RCSD graduation rates on the rise, but what about Latinos?

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

7 Months as a Father

It has been an amazing 7 months since my son stepped into my life. It has been filled with many long nights and exciting days! My son has brought a new found joy to my family and a new role for myself. He is truly a blessing and has brought a renewed perspective and purpose on life. His innocence, energy and curiosity is contagious and often times refreshing in a world that could burn you at a moments notice.

Time is going so fast and I often catch myself worried that soon enough he will be asking me for advice on women, sports, school and life. He will be watching my every move and looking at me as his benchmark on life. I will have to set the bar high for my son, and I will also have to support him at all times to ensure that he is successful at whatever he chooses.

Bottom line, he is always going to be looking up to me.

Avery, I love you!

Papi

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Living the Dream!
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
www.anibalsoler.com

MLK National Historic Site

While attending the AVID Summer Institute in Atlanta, GA I found some time to get away and visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s National Historic Site. I, along with some of my colleagues walked over to the site from our hotel. As we were walking down we could see the history and the depletion of the neighborhood which once thrived in the sixties. Many of the buildings were torn down and uninhabited. There were many homeless individuals occupying various parts of the neighborhood.

When we finally arrived at the site, it was as if you had walked into the past. The first thing you saw was Dr. King's church, Ebenezer Baptist. The same church that he attended and the same church that held his premature funeral. I was standing on the same street, as thousands of people where 40 years ago during his funeral procession. I also took a photo near he and his wife's tombstone.

While I was there I learned many new things about the life of Dr. King. One thing that stuck with me the most was this quote that was posted in the museum.

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of selfishness. This the judgement. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

These words, are words that I try to live by everyday as an educator, father, husband, mentor and friend. I must remember that my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for others.

Lastly, if you are in the area I highly recommend you visit this special site.

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Advancement Via Individual Determination-AVID

I just got back from Atlanta, GA were I attended a training session for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and let me start out by saying that I am eager to get underway.

AVID is a unique program targeted at middle of the road students who are often times invisible in the classroom. The type of students who get by academically and rarely cause any issues behaviorally. The students, that need some support and instruction on preparing themselves for college.

What impressed me most about the AVID program and the five day institute was the passion and fire that was there by the organization and by other attendees on making sure underrepresented students get to college.

This September, I along with my AVID site team will be embarking on our first cohort of AVID students. We have 46 students engaging in this journey. I will keep you all posted!

For more information on AVID check out their website: www.avidonline.org

Living the Dream!
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.

Missing in Action

It’s been a long time since my last blog post. Life has gotten hectic this summer. Currently, I am taking two sessions worth of Doctoral classes at the University of Rochester, working, and most importantly spending time with my wife and son. I promise to get refocused and reenergized with my posts.

Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler

Dr. Pedro Noguera

Today we had the privilege of having Dr. Pedro Noguera speak to our staff members as part of the building based professional development on Superintendents Conference Day. Since the beginning of my doctoral course work I have been a huge fan of Dr. Noguera. His research focus is primarily on race and urban education. He often looks at school reform and how it will impact various races and he also does a lot of work focusing on decreasing the racial achievement gap.

His message was very powerful and a reminder of what urban schools must be doing for students in education.

If you ever have the opportunity to read his work, or see him speak I encourage you to seize the moment. Read more about Dr. Pedro Noguera. (Click here)

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Charlotte High School Prom 2008

Time has flown by, and just the other night we had another successful magnificent event for our student body. We had our 2nd Annual Junior/Senior Prom. I am always amazed at how good our students look when they dress up. As expected our students had a great time and enjoyed another memorable night in their high school career.

My only wish is that more staff members would participate and attend this event so that they would view our students in a different lens and get a better understanding of what it is all about.

This event also brings us closer to graduation and now we only have a month.

The work continues!!!

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com