tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post152366602326858332..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: Glenn Singleton on white teachersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-39186537895570768252014-10-02T21:25:10.312-04:002014-10-02T21:25:10.312-04:00Wow - a lot of the comments above are really defen...Wow - a lot of the comments above are really defensive. Is it really controversial to suggest some white teachers could do a better job of engaging non-white students?<br /><br />I think of myself as a fairly typical, middle-aged WASP male, a pretty open-minded guy, and a strong supporter of the rights of all members of society. <br /><br />I attended a short, two-hour workshop with Glenn and he managed to get me thinking about the way race operates in a totally new way.<br /><br />I strongly recommend his work to <b>everyone,</b> especially those of us who think we don't need it...Jonathan Smithhttp://www.jonathansmith.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-79219947671733551212014-03-09T13:18:03.312-04:002014-03-09T13:18:03.312-04:00Wow. I am stunned by the negative comments regardi...Wow. I am stunned by the negative comments regarding Singleton. The defensiveness of the teachers, and others, posting here is alarming. It is clear that people posting on this blog are very invested in "the old way" of doing things, are closed minded, and based on comments, and sound racist too. There is a serious problem with how black/brown boys and men are treated at all levels of society - including in schools. There needs to be a shift, a concerted effort, to actively think differently about these children. Teachers are with these kids all day, and like it or not, are in the position of role model. Isn't it worth learning more? If you could learn something that will help all our boys and men be successful wouldn't you want to do it? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-51623046010318635052014-02-11T21:24:09.542-05:002014-02-11T21:24:09.542-05:00Wow. If this comment thread is representative of t...Wow. If this comment thread is representative of the general population then PEG and basic critical race theory is badly needed in CMS! Persons' views on this thread are the type you find from White persons who don't have even a basic understanding of Race and society. Hopefully PEG can help foster knowlege and growth in this community. Libra Lovenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-32268970581669302292013-02-11T16:11:30.873-05:002013-02-11T16:11:30.873-05:00Shamash,
I can't figure out why CMS would hire...Shamash,<br />I can't figure out why CMS would hire PEG anymore then you can. PEG hasn't proven to increase academic achievement in any measurable way. PEG certainly hasn't proven to improve race relations either. <br /><br />In the meantime, there are a group of students who are trying to raise enough money to attend a prestigious Shakespeare Festival to present The Color Purple which can serve as a catalyst for all sorts of conversations. <br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-66671835415706011232013-02-11T15:52:42.460-05:002013-02-11T15:52:42.460-05:007:45
I stand corrected. Carol and Pamela (who is ...7:45<br />I stand corrected. Carol and Pamela (who is also a historian) founded MeckACTS which I support on it's stance against excessive high-stakes testing. Do we really need to standardized test marching band? To my knowledge, MeckACTS hasn't promoted anything I find objectionalable. This group advocates for high-poverty schools and is against excessive high-stakes testing. Did I miss something? There are suburban groups advocating to split CMS up. I understand wanting to split CMS into smaller districts but I don't think this is likely to happen in the foreseeable future nor do I think this is the best way to address the complex issues associated with our public school system. I'm against forced busing, manipulated boundary lines, and support true neighborhood schools. I also realize this creates concentrations of high-poverty schools which are more difficult to staff and come with greater challenges. There are trade-offs to neighborhood schools. Some high-poverty schools have successfully been able to break the link between poverty, race and student achievement. Unfortunately, most high-poverty schools have not been able to break this link. I don't have the answers. <br /><br />As far as the Levine Museum of the New South, people are free to interpret a KKK robe as they please. I think it's a terrible idea to hire Glenn Singleton. However, an exhibit like this one certainly gives me pause to think. Again, I think we have everything we need right here in Charlotte to have our own conversations without the intrusion or distraction of an outside organization. <br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-80509649221036227992013-02-11T09:47:02.818-05:002013-02-11T09:47:02.818-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-65153693810697142222013-02-11T09:43:55.370-05:002013-02-11T09:43:55.370-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-15219403461606041252013-02-11T09:25:24.110-05:002013-02-11T09:25:24.110-05:00Alicia,
