JCPS has proposed a new academy aimed at improving the learning of young men of color within JCPS. I was not able to attend the JCPS work session that discussed the proposed W.E.B. DuBois Academy, but after reading the news stories about it and listening to most of the audio of the presentation, I have some questions:
If these have been answered and I've missed them, I apologize. But if there are answers, feel free to leave them in the comments or e-mail me.
- Why is there no formal written proposal and plan for the school available for review or ready for the work session?
- If there is no detailed plan and so few details ironed out, why is there such an aggressive timeline for implementing this school?
- How can JCPS' board approve such an aggressive proposal without detailed plans that ensure success?
- Are we setting ourselves up for failure working with such little planning less than a year out?
- Dr. Marshall indicates on his presentation that they cannot have "high concentrations of poverty". What exactly does this mean, and how do you control for this? Does this exclude some students who are most at risk?
- What does "creative and innovative ways to pay teachers to teach longer and better" mean? How do you pay a teacher to teach better?
- Since adequate means "satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity", what does "above adequate materials" mean in the presentation? Aren't we better served saying what materials the school needs and that we'll accept nothing less?
- It's noted this is "(n)ot a gifted or talented school." Will the school be identifying GT kids and working to meet their needs?
- What is the penalty if parents commit to one Saturday a month and can't make it? Will JCPS be providing assistance for transportation, child care, etc?
- What does it mean that "scores track back to resident school"?
- How do we "stay faithful to the plan" if we don't yet have a real plan? What if the plan proves unworkable? Who is accountable for sticking with that plan, and how many years out is that plan formulated?
- Do we have statistics from Carter Woodson Academy about how it is working, and more importantly the reasons WHY it is (or isn't) working?
- Are there plans to involve local churches? If so, to what extent, and how will we ensure that religion is kept out of the classroom?
- Why are we starting in sixth grade? What is the risk of starting in sixth grade vs elementary school?
- How will we ensure equitable admissions into the school and that the school's disciplinary policies are fairly executed?
- How will we monitor and continuously improve the school going forward? How long do we support the academy if the efforts made do not result in measurable improvement?
- Are there any concerns that creating a school for the needs of a minority community upends the public perception of forty years of busing in the name of diversity? How will that public message be managed?
- What about young women of color?
- What is JCPS going to do for students of color who DON'T thrive in rigid learning environments that demand conformity?
If these have been answered and I've missed them, I apologize. But if there are answers, feel free to leave them in the comments or e-mail me.
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