Ms. Caronette Jones wants to make sure every child has the same opportunity to succeed that she had as a child. She understands that she is where she is because a teacher saw something in her.

HISD’s current teacher appraisal system simply does not meet students’ or teachers’ needs. Teachers often go years without being observed by an appraiser under the current Modified Professional Development and Appraisal System and receive little or no constructive feedback about their job performance, while HISD students continue to lag behind other area districts in academic performance. Not surprisingly, a 2010 survey of thousands of HISD teachers and principals found widespread dissatisfaction with the current system.

Kemba Walker completed three years of college without reading one book.

 How does one get into and complete three years of college without reading one book? Ask University of Connecticut basketball star Kemba Walker, who not only managed to do so, but is set to graduate a year early from the institution.

 No one cares that this family has no home. No one seems to care about what will happen if this child grows up without the only woman on earth wired to love him unconditionally. No one seems to care about the massive costs to the state of prosecuting this mother and eventually the child, as we deliberately trap them in an intergenerational cycle of poverty and criminal justice.

We have seen two financial models of the bill so far and in one scenario, Aldine would lose approximately $34 M and in another model $62 M per year. Cuts such as these will be devastating to the district, and there are not enough additional reductions that we can make to continue to operate schools and provide programs and services that even remotely resemble what we provide today.

If the Senate passes a bill that reduces education spending by $3 or $4 bilion, service cuts will be necessary but not as deep. Differences in the House and Senate bills would be worked out in a conference committee so that one bill emerges for both houses to approve or reject. It is interesting to note that the House chose not use the state’s Rainy Day Fund to reduce the severity of the cuts, and it will be important to see if the Senate takes the same approach.

M. Christopher Brown II

Over 50 applicants applied to take the top post at Alcorn State University and at the end of the day the youngest applicant stood out.  Co-chair of the Search Advisory Committee Percy O. Norwood says, “We were looking for the best fit for Alcorn State University and Dr. Brown is the Perfect fit for the beloved institution. He is familiar with HBCUs and land-grant universities and Dr. Brown is a visionary and an authority on higher education policy – what more could we ask for. He is familiar with HBCU’s and land-grant universities and Dr. Brown is a visionary and an authority on higher education policy-what more could we ask for.”

HISD prides itself on being a district of choice. As the state’s largest school district, HISD has nearly 300 schools with a variety of programs that are designed to meet your child’s needs, challenge their thinking, develop their skills and talents, but most importantly prepare them for success in college, their careers, and in life.

That history has now been brought to life in the school’s former woodshop in a historical exhibition entitled WorkingShop. At the same time, art students at Ryan are making some history of their own. Under the guidance of art teacher Anna Bass, they have been working on designs to be incorporated into the renovation of nearby Emancipation Park.

Rev. Leslie Smith 

When the Apollo Space Program began fifty years ago, it was devoted to the goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth, within the decade of the 1960s.  At the time President Kennedy outlined his vision of going to the moon, many people thought it was unachievable, and some thought it was downright impossible to attain within a decade.  He cautioned the nation that it made no sense to agree to take action to explore outer space, unless the country was “prepared to do the work and bear the burdens to make it successful.”  

 Links Incorporated, Port City Chapter Members

The South Central Sportz’s 10th Annual Opening Day ceremonies were celebrated in perfect spring weather at Sunnyside Park. The 200 boys and girls on 15 teams named in honor of the Negro League also enjoyed extra festivities at the simultaneously held Health, Science and Education Fair sponsored by The Links, Incorporated.

Rev. William “Bill” Lawson and wife, Audrey

The grant will support the expansion of the WALIPP middle school from a district charter to a Texas Education Agency (TEA) State Charter. WALIPP has operated a single-gender middle school for boys in grades 6, 7 and 8 since 2002.  In 2011, WALIPP will expand the boys’ program by nearly doubling enrollment and will open the single-gender middle school for girls in grades 6, 7 and 8.

Principal Dameion Crook gives Bruce Elementary student Lyell Davis a wristband after accepting his application to HISD’s new all-male college preparatory academy.

The phrase “minority achievement gap” resonates with Crook who admits HISD must do a better job at meeting the needs of its African- American male students. “It’s not just about academics, it’s also about meeting the social, cultural, and community needs of these young boys,” says Crook. “We need to show them that there are many pathways to success, and they don’t all involve carrying a football or dribbling a basketball.”

The 2011 Westside JV Basketball Team

“The first time this has happened in 5 years,” Coach Lee recalls.  Crushing the myth that Westside High school is not a school for basketball!!  The Westside Wolves defeated the Westbury Rebels in the last game of the season 48 to 40. 

North Forest High School ‘s  National Society of Black Engineers proudly display their achievements.