I haven't been able to determine EXAC...Alicia,<br /><br />I haven't been able to determine EXACTLY what PEG/Singleton's area of expertise is (outside of self-promotion...)<br /><br />I can't find a single study out there that shows any correlation between their training and shrinking the "performance gap" for instance.<br /><br />And yet that is the usual reason they are hired.<br /><br />Programs like KIPP at least have schools and results which can be measured.<br /><br />PEG disciples just outright dismiss such things as "results" and "solutions" as "White Talk" and "intellectual" and act like they aren't important.<br /><br />Or, not so much unimportant, as examples of "white privilege" talking which must be overcome.<br /><br />So they seem to have no real accountability except to pat each other on the backs for jobs well done (for mostly intimidating white teachers) at their conferences.<br /><br />They are sounding more like Amway, a cult, or a pyramid scheme every day.<br /><br />I did come to one bit of "enlightenment" by reading their material, though.<br /><br />And that is that my "racism" is largely relative.<br /><br />In the US, I am an unconscious racist no matter what I do because I enjoy "white privilege".<br /><br />However, when I am in China, I am NOT A RACIST because in China, the Chinese (more specifically the Han Chinese) have "yellow privilege".<br /><br />So, I think it's kinda cool that I can turn on and turn off my "racism" by going to a different country.<br /><br />Of course, this means that the Chinese in China (at least the Han Chinese) are all racists, but heck, I'm cool with that.<br /><br />In fact, according to Singleton/PEG definitions of racism, the leader of the KKK could move to China and no longer be a racist.<br /><br />Now how cool is that?Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-91795676561211254512013-02-11T07:45:16.768-05:002013-02-11T07:45:16.768-05:00Wrong historian, Alicia (the woman you are referri...Wrong historian, Alicia (the woman you are referring to is not an employee of the museum). Staff historian at the museum is Tom Hanchett. He is married to Carol Sawyer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-21927380690760895982013-02-10T21:30:02.013-05:002013-02-10T21:30:02.013-05:00To my knowledge, the Levine Museum historian and a...To my knowledge, the Levine Museum historian and author you are referring to is married to a UNC- Charlotte professor of architecture. The Levine Museum historian in question graduated from Yale and holds a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill. Is she biased? No more or less than the rest of us.<br /><br />I very distinctly remember a white KKK robe with a pointy hood on display when the Levine Museum of the New South first opened. The KKK robe had a badge on it similar to the Boy Scouts. The robe was on display near the entrance behind a piece of glass. The robe was an authentic artifact. You are free to interpret the Levine Museum's KKK robe at your own free will. <br /><br />I think there are ample artistic and historic venues in Charlotte capable of representing a broad spectrum of cultural experiences and viewpoints that don't require the expertise of Glenn Singleton or his Pacific Education Group. <br /><br />Alicia DurandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-17282535021554776902013-02-10T16:34:17.739-05:002013-02-10T16:34:17.739-05:00Heath's BS phrase of the week: CMS needs "...Heath's BS phrase of the week: CMS needs "cultural competency".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-64999174727932546242013-02-10T15:57:32.693-05:002013-02-10T15:57:32.693-05:00Well, no one would expect a "Levine" mus...Well, no one would expect a "Levine" museum of the South to be unbiased would they?<br /><br />I mean, c'mon...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-72425114095348418622013-02-10T13:21:55.262-05:002013-02-10T13:21:55.262-05:00Levine Museum's historian is married to a most...Levine Museum's historian is married to a most vocal Meck ACTS founder. The museum in no way takes a balanced look at the busing era.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-72358814718926840702013-02-10T13:09:47.019-05:002013-02-10T13:09:47.019-05:00Also,
NWSA's cast of The Color Purple is tryi...Also,<br /><br />NWSA's cast of The Color Purple is trying to raise enough money to attend a summer Shakespeare Festival. I'd much prefer my tax dollars went to something that directly benefits students with tangible results. The Color Purple also translates a profound cultural message as did West Side Story and a lot of other things this school has presented. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-39750052106553170512013-02-10T12:56:10.923-05:002013-02-10T12:56:10.923-05:00All of Charlotte's following have educational ...All of Charlotte's following have educational outreach programs with goals aimed at attaining a greater understanding and knowledge of diverse cultures. We have everything we need to help teachers and students learn about and gain a greater appreciation of each other right in our own backyard.<br /><br />A few highlights:<br /><br />The Levine Museum of the New South<br />The Mint Museum<br />The Bletchler Museum<br />The Harvey Gantt Museum<br />The Nascar Hall of Fame<br />The Charlotte Symphony<br />The NC Dance Theatre<br />Shakespeare on the Green<br /><br />NCDT's April Berry danced with the Alvin Ailey company. Jean Pierre Bonnefous (which he spelled two different ways over his career) dance with world renowned choreographer George Balanchine. African-American women, French-American white guy. I'm sorry Glenn Singleton had a bad experience in Baltimore City public schools but does he have to take it out on Charlotte? We need people who can facilitate peace not people who are likely to create greater discord. <br /><br />Alicia<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-23076289405802570652013-02-09T18:51:40.673-05:002013-02-09T18:51:40.673-05:00Eden Prairie Schools:
