A school board member at Houston’s largest school system has noticed the discouraging state statistics showing that African American males are lagging behind all other demographic groups academically. He checked the records in Houston and found that black males were scoring at or near the lowest levels in every course and at every grade level. This fact is something that almost everyone in educational circles knows, but few are actually talking about.
He has a plan to try and turn the situation around in Texas. His plan is called the Texas Minority Male Youth Initiative. He hopes to stir up enthusiasm for doing something about the problem. His plan would urge the school systems in the major metropolitan areas of Texas to form groups to consider the problem and attempt to raise funds to support programs like after school tutoring and mentoring to attack it.
He has already talked to school board members in other major school districts in Texas about his plan. All agree that any school system in any town can at least start talking about the problem.
In this country, African American boys have the poorest grades and are more prone to quit school early than any other demographic group. Five years ago, four out of ten black males graduated from high school nationally compared to seven out of ten white males. The Texas numbers closely resemble the national statistics.
Several of the major school districts in the state have already started working on the problem. In Dallas, the local school system is focusing on the progress of black males in math. In Austin, public forums have been held for African American males and their parents. That is fine, but the boys who have parents who care enough to come to something like that are probably not the boys who are at risk.
One Junior High in Houston that has a high percentage of minority students has an after school mentoring program. A very at-risk high school has a program where black males are mentored and helped with their homework.
It is high time that this subject be addressed. A major impediment to the discussion has been the desire by many public and school officials to be correct politically. I will say what many of them are afraid to say.
Can I have your attention? African American males are not stupid. They are as intelligent as any other demographic group in this country. Most of them do not have the opportunities that others have. It is time to do something about that.
I have several reasons for feeling strongly about this issue. I have adopted African American boys. When the oldest started in our public school, he was not given a fair chance. Many of the black young men that are failing academically have “special needs” because of their environment. If you adopt one of them you will have to fight for his fair treatment and you may have to resort to homeschool or private school, as we did. It is worth the effort.
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