0.6 Challenges facing black american principals: a conversation  (Page 16/22)

Knowledge is like a garden. When it is not cultivated it cannot be harvested. -Guinea

Perhaps learning academies that promote the richness of the education profession should be introduced as earlyas the middle school and high school years. The church, as an organization, has long been the icon of social and economicprogress for the Black community. In this light, the church as an organization, as well as the school community, should be consideredin developing partnerships to hone and develop interest in the profession. Principals in training need to be guided to look at howthey problem solve from a personal and cultural perspective. Theyalso need to learn how and why other cultural groups may problem solve differently. This knowledge and understanding about problemsolving, better equips the principal for effective organizational leadership and decision making. A Louisiana middle school principaladdresses why understanding problem solving within a cultural dynamic is important.

I had a student who had been retained twice. This kid had a big truancy problem. But, he was excellent withanything and everything technologically. He was always helping teachers to fix a problem with computers. One day, the studentasked me what I was doing for the Spring Break. I told him I was relaxing and visiting family in Atlanta. He asked me what I do torelax. I responded that I enjoy listening to music. He said,“What kind of music do you like?”I said,“All kinds.”He responded,“I am going to hook you up.”

The following day he returned with a big sloppy grin on his face and placed a backpack in front me. Musichad been (highly likely) improperly downloaded ranging from R&B and old school, to spirituals and gospel. He had attached printedlabels and titles of cds. All cds were organized by author. He said, "How did you like it?”I smiled and said,“You did this for me? He said,“You’re a pretty cool principal. We want to help you too.”I smiled and made sure that I said,“Thanks for helping me to relax.”

Now, I could have inquired how he had acquired all of these cds and called his parents. I did not do this. Heoffered me a chance to see where his talents lie. I pray that he will finish school and seek a career in computers. I am sureencouraging him. Whether I see my kids in Walmart or church. I make certain that I am encouraging them. A principal’s job is 24-7.

And yet another principal in Mississippi described issues of problem solving like this:

You know, our students overall don’t do well on highstakes test. I believe

one problem with their ability to do well on analytical and logical reasoning tests is due to the fact that theysolve questions from a Black cultural context.

Another paradox for our children is the cultural dynamic of behavior at home and the school culture thatdictates that you act in another way. Take Zero Tolerance.You may have a Zero Tolerance Rule in your district. You can’t fight or you are kicked out of school. Well, here is a kid whose father tellshim don’t pick on other kids but if they pick on you, I expect you to kick butt. Don’t be a wussy. So, what message are we, at school and at home, sending the kid? I’ll tell you what we are doing. We are sending that kid mixed messages. The kid doesn’t know what to do. These actions carry over to how we problem solve on highercognitive and intellectual issues also.