Ok, so they've got tradi...Eden Prairie Schools:<br />Ok, so they've got traditional Mexican/Central American dance and urban black dance covered. I don't see Irish dancing or Israeli folk dancing on the list. Middle eastern belly dancing? Nope. What about tap? Tap has an interesting history. Appalachian clog dancing? Country Western Line? Square dancing? My grandmother (the crazy artist-painter, not the school teacher) was forbidden to dance for religious reasons. She was locked in a closet for attending a school dance. This was OK back then based on diversity of religious beliefs. Her family didn't want her dancing with the devil. <br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-34940136292067132822013-02-09T18:10:58.474-05:002013-02-09T18:10:58.474-05:00Shamash,
I'll be sure to save you my old Phil...Shamash,<br /><br />I'll be sure to save you my old Philip Glass dance pieces record album for next year's Christmas exchange. For your added enjoyment, there are a few skips and scratches on it. <br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-70079276865276188632013-02-09T17:41:51.856-05:002013-02-09T17:41:51.856-05:00Levine Museum:
I remember the busing exhibit. Do ...Levine Museum:<br />I remember the busing exhibit. Do they still have an authentic KKK robe with a pointy hood on display? <br /> <br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-48924208970065977232013-02-09T17:34:39.348-05:002013-02-09T17:34:39.348-05:00The first field trip I took at the high school I t...The first field trip I took at the high school I taught at (adjacent to Washington D.C.) was to the Kennedy Center to see a rehearsal by the Dance Theatre of Harlem. I took students here because of their strong resistance to study a unit on ballet which almost all of my black students considered a racist art form. With the exception of one gay kid, all of my white students refused to attend the field trip because they viewed my choice as catering to my black students. My black students accused me of being racist for teaching ballet. My white students boycotting going to see a black ballet company because they thought I was catering to the school's black population. I can't make this stuff up. <br /><br />Arthur Mitchell, the artistic director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, came out and talked to students and gave them a brief history of black dance in American ballet. From here on out, I never had an issue or a problem teaching ballet to my black or white students. When it came time to teach units on other dance forms including those with black roots, none of my white students complained. It was about give and take and stopping class sometimes to discuss the intense racial tension in the class that permeated the rest of the school. On this front, I flew by the seat of my pants but by doing so, I think the dance room became a safe haven of authenticity where students could honestly express themselves. I can't say things ever reached a point of harmonious splendor but things certainly improved. It wasn't about saving the world. It wasn't about raising test scores. It was about creating an environment that allowed me to teach. I couldn't teach with students resenting each other and hating each other's guts. <br /><br />I think hiring Glenn Singleton creates the potential for heightened discord rather than enduring peace. I don't believe he is the way or the answer.<br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-89347448900605878012013-02-09T16:58:31.762-05:002013-02-09T16:58:31.762-05:00Alicia, If you check out the Levine Museum a littl...Alicia, If you check out the Levine Museum a little more closely you might find that they are fairly closely aligned to Mr. Singleton. They are very heavy on white guilt. They've had a very hard time letting go of busing--any displays about local issues manage to work in something about how wonderful this community was when we bused. I'm certain there's never been a display looking critically at all sides of the issue. The first time I went to the Levine for a field trip with my son's class to see from Cottonfields to Skyscrapers our guide, when describing life in a mill town, said "Church was very important in these communities. Now I'm not saying that's good or bad, but that was a fact of life." Why did she need a disclaimer in there? Most of Levine's take on Charlotte history post civil war is viewed through the lens of race.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-5283853858647785112013-02-09T16:28:53.832-05:002013-02-09T16:28:53.832-05:00Alicia,
I'm sorry, but I'll probably skip...Alicia,<br /><br />I'm sorry, but I'll probably skip those Philip Glass dance pieces.<br /><br />I was a fan when I was younger, even went to a performance in Houston, once decades ago.<br /><br />Listening to him is like drinking two full pots of coffee.<br /><br />Listening to him and watching someone dance to his music is...<br /><br />Well...<br /><br />I don't think my heart can handle the stress now.<br />Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-52342638815916959742013-02-09T16:23:10.675-05:002013-02-09T16:23:10.675-05:00Alicia,
Thought you might appreciate this.
