of School Matter for Your Child. Here’s How to Get It Right.

The back to school season is now in full swing. This time of year often causes a jumble of excitement and nerves for both students…

Black and Brown Students Can Learn, But You Have to Want to Teach Them

We complain about what’s wrong with the public education system all the time. Admittedly, I’m probably on the long list of tough critics.  Some of…