Blog Post

Educators

One Size Doesn't Fit All

In today's public school system the one size fits all approach to
educating our youth must be given a second look. Particularly as
is stands for the young growing up in urban America. Over
50% of black boys attending public schools in poor
neighborhoods drop out of high school, and end up being part of
the judicial system. They also tend to continue the cycle of
poverty.

We can't continue to ask why so many of our young people are
failing, at some point we must ask are we failing our youth. We
must begin to develop non-traditional approaches to educating
young people. We must realize that young people do not all learn
the same, internalize information the same, nor do we all share
the same experiences growing up. Black children have a unique
history, culture and value system. Therefore, we must develop an
approach that compliments the unique history, culture and values
of black and Hispanic children. Concerned educators must be
willing to try different methods that engage the student and make
them feel a sense of value, self worth, and inclusive in their own
growth and development. The old model of the students sitting and
just containing information, learning how to memorize data, is not
enough. Some of them are visual and respond to arts and crafts.
Education must become a grand event that engages each and every
student and their unique abilities. Value based programs, that
speak to a particular group of students culture should be
incorporated in the school curriculum. It is not enough to be a
good role model or mentor. Our children need life coaches who are
hands on and make every student feel just as important as the
other.

In any team sport each player of the team must feel valued in
order to foster the maximum potential of the player, and it is the
coaches duty to do so. The same applies to the classroom.
Students learn from role models, yet they live for role models who
help them find meaning in their own lives.

In order for our children to be feel that they are the future,
they must feel loved today. They must feel that their existence is
meaningful today.

Written by:
Bruce Bryant 96-A-5569
Sullivan Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 116
Fallsburg, New York 12733
Bruce Bryant