THE RED PILL
DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSION ON EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT AND RACE
A Teacher's Perspective: Inside the Public Schools
For months, I have been looking for an opportunity to share what physically and mentally goes on inside a classroom. This may be the place. I won't (at least I'll try) get into a lot of philosophy, just the day to day stuff or, as they say in sports,"keeping it between the lines." I'll have to give some of my background and since I'm almost at the end of my career, I will bring you up to speed as to where I've been and the things that went on at those schools. This will be an ongoing process so get ready to ride with "Teacher Man! I will try to let you in on some of the things that really go on in the Public Schools, Monday through Friday, bell to bell! I will share a little bit about my training and I'll try to bring you along using my ears and eyes. Hopefully, you can feel, see and hear what I feel, see and hear because I will give it to you like/as it happens. And trust me, I need this discussion as much as anyone!
Coming to Memphis, Tennessee, in the early nineties, I had an opportunity to get certified in a program called 'Project Teach!" It was a collaborative program involving Memphis State( at that time!), LeMoyne-Owen College and Shelby State Community College. It gave a few minority students with bachelor degrees an opportunity to get certified in elementary education. I jumped at the opportunity since working for temp services throughout this city was not what I considered my cup of tea. I also felt I could really give back to the students. I knew it was a great opportunity. Not that it meant anything but my father was an educator and so was my mother. So I thought I could do this. I was nearly 40 at the time and I had never given any real thought about making teaching a career. I had taught several months with an emergency credential in South Central Los Angeles and I thought it couldn't be any worse than that. And at least with this program I could get some valuable and necessary training to really help kids learn and be successful. So I took advantage of the opportunity.
My brief experience in Los Angeles was at Bethune Junior High on 78th and Broadway. It was in the middle of a strong Crip gang presence and there was beginning to be an East Los Angeles' hispanic growth spurt with gang issues too. Most of my students were Hispanic and Black. Many of the Hispanic students couldn't speak English well or at least they played like it. Many were new arrivals to the US and the LA community and, by law, all children have the right to attend public schools in America. I was teaching Algebra and was sharing a room with a white guy. I had scored high on the CBEST teaching aptitude test in all areas and particularly math so since they needed math teachers, I got hired. You see I had received a strong math training while in the public schools of East St. Louis so I knew I could do this. I didn't have any classroom management skills but thought I could handle the students since I was raised in East St. Louis and had survived the military. I had never had any education courses so I wasn't prepared for what I was about to deal with. It was a trip! Students wouldn't listen!! They would throw erasers!! Uniforms were whatever! At that time most students wore their colors.
One incident I remember was with Javier, a Latino kid. I spotted him tagging a wall and I shouted "stop"! He bolted and my instinct told me to go after him. He jumped the fence and boy was I embarassed. I thought I was doing what teachers are supposed to do. Right! I was told by a more experienced teacher to never chase after a student. That was that! They brought him back into the school and, subsequently, back into the room. Before the semester was over, I think he quit coming. Another memorable situation happened one day with a young Black student. He was really a good guy if/when he came to school but one day he dropped some weed after showing me a bankroll of money. He was affiliated with the Crips but that didn't bother me. Most were affiliated with some organization. When he dropped the money and the weed, he quickly picked it up and ran. Again, I ran after him but this time I stopped at the office. He left the building and eventually returned. I don't think much happened to him in terms of consequences. We laughed as a matter of fact about the money and the drug situation. He quit coming to class too, I think!
I lasted at Bethune until that Spring. It was daily chaos and confusion for me. They had several dances. The students got a snack break about 10:00am in the yard which was surrounded by fence. It reminded me of a penitentiary yard. Snacks were given and the students had an oppportunity to socialize and plan! The Principal was a Black lady (cute) and seemed rather under the radar. I dealt with her a few times because I had taken a lot of days off! (smile) I enjoyed teaching but the rigors day-to-day were rough. One day the white guy I was sharing a room with got pissed at me for some reason. I told him the room was the kids, not ours. It lead to more stress. He was very territorial while I was just there trying to help the students learn some algebra. Anyway, by the Spring I had found a job in the defense industry. I'll stop here for now. Next, we'll head to Memphis!(smile) Boy do I have stories to tell about this experience.
Coming to Memphis, Tennessee, in the early nineties, I had an opportunity to get certified in a program called 'Project Teach!" It was a collaborative program involving Memphis State( at that time!), LeMoyne-Owen College and Shelby State Community College. It gave a few minority students with bachelor degrees an opportunity to get certified in elementary education. I jumped at the opportunity since working for temp services throughout this city was not what I considered my cup of tea. I also felt I could really give back to the students. I knew it was a great opportunity. Not that it meant anything but my father was an educator and so was my mother. So I thought I could do this. I was nearly 40 at the time and I had never given any real thought about making teaching a career. I had taught several months with an emergency credential in South Central Los Angeles and I thought it couldn't be any worse than that. And at least with this program I could get some valuable and necessary training to really help kids learn and be successful. So I took advantage of the opportunity.
