Chapter 7 - African American Parents

Summary

This chapter focused mainly on the African American parent. In essence, the author spoke to the parents and gave them direction in interacting with the schools. The author gave guidance on IEP meetings, meetings with parents, and home life. The author even made a list of things that would be found in the home of a family that valued education. The following is the list of objects in a home that values education:

• dictionary
• thesaurus
• calculator
• atlas
• globe
• books
• library card
• Scrabble
• Password
• checkers
• ches
• encyclopedia set
• musical instrument
• microscope
• chemistry set
• computer with Intenet access

Additionally, the chapter gave a quiz for the parents to take and share with their children. The questions were:

• Have you taught your children about God, His word, and the power of prayer?
• Do your children have goals?
• Do you provide quality time?
• Do you praise more than you criticize?
• How well do you listen to your children?
• Are you consistent?
• Do you give them high expectations?
• Do you teach your children African American history?
• Have you provided your children with a nutritional diet?
• Do you monitor homework?
• Do you select, discuss, and monitor television shows?
• Do you know your children's friends and their values?
• Could your children develop a family tree?
• Do your children receieve adequate sleep?
• Do you take your children on field trips?
• How frequently do you visit your child's school?
• Do you listen and discuss your children's music selections?
• How disciplined are your children?
• How well do your children complete chores?
• How frequently do you hug your children?
• Have you provided a safe environment for your children?

Commentary

I really feel that parents (of any race) would benefit from reading this chapter. I feel that lack of parent involvement is debilitating in schools. The parents are not involved - maybe because they do not know how or do not feel prepared to become involve. Regardless of reason, it is easy to blame the teachers for the plight that is the suffering education system. However, to place blame on the teachers is a gross exaggeration of our ability to transform a student. If a parent does not support the teacher, even the most inspirational educator will not make permanent changes in the student. I feel that parents and educators should think and act as though we are on the same team because we are. We both have the student's best interest at heart, and with cooperation, the best adults are created by a village of adults.