The North Forest High School National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Junior Chapter members traveled to Texas A&M University recently,  to participate in the NSBE Olympiad Design Competition.

Debutante/Beautillions Cotillion Ball, which benefits “Devine Prom Project 2011.”

HISD’s Senior Child Study Manager, Michael Webb, believes that results from visual and memory tests are more valid and could reduce the chances of a misdiagnosis.  

HISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Services Sowmya Kumar says, “The African- American overrepresentation is a serious problem at HISD and in urban school districts across the country. She adds “there are likely many reasons, including flaws in the special education identification process...                                                                                

‘The Master Plan Man’s Club” set the standard for all young men on the Clifton campus.

We shouldn’t kid ourselves that only the so-called “bad teachers” would be the ones given pink slips.

Austin- The biggest issue facing Texas this legislative session is the unprecedented $27 billion budget deficit. Thus far, the budget solution to this crisis has been proposed cuts to services and programs vital to Texas families.  I want to focus on the reckless cuts to public and higher education which betray our school kids and mortgage their future.A decade ago we were talking about putting a computer in every classroom; today we’re talking about closing schools and tearing the wiring out of the walls.  For a generation, we pushed kids to take AP courses to better prepare for college; now we’re doing away with them.  We used to have a teacher shortage; now school districts are offering teachers $10,000 to quit; 10 years ago, every eligible student received a TEXAS Grant; under this budget, less than 30 percent will.

ALDINE- On January 29, Aldine ISD hosted the State of the District breakfast for parents, staff, and community partners at the Sheraton Hotel on JFK Boulevard.  The purpose of the annual breakfast is to share the current status of the district with our partners. The focus of the meeting was  pertaining to important data from 2009-2010, but I also shared information about the current school year and the challenges on the horizon for the near and far future.

“For every man whose foot has touched this hallowed soil has found a spirit, and has broadened and deepened it until what started out as an ambitionless meandering stream has become a purposeful river upon whose tide… floats the destiny of countless human hopes and dreams. …. The giants, the world-shakers, have stood on our hill to mingle their search for truth with the fledgling’s hopes for life.”

-Dr. George Ruble Woolfolk, The First Seventy-five Years 1876 – 1951 Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.

When students step foot on the grounds of Texas’ Prairie View A&M University, they unwittingly become immersed in layers of history. Ironically, the land on which African-American students enjoy access to a higher education was once a plantation where slaves, denied even the right to learn the basics of reading and writing, once labored.

Many people still wish to hold on to this idea that our schools should not focus on technology and just focus on the basics.  They are mistaken. 

These attitudes are why the digital divide still persists.  I spend a great deal of time trying to change this mindset.

James Forten (September 2, 1766 – March 4, 1842) was a native of the free and progressive city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He was born to Thomas and Sarah Forten who were both born free; however, it is believed that his great-grandfather was brought to America and enslaved.

The Big Event 2010 celebration began with a Praise Musical at Ebenezer Methodist Church, organized by Lauretta Bailey Moss (Class of 1959), directed by Effie Bailey Collins (1963) and others. More than 50 plus Eagles and friends participated in the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association Mass Choir. The program included a praise dance, a motivational reader and several singing groups.  A “Meet and Greet” was held at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel. Music was provided by D.J. Gloria and the event was catered by Barbara Hightower (1961). Chairpersons Larry Johnson, Beverly Scott and Lillie Melvin were the hosts.

On July 30, 2010, House Resolution 6078: 21st century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act was introduced. According to its website, the purpose of the bill is: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies to encourage girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue studies and careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

DALLAS - ZAN WESLEY HOLMES JR. was celebrated by community leaders and Dallas ISD at the groundbreaking of the construction of Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School last week.  Located at 2810 St. David Drive, the new facility will hosts 1,250 students grades 6-8.    

A couple of years ago, Huston-Tillotson University President Larry L. Earvin
and Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo signed an agreement providing
tuition discounts and reimbursements to APD employees who complete classes
in criminal justice, moving the major into the top 5 for HT. In spite of the fact
that HT recently celebrated 135 years of serving the African-American community,
some people are saying HBCUs have served their purpose and are no longer needed.
                                                                                                               Photo: Huston-Tilotson

AUSTIN— Last month, Jason L. Riley, writing for the Wall Street Journal, penned an article, “Black colleges need a new mission.” In it, Riley basically made a case against the continuation of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities that dot this country.

He wrote, “The reality today, however, is that there’s no shortage of traditional colleges willing to give Black students a chance. When segregation was legal, Black colleges were responsible for almost all Black collegians. Today, nearly 90 percent of Black students spurn such schools, and the available evidence shows that, in the main, these students are better off exercising their non-HBCU options.

