How much does MCPS pay for school administrators to travel out of state?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As has been mentioned, no one knows that she didn’t meet with students. Also, the MCPS HR department has been talking about extending their reach of recruitment all year as they know they are competing for talent locally and in Delaware and Pennsylvania. While teachers deserve a good wage and I fully support increasing(especially given the market) we have to stop acting like MCPS jas a terrible teacher wage in comparison to other local and national districts; it doesn’t. Further, the initiative and partnerships that McKnight could be discussing could be for teacher recruitment or it can also be geared towards student. Setting up a program to recruit/admit students who want to be teachers and create a pipeline for them to want to come back to teach in MCPS. Also in helping to ensure teaching colleges are preparing teachers with the skills they need to teach in today’s classrooms.

McKnight is the CEO of an approximately $3B organization. She travelled to South Carolina not Saturn.

This is a school of what 2900 students. How many will be come teachers and move to MCPS? Let's be real. This college is as big as one MCPS high school.

Most HBCUs are mid-sized. Many are even smaller than that. Never doubt the type of potential that can come from a school like that.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

She's clearly done very well for herself but that has nothing to do with her spending money to go to her college of 3000 students, very few of whom will be teachers for what ever reason. If she wants to go, fine but she should pay for it.

So MCPS should pay for every other trip except this? Inconsistent and unfair. Just say you don't like HBCUs, you're scared of her presence as a leader of color who's finally going to roll up her sleeves in making long overdue changes for those who really need it, and call it a damn day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

She's clearly done very well for herself but that has nothing to do with her spending money to go to her college of 3000 students, very few of whom will be teachers for what ever reason. If she wants to go, fine but she should pay for it.

So MCPS should pay for every other trip except this? Inconsistent and unfair. Just say you don't like HBCUs, you're scared of her presence as a leader of color who's finally going to roll up her sleeves in making long overdue changes for those who really need it, and call it a damn day.

What are you rambling about? I don't think they should pay for ANY trips like this. There is zero need when it can be done over zoom. If zoom is good enough for the rest of us, why isn't it good enough for her? This has nothing to do with race. This is a vacation for her. Professional conferences, sure. But, that's it. Enough with the wasteful spending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As has been mentioned, no one knows that she didn’t meet with students. Also, the MCPS HR department has been talking about extending their reach of recruitment all year as they know they are competing for talent locally and in Delaware and Pennsylvania. While teachers deserve a good wage and I fully support increasing(especially given the market) we have to stop acting like MCPS jas a terrible teacher wage in comparison to other local and national districts; it doesn’t. Further, the initiative and partnerships that McKnight could be discussing could be for teacher recruitment or it can also be geared towards student. Setting up a program to recruit/admit students who want to be teachers and create a pipeline for them to want to come back to teach in MCPS. Also in helping to ensure teaching colleges are preparing teachers with the skills they need to teach in today’s classrooms.

McKnight is the CEO of an approximately $3B organization. She travelled to South Carolina not Saturn.

This is a school of what 2900 students. How many will be come teachers and move to MCPS? Let's be real. This college is as big as one MCPS high school.

Most HBCUs are mid-sized. Many are even smaller than that. Never doubt the type of potential that can come from a school like that.

Ok, so you think for a school with maybe a few hundred majoring in education out of state, its a good use of tax payer money?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

She's clearly done very well for herself but that has nothing to do with her spending money to go to her college of 3000 students, very few of whom will be teachers for what ever reason. If she wants to go, fine but she should pay for it.

So MCPS should pay for every other trip except this? Inconsistent and unfair. Just say you don't like HBCUs, you're scared of her presence as a leader of color who's finally going to roll up her sleeves in making long overdue changes for those who really need it, and call it a damn day.

What are you rambling about? I don't think they should pay for ANY trips like this. There is zero need when it can be done over zoom. If zoom is good enough for the rest of us, why isn't it good enough for her? This has nothing to do with race. This is a vacation for her. Professional conferences, sure. But, that's it. Enough with the wasteful spending.

