SWS has jumped the shark

[Anonymous]

It would be interesting to know the response from parents on the recent budget survey where parents were asked to rank how much they prioritize various budget line items due to the budget cuts faced by DC schools. These were the choices:

*Early Literacy Instruction
*Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Anti-racism
*Reggio-Inspired Learning
*Supports and Interventions for Academic and Social Emotional Student Needs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be interesting to know the response from parents on the recent budget survey where parents were asked to rank how much they prioritize various budget line items due to the budget cuts faced by DC schools. These were the choices:

*Early Literacy Instruction
*Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Anti-racism
*Reggio-Inspired Learning
*Supports and Interventions for Academic and Social Emotional Student Needs

did this survey actually go out?!! totally bonkers. how in the world are they putting THE ONE THING schools are supposed to do (teach!) against other priorities? How are they putting something that children are **legally entitled to** (special needs funding) up for a vote?

[Anonymous]

Well first of all I assume the questions were meant to get at what SWS would use its fundraised budget for, not the dcps budget. They put a lot of fundraising dollars toward special needs supports.

I agree with you, though, that it is notable that the only item on this list that is at all academic is early literacy.

Budgets reflect values and this list reflects SWS’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The audacity of caucasity on this post!

"White affinity group" is a very commonly used term nationally, both in educational and employment settings. The outrage here suggests you all either don't read, don't care to be better, and/or do exactly what such a group would challenge you to stop doing.

As several have pointed out, public institutions use resources to support marginalized/underrepresented groups all. the. time. Is the problem here that whiteness is not being centered and exhalted? Because that's how the bulk of you sound.

Also, stop saying 'woke.'

So language matters in one direction only? Some people are rightfully allowed to be offended by skin-based insults, while it's open season on other groups? This mindset is exactly that displayed in the SWS program description and is what is likely to undermine the program's presumable goals.

No it’s white fragility by textbook definition and the faulty logic presented by the offended white folk on this thread is a tragically ironic example of why these initiatives are sorely needed. In all honesty, they basis of this work is pushing past the feelings of defensiveness and discomfort for the sake of growth. It is quite known and discussed that many families will feel the way many of you are feeling. The goal of the work is to being forth those who are open and willing to push past that discomfort and learn something. This change is painfully and deeply rooted. This is century work and thank goodness for those who embark on it.

I'm not understanding why this doesn't apply to all groups though? Your own post is full of feelings of defensiveness and discomfort, and you seem unwilling to push past that for the sake of growth.

If you'd studied the Scripture you'd know that only the white race possesses original sin and must repent.

Of course this public “repenting” (versus private reflecting) is often more for the consumption of other white folks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well first of all I assume the questions were meant to get at what SWS would use its fundraised budget for, not the dcps budget. They put a lot of fundraising dollars toward special needs supports.

I agree with you, though, that it is notable that the only item on this list that is at all academic is early literacy.

Budgets reflect values and this list reflects SWS’s.

Hmmmm …. didn’t sound like that. Here’s the email:


The SWS LSAT is preparing to advise Principal Burst about budget priorities for the 2023-2024 School Year. The allocation for the next school year has just been released under the new DCPS funding model focused on bringing budgeting equity across schools to ensure that students with the greatest needs receive the most funding. SWS, along with many other schools, will have a 5% budget shortfall for next year. In addition, there are cost increases across many positions.

As we prepare to address this shortfall in building next year's budget, Principal Burst and the LSAT hope to hear what you as the at home caregivers feel is important by having you complete the FY24 SWS Staff Budget Priorities Survey. Our school priorities for next year remain, in no specific order:

*Early Literacy Instruction
*Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Anti-racism
*Reggio-Inspired Learning
*Supports and Interventions for Academic and Social Emotional Student Needs

Please complete the survey by *5pm on Monday, February 20* to share your priorities for the upcoming school year. As the school budget process moves forward, cuts will need to be made and we want to hear what you feel should be a priority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well first of all I assume the questions were meant to get at what SWS would use its fundraised budget for, not the dcps budget. They put a lot of fundraising dollars toward special needs supports.

I agree with you, though, that it is notable that the only item on this list that is at all academic is early literacy.

Budgets reflect values and this list reflects SWS’s.

Hmmmm …. didn’t sound like that. Here’s the email:



As we prepare to address this shortfall in building next year's budget, Principal Burst and the LSAT hope to hear what you as the at home caregivers feel is important by having you complete the FY24 SWS Staff Budget Priorities Survey. Our school priorities for next year remain, in no specific order:

*Early Literacy Instruction
*Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Anti-racism
*Reggio-Inspired Learning
*Supports and Interventions for Academic and Social Emotional Student Needs

Oh my lord. Has SWS banned the word "parents"???!!! Also, if you want evidence that SWS has jumped the shark, consider that they think DEI programs are more important to helping overcome systemic education inequalities than TEACHING LITERACY.