“Even the best Black colleges and universities do not approach the standards of quality of respectable institutions,” according to economist Thomas Sowell. “None has a department ranking among the leading graduate departments in any of the 29 fields surveyed by the American Council of Education. None ranks among the ‘selective’ institutions with regard to student admissions. None has a student body whose College Board scores are within 100 points of any school in the Ivy League.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Oct.13, 2010) – There are only a few days left to submit nominations for the 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. High school students ages 13-19 who are legal residents of the contiguous 48 United States must submit their nominations at www.disneysdreamersacademy.com by October 31, 2010.

 The nationwide search is on for students who want to ignite their lives, dreams and passions. Disney’s Dreamers Academy is known for motivating, empoweringand inspiring young adults to live life to its fullest potential. This year Essence Communications joins with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey to help take Dreamers to the next level."Each year we strive to find young people who may have a will or passion, but may not have the courage to explore their dreams," said Harvey. "So we hope to unlock the power that will allow them to pursue their hearts’ desires.”

Booker T. Washington High School embroiled in power struggle as alumni, faculty and students fight to overcome major challenges.
PART III

HOUSTON- Emile Fair, head coach of the Booker T. Washington football team crossed the line. It is a day he has lived to regret. While the team was on the practice field, Fair observed William Gibbs make a play he didn’t like and he called him on it.

Reportedly, the 15-year-old sophomore attempted to explain the play had been taught to him by his offensive coach. It was then that sources say Fair yelled at William, hitting him on the helmet twice with a football. Fair and other sources say they were just taps, intended to get the boy’s attention. The youth’s father, Rev. John Gibbs says it was assault.

Gibbs was not present to witness the incident, but says he received a phone call that day. “Coach Fair just hit your son,” the caller told him. Gibbs reports his son has suffered discomfort in his ear as a result of the situation and has sought medical treatment.

Emile Fair responds to allegations of missing funds and the drive to have him removed as
Booker T. ’s first White head football coach.

As Coach Fair’s power increases;
allegations of missing funds arise.

PART II

HOUSTON- For Rev. John Gibbs Principal Mark Bedell had pushed things too far by naming Emile Fair as Booker T. Washington’s first White head coach. But for Bedell, it was time for a change and Fair offered a coaching philosophy that fit the direction Bedell was trying to take the school.

“I believe an athletic program is not about trophies and it’s not about winning championships … it’s not about any of that. It’s about using athletics to develop men for the future that can succeed. And I did not feel that that was what was happening at Booker T. Washington at the time. We were just getting into winning and winning the championships,” Fair said.

“But that’s not what athletics is about. It’s about the kids. It’s about making sure that we form young men and that they understand discipline and they understand commitment and they understand that their life is being built now and you’re going to go through hardships on the field and you’re going to go through losses but you’re also gonna go through losses in life. You know, you might lose a job, you might lose a loved one. So how do you re-group and be strong enough to move past that? That’s what I want athletics to do.”

Is Booker T. Washington High School’s first White
coach out of control? John Gibbs thinks so.

Part I

HOUSTON- Emile Fair, Booker T. Washington High School’s head football coach, crossed the line. Everybody involved knows that. In fact, even he admits it. It’s not something he’s proud of, but he doesn’t deny it.

So, why were the school’s administration and Houston Independent School District slow to respond to alumnus Rev. John Gibbs’ concerns? For some, it was a case of the boy who cried wolf.
When former HISD school district superintendent Dr. Abelardo (Abe) Saavedra appointed Mark Bedell as principal of Booker T Washington for the 2007-2008 school year, not everyone was happy. Especially Gibbs. In fact, he led parents in a protest, complete with picket signs, outside of the school.

“My first experience with John Gibbs was when he was leader of a massive protest against me when I was hired to come into Booker T,” Bedell says. “He made phone calls, helped get petitions signed, led protests, had the news stations at the school.”

Former  BTW football standout Rev. John Gibbs says the assault
on his son, William, by Coach Emile Fair was just the tip of the iceberg
concerning problems at the school.
                                                         Photo by Tuala Williams

Recently, Dr. John Rudley, president of Texas Southern University stood before leaders from Houston Community College, Lone Star College, TSU alumni, entrepreneurs, business owners and community stakeholders to answer the question,” What’s brewing at TSU?”

The university had been embroiled in controversy regarding the misdeeds and mishaps of past leaders and some struggled to understand the new path being forged by its new leader. As Rudley stood before the audience gathered at Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, he was candid about the state of the university and its goals.

He first thanked ACCGH president, Roy Douglas Malonson for his role in securing $5 million in funding for building a satellite campus for TSU. He then apologized for the university, which had dragged its feet on the project, causing the state of Texas to withdraw the funds and allocate them elsewhere when the recession struck. This type of thing would not happen on his watch and he used this as an example of a culture he was endeavoring to change.