Since...Alicia,<br /><br />Thought you might appreciate this.<br /><br />Since PEG touts their association with Eden Prairie schools in Minnesota, I was digging into their "success" and found this:<br /><br /> looktruenorth. com/family/education/10333-integration-funds-and-radical-educational-ideology-in-minnesota-schools-.html<br /><br />In it, a blogger details some of the costs of various programs in the schools including these line items:<br /><br />EPHS & CMS Step Dance $ 3,000.00<br /> <br />EHSI Folkloric Dance Group $ 3,000.00<br /><br />And then goes on to point out that over $80,000 was spent on PEG projects.<br /><br />That's a lot of dancing and drumming...<br /><br />For nothing.<br /><br /><br />In conclusion the blogger says:<br /><br />"Do you see how this works? Spend a ton of money with this company (Eden Prairie Schools is on pace to beat Hopkins in its spending with PEG,) and you will be rewarded with some resume-padding rewards and recognition. It's very much like the Mary Kay marketing model whereby one school brings in another and the conferences are used to generate new business and new leads.<br /> <br />$1.2 Million (and counting)...from Minnesota Taxapyers to this one company. No accountability, no results...just radical educational ideology being spread around. " <br /><br />So, for those who are wondering if there are "kickbacks"...<br /><br />Well, there ARE AWARDS...<br /><br />And everyone needs to pad those resumes, don't they?Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-57695639775175355442013-02-09T16:18:59.381-05:002013-02-09T16:18:59.381-05:00Shamash,
Merce Cunningham choreographed to Philip ...Shamash,<br />Merce Cunningham choreographed to Philip Glass.<br /><br />Other alternatives to Glenn Singleton:<br /><br />Expanding CMS' partnership with the Levine Museum of the New South which appears limited to one 8th grade field trip. There's a wealth of diverse Southern history right here.<br /><br />A sample of Levine Museum of the New South exhibits and educational offerings:<br /><br />1. Fighting for Democracy.<br /><br />2. Youth and the Civil Rights Movement.<br /><br />3. Boots on the Ground: Charlotte Perspectives on the war in Iraq.<br /><br />4. Catawba (Indian) Pottery: Legacy of Survival.<br /><br />5. Comic Strip: A revealing look at Southern stereotypes in cartoons.<br /><br />6. Purses, Platforms and Power: Women changing Charlotte in the 1970's.<br /><br />7. Papalote Magico: Mexican artist highlights stories of Charlotte children who've been impacted by deportation of parents.<br /><br />8. Freedom Summer 1964: How college students from diverse backgrounds risked their lives to secure voting rights for black citizens in Mississippi.<br /><br />9. Under the Same Roof and Stars: Explores the changes that have taken place because of personal relationships and experiences made possible, in part, by the strong relationship that exists between Habitat for Humanity and Humanity El Salvador.<br /><br />Why aren't we spending our money on extended field trips rich in educational opportunities offered at places like this? We need to fly in an "expert" from the Pacific Coast? To teach children what? <br /><br />Alicia<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-82306800115617401742013-02-09T15:41:59.003-05:002013-02-09T15:41:59.003-05:00I can't imagine anyone dancing to Philip Glass...I can't imagine anyone dancing to Philip Glass.<br /><br />The closest I can think of would be a "death rattle" or maybe St. Vitus dance.<br /><br />Perhaps if their medications wore off (detox?)...<br /><br />Yeah, I wouldn't have a problem with drumming/music classes open to everyone.<br /><br />As long as it didn't come with a heavy dose of indoctrination or outright discrimination as the lunchtime BLACK/BROWN BOYS ONLY drumming class instituted by the "PB&J is racist" principal <br />Verenice Gutierrez in Portland, OR.<br /><br />I also wouldn't mind expanding the "History Month" concept a bit as well.<br /><br />Why can't everyone have a month?<br /><br />Then we can all just sit around eating our racist PB&J sandwiches and enjoy some drumming.Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-53169549066960643342013-02-09T15:07:55.951-05:002013-02-09T15:07:55.951-05:00Drumming...
I'd rather spend money on African...Drumming...<br /><br />I'd rather spend money on African drumming and other musical instrument classes where students can learn about different cultures through hands-on activities then spending it on Mr. Singleton. African drumming is a skill. African dance is a skill. Cultural awareness and diversity are not skills. I learned far more about African culture in African dance classes with African drummers then I did in Cultural Understanding and Diversity in Education classes. Ditto for ballet, modern dance, and jazz.<br /><br />African Dance: African drums - (black people)<br /><br />Ballet: classical piano. Schubert, Beethoven, etc. (white people)<br /><br />Modern Dance: Philip Glass, rock & roll drums, no music, any music. (weird people)<br /><br />Jazz Dance: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (cool people) <br /><br />Tango: Classical Guitar - (Romance Language people)<br /><br />Chinese Dance: Red drums, clay pot drums - (Asian people)<br /><br />Classical Indian Dance: Chenda drums, Chande drums - (Indian people)<br /><br />Native American Dance: Native American drums - (Native American people)<br /><br />Yeah, I'd much prefer spending money on drum lessons, trumpet lessons and piano lessons then diversity awareness lessons. <br /><br />ART for Cultural Competency.<br /><br />Alicia<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com