Wow.

[Anonymous]

Having read this thread, I respectfully suggest that SWS change its name to SPN (School for Performative Nonsense). Who is with me!

[Anonymous]

Based on PARCC scores, almost half of the kids at SWS are below grade level in English and math.

Maybe they should focus on that?

[Anonymous]

Because it is easier to say tests scores don’t matter than it is to try to improve them by actually educating kids. And the parents have bought into the myth that standardized testing is somehow damaging to children. So there is that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Having read this thread, I respectfully suggest that SWS change its name to SPN (School for Performative Nonsense). Who is with me!

They could change their name to Social Justice PCS, but that's already taken. No, you can't make this shit up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The audacity of caucasity on this post!

"White affinity group" is a very commonly used term nationally, both in educational and employment settings. The outrage here suggests you all either don't read, don't care to be better, and/or do exactly what such a group would challenge you to stop doing.

As several have pointed out, public institutions use resources to support marginalized/underrepresented groups all. the. time. Is the problem here that whiteness is not being centered and exhalted? Because that's how the bulk of you sound.

Also, stop saying 'woke.'

So language matters in one direction only? Some people are rightfully allowed to be offended by skin-based insults, while it's open season on other groups? This mindset is exactly that displayed in the SWS program description and is what is likely to undermine the program's presumable goals.

No it’s white fragility by textbook definition and the faulty logic presented by the offended white folk on this thread is a tragically ironic example of why these initiatives are sorely needed. In all honesty, they basis of this work is pushing past the feelings of defensiveness and discomfort for the sake of growth. It is quite known and discussed that many families will feel the way many of you are feeling. The goal of the work is to being forth those who are open and willing to push past that discomfort and learn something. This change is painfully and deeply rooted. This is century work and thank goodness for those who embark on it.

I'm not understanding why this doesn't apply to all groups though? Your own post is full of feelings of defensiveness and discomfort, and you seem unwilling to push past that for the sake of growth.

If you'd studied the Scripture you'd know that only the white race possesses original sin and must repent.

Of course this public “repenting” (versus private reflecting) is often more for the consumption of other white folks.

You could say the same about many other public religious acts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on PARCC scores, almost half of the kids at SWS are below grade level in English and math.

Maybe they should focus on that?

There was a time when it was believed the best way to overcome systemic racism was through education. SWS and their ilk have decided that teaching anti-racism to white folks is the true path. Because the POC that are already a grade or two behind in ES are surely going to be better off as adults with resources spent on white guilt as against educating the heck out of those kids.

Black folks with means and higher education degrees want their kids educated. They peel off for privates as soon as this nonsense starts because they know their kids need to be better and more prepared to get a fair shot. But by all means, SWS, proceed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on PARCC scores, almost half of the kids at SWS are below grade level in English and math.

Maybe they should focus on that?

There was a time when it was believed the best way to overcome systemic racism was through education. SWS and their ilk have decided that teaching anti-racism to white folks is the true path. Because the POC that are already a grade or two behind in ES are surely going to be better off as adults with resources spent on white guilt as against educating the heck out of those kids.

Black folks with means and higher education degrees want their kids educated. They peel off for privates as soon as this nonsense starts because they know their kids need to be better and more prepared to get a fair shot. But by all means, SWS, proceed.

Yep, I think every Black family with resources jumped ship from our W6 school. Certainly not enrolling in the zoned MS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The audacity of caucasity on this post!

"White affinity group" is a very commonly used term nationally, both in educational and employment settings. The outrage here suggests you all either don't read, don't care to be better, and/or do exactly what such a group would challenge you to stop doing.

As several have pointed out, public institutions use resources to support marginalized/underrepresented groups all. the. time. Is the problem here that whiteness is not being centered and exhalted? Because that's how the bulk of you sound.

Also, stop saying 'woke.'

There is a chasm between "whiteness not being centered" and "perpetuation of whiteness and racism". The latter necessarily requires people to apologize for their existence and accept it as a failing. If you don't understand why these two things are not the same and why you alienate people by conflating the two then you are part of the problem. "Woke" is being used derisively to describe people like you who don't understand there's a difference. It is most ironic that you embody the new "woke" stereotype while demanding people stop using it to describe an exemplar of it.

"Allies" are important because we have learned over the history of oppression and war that the marginalized cannot often successfully advocate for themselves without people in positions of power working with them from the inside. You and others have perverted that concept to mean creating puppets who must pass some kind of purity test. Anyone who fails to agree 100% with your position is labeled a racist and becomes in your mind no different than a hood wearing, KKK white supremacist. That's counterproductive, false equivalence and succeeds only in alienating people who may agree with a great deal of what you say and advocate for, but may not agree with every last word.