If you're going to worry about what was probably a 2-day trip to discuss how to recruit and retain diverse teachers, then so be it. Companies pay for their leadership, especially their top brass, to travel all the time. It's picking back up right now. That's that. It's always better to be in-person for something like that if health conditions allow, being the face of the district.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As has been mentioned, no one knows that she didn’t meet with students. Also, the MCPS HR department has been talking about extending their reach of recruitment all year as they know they are competing for talent locally and in Delaware and Pennsylvania. While teachers deserve a good wage and I fully support increasing(especially given the market) we have to stop acting like MCPS jas a terrible teacher wage in comparison to other local and national districts; it doesn’t. Further, the initiative and partnerships that McKnight could be discussing could be for teacher recruitment or it can also be geared towards student. Setting up a program to recruit/admit students who want to be teachers and create a pipeline for them to want to come back to teach in MCPS. Also in helping to ensure teaching colleges are preparing teachers with the skills they need to teach in today’s classrooms.

McKnight is the CEO of an approximately $3B organization. She travelled to South Carolina not Saturn.

This is a school of what 2900 students. How many will be come teachers and move to MCPS? Let's be real. This college is as big as one MCPS high school.

Most HBCUs are mid-sized. Many are even smaller than that. Never doubt the type of potential that can come from a school like that.

Ok, so you think for a school with maybe a few hundred majoring in education out of state, its a good use of tax payer money?

If it's part of a larger plan, then yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

Ok, but you are just rambling and projecting. What actual hardships did SHE face growing up?

Many of us didn't have 1/2 the opportunities she did so she was if anything pretty lucky. Instead of college, people get jobs, end up homeless or military after graduation. She had a loving supportive family who helped her be successful. If anything her mom being low income helped her through college with financial aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As has been mentioned, no one knows that she didn’t meet with students. Also, the MCPS HR department has been talking about extending their reach of recruitment all year as they know they are competing for talent locally and in Delaware and Pennsylvania. While teachers deserve a good wage and I fully support increasing(especially given the market) we have to stop acting like MCPS jas a terrible teacher wage in comparison to other local and national districts; it doesn’t. Further, the initiative and partnerships that McKnight could be discussing could be for teacher recruitment or it can also be geared towards student. Setting up a program to recruit/admit students who want to be teachers and create a pipeline for them to want to come back to teach in MCPS. Also in helping to ensure teaching colleges are preparing teachers with the skills they need to teach in today’s classrooms.

McKnight is the CEO of an approximately $3B organization. She travelled to South Carolina not Saturn.

This is a school of what 2900 students. How many will be come teachers and move to MCPS? Let's be real. This college is as big as one MCPS high school.

Most HBCUs are mid-sized. Many are even smaller than that. Never doubt the type of potential that can come from a school like that.

Ok, so you think for a school with maybe a few hundred majoring in education out of state, its a good use of tax payer money?

If it's part of a larger plan, then yes.

You think its really a good plan that she maybe recruit 1-2 staff and we spend thousand's on this trip when MCPS needs so much?

That is what MCPS has recruiters for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

Let's also not forget the self-doubt and stereotypes faced at work that could have deterred her from the larger goal. Trust me, you don't want to walk in a diverse person's experiences. We go through so many little things every day that we don't even notice or just have to quietly put up with so that we aren't called "angry" or "retaliated against".

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

You realize she was born way past the civil rights movement and slavery, right?

You realize most people who are white have never been to Aspen or flown on a private jet. You sound pretty racist. You realize whites also live in poverty, are abused and neglected as children and don't even have the opportunity like she did to go to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

Ok, but you are just rambling and projecting. What actual hardships did SHE face growing up?

Many of us didn't have 1/2 the opportunities she did so she was if anything pretty lucky. Instead of college, people get jobs, end up homeless or military after graduation. She had a loving supportive family who helped her be successful. If anything her mom being low income helped her through college with financial aid.

You may not like the way I answered the question, but those are still a lot of hard things to go through. I personally don't compare pain in that way. Notice how all of these are structural and she couldn't change them even if she wanted to. When your mom is low income and you're around very wealthy people, you can feel very out of place which hurts your ability to focus on the work. She was still able to do that, but it doesn't mean that these challenges are invalid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

Let's also not forget the self-doubt and stereotypes faced at work that could have deterred her from the larger goal. Trust me, you don't want to walk in a diverse person's experiences. We go through so many little things every day that we don't even notice or just have to quietly put up with so that we aren't called "angry" or "retaliated against".

