Teacher behavior - may be a racial issue
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Anonymous
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My daughter is a white child in a predominantly hispanic and black school. I have noticed the (predominantly black) teachers treating the black students differently-- grabbing their arms, shoving them back in line, yelling "get back here!" in a rough tone, etc.
And I don't know what to think about it. Honestly, I don't see them treating the white or hispanic students in the same way, so it's not as if I worry my daughter will be manhandled or screamed at. But I don't love that she is exposed to these interactions, no matter what the race of the child at whom they're directed. School should feel like a safe space for all. And, I don't want her to get the impression that she is somehow "special" when she notices that she is immune from the rougher treatment; I don't want her to internalize the idea that some people (black ones) are more deserving of what must look like punishment. I hate to cast it as a racial issue, but that has been my observation, almost universally. I don't see a good way to stand up for these kids, or for those around them who aren't used to yelling. Any words of wisdom? |
Anonymous
| Talk to the principal and share your concerns. This is important. |
Anonymous
The principal is black, as is the social worker. They're both terrific, in our interactions so far, but I'm afraid of stepping one toes. I can't gauge whether or not they would be offended by some white mom coming in with these claims, especially as any effect on my own child is pretty theoretical at this point. |
Anonymous
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Have you observed this kind of behavior from the principal and/or social worker as well?
If not, perhaps they are unaware of the issue. Bring it up to them. |
Anonymous
| Do you think you can keep the racial aspect out of it and express concern in how some teachers are treating children in general? |
Anonymous
| Please do speak up. If you feel a bit uncertain about what you're seeing, talk first to another parent whom you're comfortable with, and see if s/he agrees with you. You might even choose to both go talk to the admin. |
Anonymous
| Welcome to DCPS. |
Anonymous
| maybe its not because of color but those kids behave more poorly |
Anonymous
| TROLL TROLL TROLL |
Anonymous
| I think it is not a race thing, it's a class thing. Middle class America frowns on hitting kids. |
Anonymous
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OP, I am AA and my child is bi-racial (AA and white) and last year we attended a school that was primarily AA, lower SES families compared to our current school which is racially diverse and predominantly middle class. In our former school my child and the handful of white and Hispanic students were definitely treated differently. There was definitely a culture of "the lower SES kids need discipline because they don't get it at home" and the kids were also AA. I was very uncomfortable with this and some of the comments from the AA teachers towards my son-- an obsession with his hair and looks, calling him cute in front of other kids. I also noticed a white girl in the class got more positive attention in class (I volunteered often) and on the playground during pickup. Another AA mom with a light-skinned AA daughter also noticed that her child was favored by the AA staff. Bottom line, what you may also be witnessing are issues of class and race, especially a subconscious cultural bias towards white people and anyone "closer" to white and automatic negative associations with AA kids and poverty.
I talked to the principal about yelling and physically handling the kids in general, but didn't frame it as a racial issue. I was also concerned that my child was getting away with bad behavior and becoming spoiled (for lack of a better word) and wanted the teachers to address his refusal to participate and other negative behaviors, but certainly not with yelling, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't notice any improvement and was basically told not to worry about it as "everyone loves [my child's name] and he is so charming". This is a complicated issue that should be addressed but not sure how to fix the problem. |
Anonymous
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OP here. Thank you 14:32, for confirming my observation and stating it so well. I am also concerned that my child is "getting away with" some behaviors that I would like to see (appropriately) addressed. And, I just feel bad for the other kids who seem to receive much harsher treatment. I think kindness goes a long way, and some children aren't seeing the benefit.
It's disheartening to hear that your former school blew you off, though, just because your child was on the "good" end of the disparate treatment. I'd welcome some thoughts on addressing it with the school, without making it a question of race, and without seeming like a busybody with regard to other people's kids and how they're treated. |
Anonymous
| OP--This is an interesting observation. My DC was one of two white children in her Prek class of 20. Both of her AA teachers were very kind and loving to her, but I noticed her assistant teacher (not lead) exhibiting some of the behaviors you described. In general I felt very uncomfortable with a school discipline system that included A LOT of yelling. Perhaps you start with an observation about yelling and your discomfort with it. |
Anonymous
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A race issue my azz. It is a form of corporal punishment that is unacceptable. The teacher failure at classroom management is unacceptable.
Remember how upset we were when we found out that Michelle Rhee as a teacher tapped the mouths of children. Again, race my hind-pots! Wake up people. |
Anonymous
I agree that corporal punishment is unacceptable and not only a racial issue (more tied to class), but the racial aspect is there when white children are treated differently. That can not be ignored. I am unfamiliar with the details of the Michelle Rhee incident you wrote about, but I doubt she was tapping white middle-class kids' mouths. |