The Black Teacher as Leader.

Overview & Synopsis

Black Americans have historically gained access to political and economic participation in American society through education and have therefore fought continuously for the right to a full education. The current demand for excellence threatens black gains by proposing a system in which quality education is available only to the few through vouchers and tax credits that would support enrollment in private schools while serious reductions in federal support undermine the quality of the public education available to most minority students. An equitable program to enhance educational excellence should involve recruiting talented new teachers, training them effectively, retaining them once they have joined the profession, and encouraging their participation in educational improvement efforts. Education must be made practically relevant, particularly to minority students. Parents must also be drawn in to provide encouragement and support for their children's educational efforts. (PGD)