Convener: Dany Fleming Scribe: Mickey Arefaine
Location: Table B 4:30
Attendees:
Dany Fleming, Mickey Arefaine, Linda Kohn, Sima Namei, Lee Hall, Sheri Musser, Emily North, Carol Quintero, Kerri Lawrence, Ina Mattson
Discussion Notes:
Harrisonburg and Rockingham schools have become very culturally diverse but the staff and administration is not. How do we provide support for these children and their families? Questions have been raised about the curriculum and lack of cultural understanding on the part of the school system. Dany Fleming referenced a Harvard study on teaching to a diverse student body. The study found that teachers were naturally and unintentionally biased when grading their students. Minorities received worse grades.
Some parents complained about grade placement of newly immigrated students. The students should not be placed so far behind just because they do not know English.
JMU students asked how they can help. Dany said to stick around this area and help diversify the school system and/or bring cultural understanding to it.
Money is an issue. Also, how to deal with teachers who feel threatened by the changes without completely alienating them.
There were several JMU students, city and county teachers and administrators, parents, and a few former students of the local K-12 school system in attendance.
Ideas for the schools:
- Diversity Counseling/Seminar for teachers
- Counselor for teachers, students, and parents.
Ideas for parents:
- Meet to come up with ideas to bring to the school system
- Create a support group for parents and teachers
Contact: Dany Fleming fleming.dany [at] gmail.com
