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PURSUIT OF GREATNESS: Our Youth. Our World. Our Future

3/25/2013

12 Comments

 
Picture
PURSUIT OF GREATNESS: Our Youth. Our World. Our Future.
By Sharon Stinson Gray, M.P.A

Saturday School. Suspension. Referrals. Expulsion.

What do these have in common? They coexist in our public school systems. They are ultimately defined and denoted as consequences, absent of counter incentives, for our youth and in particular our young urban African American youth, meted out by public school administrations across the United States of America.

This is an epidemic in one of the most basic forms. Locally. Socially. Worldwide.

Knowledge is power. Our youth is our future— these truths are without a doubt the essence and underlying foundation of our society as it relates to the future— our future, people of color. Our examination, from an educator’s point of view, proves there is a necessity, more so an urgency for intervention— from our communities, guardians, parents, churches, social workers, social groups, sororities, fraternities and the general public.

Education should exemplify our youths’ accomplishments, their rich achievements. It should embrace their unique and alluring creativity versus using a figurative tourniquet as a replacement, which ultimately has had horrific, often deadly consequences. This is not to say that public schools and administration are purposely or maliciously destroying our children and the education system; this is, rather, a careful examination of policy and methods used for behavior modification. This article is for the sole purpose of positive elucidation from our community so that solutions can be realized.

Positive reinforcement, as theorists confirm, is a powerful tool for our youth. On the flip side, studious students or students whom are mainstreamed for various special education needs should not be subjected to class disruptions and other deviant and unacceptable behavior. This, by all means, should constitute a consequence. The education process shall not be interrupted. Penalties are a necessity when extreme cases arises, but, as educators have examined and statistics continually prove, these penalties are less likely to reoccur when they are combated and supplemented with incentives and positive reinforcement. There are solutions. We are the solution.

All kids have a right to learn. Let us embrace this right and provide the most viable resources available for— our kids, our youth, our future. There are solutions. There are interventions. We stand as a community, iron-gripped and build vigorously from the ground up to make our world a better place for our future.

Below is a list of some intervention suggestions and other resources. It starts with education. It starts with caring.

* After school tutoring

* Sylvan Learning Centers

* Homework Hotline Educational Services, LLC

* School Notes

* Family Involvement with School Education

Our youth, our seeds shall be watered in order for them to flourish and blossom, most beautifully and uniquely. We shall groom, enhance and promote their greatness as we, the community, the adults, the educators, the learners, the parents, the churches, the providers, will continue energetically and enthusiastically to push forward relentlessly in the pursuit of greatness.


12 Comments
Susan
3/26/2013 01:20:48 am

Wow! I'm truly impressed. This is an amazing article and it opens your eyes to reality. Great job Dream Pathways!!

Reply
Wanda link
3/26/2013 06:19:24 am

This says it all right here --> All kids have a right to learn <--- We have to value our children. I love you and your passion for education. And the little boy in the picture is a cutie :-)

Reply
Michelle link
3/26/2013 07:46:00 am

Excellent article. Knowledge truly, is power. Thank you, Ms. Gray and all educators, mentors, and volunteer for your passion in the field of education.

You have provided invaluable insight to 'Our Youth. Our World. Our Future.'

Reply
Dera Williams link
3/26/2013 10:29:59 am

Excellent article. Very well-written and articulated. So true. Intervention is needed and we are the ones to do.

Reply
Jacqueline Woods (KIRS)
3/26/2013 10:56:13 am

Your passion for at risk children and the work that you do everyday to make sure that their plight is known and addressed, shines through in this article. Keep up the great work! Our youth needs more people like you on their team(s)! Bravo!

Reply
Tiffany E. Browne link
3/26/2013 11:42:01 am

Indeed the education should not be interrupted, but what happens when adults, the leaders interrupt? Another topic altogether I suppose.

Reply
Joyce link
3/26/2013 12:18:49 pm

Great article! Our children deserve to all be in position to learn. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Keep teaching our young.

Reply
Lorraine Elzia
3/26/2013 01:09:11 pm

An excellent illustration that it takes a community to raise a child.

Reply
Cliff
3/27/2013 12:29:40 am

Great reminder of basic human motivations, hope for a reward or fear of punishment. Too often we remember one and not the other. When used well, these actions van help elicit desired outcomes. You nailed it in a much more eloquent manner than I.

Reply
Linda Chavis
3/27/2013 02:49:27 am

I approve this message !!!

Reply
Kay Seaberry link
3/27/2013 02:23:55 pm

Bravo! Excellent article. Knowledge is power and facilities like Sylvan empowers our future leaders for generations to come.

Reply
Tiffany Craig link
3/27/2013 08:57:25 pm

An old African proverb states "It takes a village to raise a child," and Ms. Gray is definitely doing her part!! Excellent article!!

Reply



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