Today, the Rochester City School District held a press conference releasing the positive news that graduation rates are going up in the school district. In fact they are up 6% from last years 39%. Superintendent Brizard acknowledged the fact that although the numbers are positive there is still much work to do. He spoke of a new web based program that will help schools keep track of their incoming 9th graders and follow them throughout their four years. The web based software program will be the main tool used to identify what supports are needed for students to ensure they complete high school within four years. Superintendent Brizard, also spoke of various programs that will be in place that will allow various non-traditional students, or students with special circumstance the opportunity to graduate on time.
One thing that wasn't talked about at all in the media, was the success of Latino students in the RCSD. Over the past three years their graduation rate has increased, but they are still the lowest of the three major ethnic groups. Latinos also possess the highest percentage of dropouts within the city school district at 35%, a title which they have also had for quite some time. Latino students make up 21% of the student population within the school district but the reflection in teaching staff, and school leadership is not the same. In fact no one except for School Board member, Melisza Campos represents the Latino voice in the Rochester City School District. If you look at the restructuring makeup of Central office and the key positions, you will notice an obvious void or lack of an individual who is Latino and represents the voice of Latinos students and community members within the Superintendents leadership cabinet.
So, I wonder why hasn't the Latino community come forward in outrage? Why haven't they called for immediate action to this crisis affecting our children? Why isn't the Rochester City School District investing in resources or programs to help alleviate this matter? What is being done to ensure Latinos will have the same opportunity to graduate as their classmates of other ethnic backgrounds? What is being done instructionally to allow students dominant in their native language of Spanish to be viewed as an asset rather then a criteria for academic hardship? If it is about every child, then why are they not represented in terms of school and district leadership? As you can tell I am very passionate about this subject and I have many questions, concerns and recommendations when it comes to the education of my people.
If nothing changes, another year will go by and Latinos will continue to fall into the same categories. The time is now to take a stand and bring about change to this crisis. If not me then who? In the words of Dr. King, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' "
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
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Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
