Poverty is not an excuse for failing to make sure children know how to read!!
Furthermore, Black and Hispanic parents- what does so called racial identity have to do with why our kids are underperforming in reading?!
Stop letting people push low expectations on us because we are Black or Hispanic and happen to struggle financially!
I just read a study which concluded the following:
• There are significant gaps in reading achievement by race and income.
• By the time children from low-income families enter grade school, their
proficiency in reading has already become an issue.
• 47 percent of fourth graders from low-income families read below the basic level.
• 50 percent of Black fourth graders scored below the basic level, as do 47 percent
of Hispanic and 49 percent of American Indian fourth graders.
Even if a parent is functionally illiterate, there is Head Start and all kind of FREE. programs for impoverished families that can help children read and develop the tools they need to be well rounded
Also, YouTube and the internet has all kinds of free apps and sites promoting literacy
Sick of hearing about poverty and racism in discussions about education.
No White man ever came to my home and told my parents not to make sure I learn how to read
That’s all on the parent
Seems to me that too many of us are more passionate about what others think about us than we are about our own babies
Our Black ancestors came out of slavery with NOTHING and never let that be an excuse not to strive for better
Education was expected even in the poorest of households
My grandmother used to say “You either going to school or you are getting out my house”
She was barely literate and poor but 8 of her 9 kids graduated from high school. 7 of 9 graduated from college
Don’t tell me poverty or racism has anything to do with literacy.
Not when too many of our pre adolescent children master video games and recite entire rap songs, but cannot proficiently read.
It’s inexcusable
The so called “New Jim Crow” Is Illiteracy and it is Black and Hispanic parents who are enslaving our own children with excuses and low expectations.
Period! Rant over!
Guest post – Stacy M. Swimp
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