THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS February 3, 2022 - February 9, 2022 • 25 The pandemic and the babies By ADOFO A. MUHAMMAD Ed.D al career. The first book was called “The portionately excluded Black and Brown daily basis. Or we ourselves have been Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of scholars and to provide a cultural at- unwittingly exposed! I have long regarded the New African American Children” by Gloria mosphere that promotes morals, values Nevertheless, as educational lead- York City Department of Educa- Ladson-Billings which spoke to what and educational excellence. ers, we still face compliance mandates, COMMENTARY tion as an entity that has mastered is called Critical Race Theory, which, The aforementioned schools have questions from parents about remote the purposefulness of failure. Any simply put, is the ability for an educa- historically fulfilled their missions with learning options, that we cannot pos- measure of success children and tor to craft a lesson that incorporates the graduation rates that fluctuate between sibly answer. There is pressure to make schools have enjoyed has been culture and values of the children that 96 and 100% on a yearly basis. However, sure our children are safe and learning garnered despite the system from the educator is charged with teaching. each school, much like its counterparts even while COVID-19 strains run ram- which they operate from. Suc- On a deeper level, it is the essence of system wide, is now facing challeng- pant. It all begs the question, should cessful schools function as silos cultural plurality and the intersection- es that it has never faced before. What schools stay open? The answer is that in the midst of the weight of a bloated ality between race, class and gender. to do with a cadre of scholars who have they must stay open. I have seen the bureaucracy that professes to have the An educator who has embraced Criti- been remotely educated since March impact of on-line instruction. It doesn’t interest of every child as its No. 1 prior- cal Race Theory understands that there of 2020 and now have been thrust back work. Although there is always a cluster ity but episodic leadership, promotions must be an inclusivity where every his- into school? It’s a daunting task. This of scholars who will excel, for special of individuals to positions of power torically undervalued American can truly has been the most challenging needs, elk scholars and scholars who who wallowed in mediocrity, coupled see themselves in the curriculum that is year. As the first semester has come to need live instruction, it was a disaster. with wasteful spending and a top-down being taught. a close, a daunting reality has set in, There is no substitute for in-person in- leadership paradigm have plagued the The second book was by Charlotte the pandemic has stunted the academ- struction in an atmosphere that is con- system for years. I come from an era Danielson, it was titled “Enhancing Pro- ic, social and emotional growth of our ducive to success. where you had to prove your mettle fessional Practice.” The framework was scholars. Teachers and administrators The shakeup at Tweed is a welcomed as an educator based on student out- based on four basic elements an edu- spend more time with the children they change. I expect more changes as time comes. Student outcomes reveal them- cator should master: these elements serve in school then the ones they love goes by. As I believe in Mayor Adams, I selves in a variety of ways—they can be are student services, instruction, pro- at home. Many of us are burned out. believe in Brother Banks. He has been test scores, graduation rates, scholar- fessionalism and perpetually engag- Throughout my 23 years in the system, one of us, he understands the plight ship reports, attendance rates or even a ing in professional development. There it’s been a glorious struggle. Yet, this and knows that the current system is far parents’ or scholars’ smile or a visit after are two important citadels of education school year is like no other. Weekly from sustainable for student success. a graduate enters college and comes that I have come to know intimately in COVID exposures to both students and We need hope. We need inspiration and back and thanks you for the sacrifice, central Brooklyn. Benjamin Banneker staff can cripple a school’s momen- we need a plan of action. Our most pre- time, and structure you provided. Academy for Community Development tum. I have seen it firsthand. Some- cious resources, our children, must suc- When I started in District 13 in March and Bedford Academy. Both schools times it feels like we are rolling the dice ceed; the alternative is unthinkable. of 1998, the first books I received were were created with specific levels of in- in a game we surely will lose. We enter from the legendary educational giant, tentionality: provide scholars with an into our buildings with a population of Adofo A. Muhammad Ed.D serves as Dr. Lester Young. The books would alternative to specialized high schools scholars who most likely have been ex- principal of Brooklyn’s Bedford Acade- lay the foundation for my education- which in recent history have dispro- posed to someone who has COVID on a my High School.
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