There is certainly a difference between the "centering of whiteness" and the "perpetuation of whiteness" but um...I'm not sure you are actually clear about the distinction. And then you devolved into a nonsense rambling about the KKK and completely lost any intellectual credibility.

This thread is a cesspool of people who are so lost and shocked that schools and educators are responsible for more than just having really super awesome teaching strategies locked down. As though a child's ability to experience and engage in learning isn't directly tied to the historic, societal, systemic, and very obvious and apparent PERSONAL experiences of these students. It's a disgusting display of white people's inability to conceptualize a reality that exists for everyone except themselves. My favorite part of it all is that white people established the concept of race as we know it today, put themselves in the position of this identity called "whiteness" AND got to decide how that identity expanded as the centuries passed. Whiteness is defined by, validated by, and made real by white people. BUT NOW white folks couldn't be any more ready to throw the whole thing away because it doesn't make them look good anymore??? Do you know how many times I have heard a white person say "Why are you making this about race?" or "Don't you think it's more of a class thing, guys?"

No... it's a race thing because your great great great great granddaddy made it a race thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The audacity of caucasity on this post!

"White affinity group" is a very commonly used term nationally, both in educational and employment settings. The outrage here suggests you all either don't read, don't care to be better, and/or do exactly what such a group would challenge you to stop doing.

As several have pointed out, public institutions use resources to support marginalized/underrepresented groups all. the. time. Is the problem here that whiteness is not being centered and exhalted? Because that's how the bulk of you sound.

Also, stop saying 'woke.'

There is a chasm between "whiteness not being centered" and "perpetuation of whiteness and racism". The latter necessarily requires people to apologize for their existence and accept it as a failing. If you don't understand why these two things are not the same and why you alienate people by conflating the two then you are part of the problem. "Woke" is being used derisively to describe people like you who don't understand there's a difference. It is most ironic that you embody the new "woke" stereotype while demanding people stop using it to describe an exemplar of it.

"Allies" are important because we have learned over the history of oppression and war that the marginalized cannot often successfully advocate for themselves without people in positions of power working with them from the inside. You and others have perverted that concept to mean creating puppets who must pass some kind of purity test. Anyone who fails to agree 100% with your position is labeled a racist and becomes in your mind no different than a hood wearing, KKK white supremacist. That's counterproductive, false equivalence and succeeds only in alienating people who may agree with a great deal of what you say and advocate for, but may not agree with every last word.

There is certainly a difference between the "centering of whiteness" and the "perpetuation of whiteness" but um...I'm not sure you are actually clear about the distinction. And then you devolved into a nonsense rambling about the KKK and completely lost any intellectual credibility.

This thread is a cesspool of people who are so lost and shocked that schools and educators are responsible for more than just having really super awesome teaching strategies locked down. As though a child's ability to experience and engage in learning isn't directly tied to the historic, societal, systemic, and very obvious and apparent PERSONAL experiences of these students. It's a disgusting display of white people's inability to conceptualize a reality that exists for everyone except themselves. My favorite part of it all is that white people established the concept of race as we know it today, put themselves in the position of this identity called "whiteness" AND got to decide how that identity expanded as the centuries passed. Whiteness is defined by, validated by, and made real by white people. BUT NOW white folks couldn't be any more ready to throw the whole thing away because it doesn't make them look good anymore??? Do you know how many times I have heard a white person say "Why are you making this about race?" or "Don't you think it's more of a class thing, guys?"

No... it's a race thing because your great great great great granddaddy made it a race thing.

I reread my post (I am PP) and I realized it would be helpful to share that its a race thing because MY great great great great granddaddy made it a race thing, as well. My father is a white man from the south.

Maybe some of yall need to read some Ibrim X. Kendi. I bought my father "How to Be an Anti-Racist" and "Stamped from the Beginning" for Christmas and he was so annoyed with me. However, the other day we were out for coffee and he said he finished Stamped. I was stunned. It's not a light read by any means. He told me that he didn't want to tell me as he was making his way through it because there were times he admitted wanting to throw it in the trash. By the end of our outing, he told me he didn't know how to feel or where to go from there. I could have said..."umm...thats why I bought the other book too!" but I could see that he was going through some major mental shifts that would take time to work through.

Real empathy is possible folks but you have to start somewhere and its not a fun place to be...AT FIRST. But the more you sink into your false intellectual protection the more validate everything that whiteness was always intended to be and the more you confuse yourself and gaslight others. Its not about making people feel like they are racist. Its about self-witnessing and taking accountability.

I believe in yall.