Oh please, she clearly didn't if she made it as far as she did. You really are out of touch.

And, remind me what that has to do with the topic, which is a trip that could have been done with a zoom call?

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Anonymous wrote:Dog Whistle calling out our African-American Superintendent for visiting her HBCU alma mater and proposing a collaboration with the HBCU ???

Agreed.

Yup. Get a life. You don't actually care about the travel budget.

Teachers care. Especially the under paid minority teachers who keep leaving mcps.

You don’t really support minority teachers either.

I would think McKnight visiting her HBCU alma mater would be part of an effort to recruit more minority teachers.

Yet she didn’t meet with one single student and got a paid trip home on taxpayers. Fooling you is so easy.

You're acting as though she was taking a vacation and relaxing on a Hilton Head beach, daiquiri in hand and sunglasses on. No! It's for the long-term benefit of our district.

How does this benefit MCPS? If it were a MD state school, I can understand that, but how many kids are going to her HBCU alma mater and how would they help MCPS from a distance?

I'm more than happy to shed color on this. For years , kids from all backgrounds have craved having Black teachers in the classroom. A big reason why these racist incidents have taken place in MCPS is that these mostly White teachers from Jersey and PA, while well-meaning, but may not be able to relate to the kids in terms of creating that culture of respect or working with people who've had diverse experiences or adverse childhood situations. In these incidents, there's almost zero accountability and sometimes even the White teachers join in gaslighting the Black students or being more prone to call security on them for things that can honestly be de-escalated. Sometimes, they even go out of their way to make the BIPOC teachers uncomfortable, leading to a retention issue. The teachers should look like the changing population in the system, case closed.

Before questioning me, I went to East County schools for K-8 and a W for 9-12. I know MCPS processes and secrets inside out. One time, solely because of my little sister's name (she speaks perfect English and we are from an English-speaking country in West Africa), they recommended her for ESOL when she's in adavanced reading. I guarantee you no Black teacher would be quick to underestimate and label her in a away that will last for the rest of her life. It's no secret that we have to advocate for minority students way more.

When Black teachers are in the classroom, the Blacks students stand straigher, and the majority students break stereotypes about who can lead, who is truly worthy in society. Since we lack Black teachers, we are then going to lack Black administrators and beyond -- it's an funnel effect and every subgroup needs specific alleviating measures as they enter and progress through their careers. Black administrators are more likely to get Title I schools in this county or be pushed out or not get as much credit whereas their White peers can fail and immediately get that second chance. It's about a culture of respect and it's a much needed initiative, in my opinion.

You do realize your statement is pretty racist too. And, your comments have no justification as to why she took the trip.

+1 Just because a wrong happened to your sister and your family is from an English speaking West African country, doesn’t mean that wrong happened to your sister because she is black. The same thing happened to my son who was born here in Rockville. English is my first language, but not my spouse‘s. We speak dual languages in our house and my child has never been below grade level in language arts. However, he was flagged for ESOL and he is white. My son was quickly dismissed when they actually saw where he was performing and that he did not have deficits with English.

And that's exactly why racism is more dangerous now. People try to excuse it, skirt around it, and be genteel about it - "oh, we're post-racial". BS. The point of the matter is that they would have NEVER asked a White kid those questions. My parents are diplomats and the Argentine, Chilean, Canadian kids are not being put in those same situations. When some of these teachers see Black and Brown kids, they always try to downplay their abilities or operate knowing that their parents won't push back as much because they're busy working, etc. Sometimes the kids even internalize those mentalities and stereotypes because they're trained that the teacher is always right, which affects their confidence. In MCPS, once your levels are given in ES, they're very hard to shake because we have a history in this school system of academic tracking that still goes on to this day, where the gatekeepers (counselors) can be quite condescending. There are systematic efforts in MCPS to over-label certain kids for ESOL, just as there has been a historical systematic effort to flag Black kids, especially Black males, for special education at very high rates. Look. Both. Of. These. Concepts. Up.