After being announced as the finalist for the TSU President’s office,
Dr. John Rudley did not wait the remaining 21 days before he began
preparing to take the helm.

Actor Idris Elba visits with TSU's President John M. Rudley. Elba spoke to the students
on the first day of classes.

When Dr. John Rudley was initially recruited from University of Houston to help guide Texas Southern University out of its miry circumstances and onto more stable ground, he wasn’t certain he wanted to assume the challenge. Dr. Rudley had 21 years of experience in the field, and a few of them had been at TSU. For him, turning the challenged institution around would not be a guessing game.

He knew what it needed and understood the investment he would have to make. In other words, he knew the job was dangerous before he took it. When he shared his concerns with his wife, she responded, “If you’re not going to do it, who’s going to do it?” He knew she was right.

DALLAS- The Dallas Independent School District will host its fourth annual Districtwide College Fair at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 22 at the Dallas Convention Center, Hall D, 650 S. Griffin St. The free fair is for 11th and 12th graders and their parents. The purpose of the event is to provide students and their parents the opportuity to learn more about the college admission process. Students also will have an opportunity to meet college and university representatives. In addition, this year the Career Education and Workforce Partnerships Department will sponsor various career clusters to provide information about different careers that students can pursue.

BEAUMONT- The name of a1966 Lockhart High School graduate is now emblazoned on one of the newest structures off U. S. Interstate 10 in Southeast Texas. The “Dr. Carrol A. “Butch” Thomas Educational Support Center” was  dedicated in ceremonies last week, in Beaumont where Lockhart native Carrol Thomas is serving as superintendent of the Beaumont Independent School District. Thomas is the son of Mrs. Norvella Thomas who still lives in Lockhart.

The Center includes a 10,600-seat football and soccer stadium as well as a competition-size natatorium.  Future plans for the multi-purpose facility located on 85 acres off I-10 may include a basketball arena and conference center. The Board of Trustees of BISD voted to name the new $45 million complex after Thomas when a grassroots community group presented a petition requesting the honor.  The group heralded Thomas’ contribution as a leader to the academic, fiscal and overall success of the 20,000-student district that has 32 schools and more than 3,000 employees.  Three high schools will host their home games in the new facility that has been tagged as the best high school athletic competition in Southeast Texas.

Rolanda Brown of Teach the World to Read says she was surprised at the number of adults
who could not read. Part of her production company’s mission is to support literacy organizations.

HOUSTON- A disturbing report, at least for those who care about the welfare of young Black males, made its debut recently, stating that  only 47 percent of Black males graduated from high school in the 2007-2008 school year. “Yes We Can: The Schott 50 State Report on Public Education and Black Males 2010,” also stated that its finding “should set off alarm bells, ” regarding how many Black males read at or above the proficiency level. Using the eighth grade level as a measuring stick, Kentucky and New Jersey were the states with the highest scores at a dismal 15 percent with several states only reaching five percent.

I received an email from my nephew. His wife is a teacher. She has been charged with using a learning management system (LMS)  called Blackboard and he was trying to find information on using this new tool. In the message, he mentions that he went out to YouTube to find video instructions. Brilliant! I have taught programming classes online and asked questions of the students, and they have the audacity to reply “I don’t know”.  Look it up! My mother used to tell me that all of the time.

AUSTIN- The inaugural edition of HT News was “aired” July 28 on ChannelAustin, Austin’s community television stations.  It was produced during the Spring and Summer semesters by Dr. Laura Smith, Assistant Professor, English and Communication Arts and Communication Arts students at HT.

DALLAS– The Dallas Independent School District has more than quadrupled the number of schools receiving the state’s top ranking of Exemplary during the last four years, according to ratings released by the Texas Education Agency today. Sixty-three Dallas ISD schools are now rated exemplary, up from 14 in 2007. There were 46 schools rated exemplary in Dallas ISD last year.

“There are likely many principals, teachers, staff, parents and students who are very proud about their school’s success today,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. “This is yet another positive step forward in our journey to prepare all students of every background to be ready for college and the workforce.”

The number of campuses rated Recognized fell from 82 to 62, in large part because of the gain in schools that received the Exemplary rating and because the standard to become Recognized was increased from 75% of students passing to 80%. The total number of Dallas ISD campuses to receive the state’s top two ratings is 125, comprising 54 percent of district schools. The ratings are based in large part on the 2010 administration of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

DALLAS- John Leslie Patton Jr. Academic Center will open this fall to serve Dallas ISD students who are on a different lelvel than their peers of the same age because they lack high school credits. The school will provide accelerated learning programs to help the students catch up to their peers and earn a diploma.