My brief experience in Los Angeles was at Bethune Junior High on 78th and Broadway. It was in the middle of a strong Crip gang presence and there was beginning to be an East Los Angeles' hispanic growth spurt with gang issues too. Most of my students were Hispanic and Black. Many of the Hispanic students couldn't speak English well or at least they played like it. Many were new arrivals to the US and the LA community and, by law, all children have the right to attend public schools in America. I was teaching Algebra and was sharing a room with a white guy. I had scored high on the CBEST teaching aptitude test in all areas and particularly math so since they needed math teachers, I got hired. You see I had received a strong math training while in the public schools of East St. Louis so I knew I could do this. I didn't have any classroom management skills but thought I could handle the students since I was raised in East St. Louis and had survived the military. I had never had any education courses so I wasn't prepared for what I was about to deal with. It was a trip! Students wouldn't listen!! They would throw erasers!! Uniforms were whatever! At that time most students wore their colors.
One incident I remember was with Javier, a Latino kid. I spotted him tagging a wall and I shouted "stop"! He bolted and my instinct told me to go after him. He jumped the fence and boy was I embarassed. I thought I was doing what teachers are supposed to do. Right! I was told by a more experienced teacher to never chase after a student. That was that! They brought him back into the school and, subsequently, back into the room. Before the semester was over, I think he quit coming. Another memorable situation happened one day with a young Black student. He was really a good guy if/when he came to school but one day he dropped some weed after showing me a bankroll of money. He was affiliated with the Crips but that didn't bother me. Most were affiliated with some organization. When he dropped the money and the weed, he quickly picked it up and ran. Again, I ran after him but this time I stopped at the office. He left the building and eventually returned. I don't think much happened to him in terms of consequences. We laughed as a matter of fact about the money and the drug situation. He quit coming to class too, I think!
I lasted at Bethune until that Spring. It was daily chaos and confusion for me. They had several dances. The students got a snack break about 10:00am in the yard which was surrounded by fence. It reminded me of a penitentiary yard. Snacks were given and the students had an oppportunity to socialize and plan! The Principal was a Black lady (cute) and seemed rather under the radar. I dealt with her a few times because I had taken a lot of days off! (smile) I enjoyed teaching but the rigors day-to-day were rough. One day the white guy I was sharing a room with got pissed at me for some reason. I told him the room was the kids, not ours. It lead to more stress. He was very territorial while I was just there trying to help the students learn some algebra. Anyway, by the Spring I had found a job in the defense industry. I'll stop here for now. Next, we'll head to Memphis!(smile) Boy do I have stories to tell about this experience.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Craig on
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Al,
It does get old! Trust me! Sometimes I even blame myself. Now what is that about? (smile)
Craig
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Permalink Reply by B. Crittenden Freeman on
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Latest Status:
I had a discussion, Friday, 04/23/10, with personel at Kirby High School concerning the Metal Detection process. In their defense, they may not have appreciated someone who was not a part of their system speaking with them on the process not working. And, also fellow in security, did allow me to finish my sentences before his spoke (surprising!).
However I will conclude that I found them to be:
1. Evading
2. Dominating
3. Un-concerning
4. Manipulating.
The only reason I got a return phone call from the Security Head was because I said "I am a concerned taxpayer. This is my last phone call. If I do not receive a return call, my next call will be one of escalation."
The 2 people I spoke with were
1. Quick on their feet
2. Spoke in rapid fire succession of sentences
3. Did NOT know how to give "the gift of listening"
4. Gave the impression of a similarity of the "Blue Wall of Police".
Both spent their time attempting to convince me there is NO PROBLEM whatsoever!!!
I am WHOLLY unimpressed and would NEVER trust them.
I felt NO SENSE of engagement, care, trust or linkage.
I have 2 more steps to complete this process.
1. A fax back to Dr. Hall
2. A letter to Kriner Cash
And then this will be complete. Mr. Cash will be completely surprised by the letter that he receives. It will be stunning. And that will be the end of this this rather distasteful thread!
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Thanks Barry for your concern. I doubt if it gets better before it gets worse. My truth!
Craig
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What will change this? Unfortunately, a disaster!!!
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Barry, FYI this was in todays' "Commercial Appeal" and is why security must be paramount!
29 arrested after fights near Kirby High School
Fights that started outside Kirby High School then spilled over into a Hickory Hill neighborhood on Friday resulted in the arrests of 23 juveniles and six adults.
Up to 60 people may have been involved in the fights in the Castle Heights and Winter Park area, but when officers told those in the crowd they were under arrest, many fled, according to Memphis police.
The 29 who were caught, including a 12-year-old, were arrested for inciting a riot, escape and disorderly conduct, and obstruction of a highway or passageway.
Six of those arrested were adults; the oldest was a 21-year-old. All but one of those arrested were male. The lone female is a 16-year-old.
Those charged include three 14-year-olds, six 15-year-olds, eight 16-year-olds, five 17-year-olds, three 18-year-olds and two 19-year-olds.
A Memphis City Schools spokesman said Monday that no Kirby students have been confirmed to be among those arrested.