I'm sorry that happened to your child, yet at the same time, we need to be conscious of experiences when it comes to racism/microaggressions, not say that the person was well-intentioned so there's no way it's racist. Bottom line: very few White kids would be treated like that. It's something called "implicit bias", very dangerous, and I encourage y'all to look it up. That ESOL title would affect how people view her for advanced math, magnet, and many other opportunities. Thank God she had the resources and support system around her, because many Black students end up lacking that. When BIPOC share their experiences, they need to be believed.

Going back to Dr. McKnight: as a rising business leader, I understand the crucial nature of not just human capital, but retention. As a BIPOC in the workplace, I know what does and doesn't work, and her trip is a full-proof way to show her seriousness towards these efforts. Make up all the rumors that you want. She has 4 years, and she's using them quite wisely in my book.

I had a black principal tell me she did not like my child’s hair and I needed to cut it. It was regularly trimmed. Other races had similar styles and hair in their face. She also targeted some of the white kids with harsher punishments or only punished the white kids when a group of kids were involved. It’s everywhere.

Again -- very sorry about that. Bias is everywhere, but in this situation, I was speaking about how it especially affects the outcomes of Black and Brown students and how this trip will help her hire a workforce that can combat that. It's about the long-term strategic game and picking up best practices from all places, not a problem that will be solved overnight. If she's traveling down South, she's still working, connected to her schedule, etc. Managers and higher-up C-Suite leaders (pre-COVID) would travel all the time, and it's ramping back up. Y'all are blowing things way out of proportion, as usual.

This trip in no way helps black and brown kids. What would help are smaller classes sizes, more individual attention, better curriculum, doing dyslexia screenings on every child who is not reading by mid 1st grade, text books, more structure, more discipline, higher expectations, parental involvement, however this things would benefit all kids, not just those of a specific race. All our kids regardless of their skin color deserve better.

Her going to visit her college helps no one but her.

I spoke ad nauseum a few replies ago about how a diverse workforce helps all students. Those points you've raised matter, but are totally unrelated to this context and this thread. At the end of the day, I don't speak stupid. You can look for anything to criticize, she'll do the work and do a hell of a job at it.

That has nothing to do with her trip. Some schools are very diverse, others aren't. People also self segregate. MCPS has serious issues and she's off on an MCPS paid vacation.

The trip is to collaborate with her school and other HBCUs to diversify the workforce. What you're speaking about it separate. It's a work trip. I don't know how else to hammer the point.

LOL A work trip to her home town. Right. Try again.

You clearly have never visited Orangeburg, SC

It is HER hometown.

And I think you do not understand what it took for her to climb out of that environment.

Now this is the comment right HERE! I can only imagine what she's seen.

Please share with us what her childhood was like? Clearly someone supported her enough to even be able to go to college. Regardless of race, many students didn't get the same opportunities as her.

Imagine growing up in a state that is still highly divided from the shadows of slavery, so that she doesn't have the social capital or standing to be able to relate with the many White people at the top (didn't grow up going to Aspen, flying on a priv. jet, etc). Imagine growing up in a state where the schools are still quite segregated and public ones don't get as much funding as private ones because the private ones were set up, coincidentally right after slavery or the civil rights movement, so you're selectively locked out as a Black person. Imagine growing up in a town like Orangeburg that is still, sadly, under-resourced and may not have as much positivity around it that says "you can do it" role-model wise. Your town is either 90% Black or 90% White down there because of different racial incidents and the impact that it has on generations to come who still have that fear to this day. Imagine growing up with a mother who loves you but who worked in food services and wasn't a professional, making it harder to get advice. That's a whole lot to overcome, especially being a Black woman where everyone is ready to over-label you yet under-invest in you.

You realize she was born way past the civil rights movement and slavery, right?

You realize most people who are white have never been to Aspen or flown on a private jet. You sound pretty racist. You realize whites also live in poverty, are abused and neglected as children and don't even have the opportunity like she did to go to college.

Its impacts are still very much present to this day. There's no such thing as reverse racism. I'm saying that in the workplace, people want those who are relatable to them, who can see themselves in the person they're mentoring. I answered your question, so if you don't want to take the free advice, then God help ya.