"Zero fights occurred at Kirby High School that day," said Memphis City Schools spokesman Quintin Taylor. He said he was relying on information from the Memphis Police Department officer assigned to Kirby.
Taylor said the administration at Kirby will cross-check the names of those arrested for fighting Friday on streets near the school with its student list.
Initial calls to MPD came in to Ridgeway Station precinct at about 3 p.m. about "fights at Kirby High School," said MPD spokesman Alyssa Macon-Moore. The school is at 4080 Kirby.
"Officers broke up two large fights at Raines and Kirby as school let out," she said.
Several smaller fights began south of the school a short time later.
At 3:33 p.m, MPD received calls of shots fired and a larger fight in the 4400 block of Castle Heights.
All of those under 18 years old who were arrested were taken to the juvenile detention center, where they were processed and released, said Barry Mitchell, chief probation officer for Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court.
They will be required to return to meet with Juvenile Court staff.
The six adults arrested are Maquayle Britt, 21; Dock Britt, 19; Toyniko Perry, 19; Jamarcus Strong, 18; Dominique Ware, 18; and Jerry Ford, 18.
They are scheduled to appear June 9 in General Sessions Criminal Court Division 9.
On April 12, police were called to two MCS campuses during school hours because of large fights. At Northside Alternative, about 20 students were involved in a fight, and another involving at least six students occurred that day at East High School.
Several were ex-, if not students at Kirby. I know because I tried to teach them. This crazy behavior is in the schools and it does impact our instruction on a daily basis and often makes it impossible to teach. My truth!
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Well, what an exciting year it's been! They all are different and yet the same. This week the students are taking end of the year tests. The schedule is different each day and the students who have to take the tests are required to take them. Some of the tests are timed and some untimed. These are the scores that are used to determine if a school is either passing or failing. It is not the only factor but is crucial to keep off the dreaded state lists! I honestly don't understand the evaluation process but I do know a lot of energy is put into getting the kids to focus and do well. The students really are motivated by the administration to come to school, focus and do well. At Mitchell if we weren't testing we were in the gym. Kirby has the students who aren't testing stay in various classes for 2 to 3 hours Tuesday through Thursday with makeup tests given on Friday. And since Kirby is a much bigger school the process is what it is. Algebra 1, 2; English and Biology are tested, as well as US History. I am glad the world languages aren't involved yet so we continue to follow the curriculum and try to wrap up the year. It is paramount for the students to attend and to stay out of trouble. So far this week so good!
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Permalink Reply by Aaron (Al) Lewis on
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And then what?
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Good question Al. Where are the opportunities? Where will they go? What will they do? What next? Opportunity is limited and so few will achieve at levels of awe! But "I" have to keep my head up or "I" will fall into deep depression! It is hard being hopeful but...... sometimes, that is all I have!
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Here is what I've sent to the Kirby School Administration:
May 7, 2010
Dr. Alfred L. Hall, II
Chief Of Staff, MCS
Memphis, TN 38112
901.416.5528
Fax: 901-416.0212
email = halla@mcsk12.net
Dear Dr. Hall,
This letter/fax/email is a followup to previous letters/faxes/emails that were sent to you concerning the metal detection processes at Kirby High School. What was found in my search to un-cover the reasons for such a lapse in metal detection processes (the problem being that many students are setting up the alarms and no one is checking them) and to ascertain an immediate amelioration.
However, what I un-covered was:
1.Resistance to communication. Somewhat similar to a police station's “blue wall of silence.
2.Lack of communication. No return of phone calls.
3.Class ism I was always being asked “What organization do you represent? What company do you represent? Are you a parent?” As though if I were not, I was to be deemed irrelevant to talk to!!! My response was always the same. “I am a concerned taxpayer!”
4.A quick on their feet, rapid fire speaking ability on the part of people who choose to answer the phone. This was clearly designed to discourage the listener to NOT further pursue any action. It did not and does not work on me.
5.Many times people choosing to not answer the phone at all.
I am disappointed by all whom I came in contact with. I expected that:
1.Someone would have done an investigation in the procedures at the High School.
2.Someone would have observed the kids go through the process and watched to confer “if the problem" were still occurring.
3.There would be an overall sense of integrity to the work. I do not get that feeling.
Conclusion
Things will not change at Kirby High School, in regards to the metal detection processes, until 1 of 2 things (or both things) occur
1.There is a disaster (such as a student bringing a gun to school and shooting it.)
2.Someone is hired who enforces the policies and is not afraid to speak out and execute.
As for our group of concerned parents here, I've advised them that Home Schooling is the best alternative to the regular school systems and they should take their children OUT of school and begin the home schooling process.
Thank you.
\\B. Crittenden Freeman\\
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A response from Dr. Hall:
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Mr. Freeman,
I understand your position and respect your motivation to make the best
educational decisions for your family.
Please note that Memphis City Schools will continue to work dilligently to
address and resolve the myriad of issues we face to educating all of our
children in a increasingly more challenging urban environment.
Regards,
Alfred Hall
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Barry, we call that response blowing smoke up your ass. lol
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