Journal of a Black Teacher

By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (Academic Editorial Opinion, if such a thing exists. Postmodernism says yes—there are no rules using this writing style.) Minneapolis, Minn...School choice has been described as a panacea for most of the varied and numerous challenges students go through in the American system of education over the past few years. Proponents indicate that school choice enhances competition, empowers parents, and leads to better student learning outcomes. On closer scrutiny, though, it is not a political or educational choice for students of color in the Twin Cities area. It enhances already existing inequities and undermines actions toward more significant equity in education. The Illusion of Choice The very notion of school choice assumes that as soon as parents have the right to decide where their children will go to school, all children will gain access to good schooling; this is not true; this is fundamentally incorrect. Indeed, one message from a decade of

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a new podcast has emerged, promising to be a beacon of insight, inspiration, and innovation. " Niggle ," hosted by Don Allen, is a fresh and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities and challenges of education change, leadership, and teaching. With a mission to ignite conversations and foster understanding, " Niggle " delves into the pressing issues facing educators, administrators, and policymakers today. Who is Don Allen? Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT is no stranger to the world of education. With a rich background in organizational communication and instructional leadership, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As a seasoned educator and communicator, Allen has dedicated his career to improving educational outcomes and advocating for equitable practices. His journey has been shaped by his commitment to diversity, equity, and doing what's right for K-12 scholars, particularl

I missed this Star Trek episode.

It's time for parents in the Twin Cities to reevaluate their list of local black charter schools that were initially created to offer quality education and uplift communities. However, they are now facing scrutiny over claims that these schools have shifted their interest from student well-being to financial gain. The concerns have been raised because it is reported that some of these schools may be exploiting the charter system and treating students as revenue generators rather than nurturing learners. This very nature of the commodification of education undercuts charter schools' goals: to be innovative and deliver high-quality education. Parents must demand openness, refocus on student-centered learning, and find ways to break down the walls that isolate charter schools. The real question must be: Are these schools meeting black children's educational needs, or are they capitalizing on them?. By reconsidering these factors, parents can create pressure to institute a

Trump's "Agenda 47" education plan encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at reforming the education system in line with conservative values. Great Principals and Great Teachers... 1. Ending Teacher Tenure: Trump supports ending teacher tenure to promote accountability and flexibility in hiring and firing teachers. -Merit Pay: The plan advocates for merit-based pay for teachers, rewarding those who perform well. -Various Educational Models: There is support for diverse publicly supported educational models, including charter schools and voucher programs, which align with the principle of parental rights and school excellence 2. Empowering Families: The plan emphasizes universal school choice, allowing families to select the best educational setting for their children, whether it be public, private, charter, or homeschooling. -Expanding 529 Education Savings Accounts: Trump supports expanding these accounts to help families save for education expenses. -Equal Support for

By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT Within the heart of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools remain bastions of education, grounds for changing the lives of thousands of students yearly. Still, in their halls and classrooms, there resides a looming, daunting question: What is the plan for teaching Black Twin Cities high schoolers? While the question does not simply point to academic performance indicators or graduation rates, it goes to the core of educational equity and social justice. The academic success of Black students has had systemic barriers placed in its way. Together with resource and funding discrepancies and biases in disciplinarian practices, the path to education in Minneapolis and St. Paul for Black students has not been made smooth. One really important issue that needs critical attention is the process of credit recovery. Sometimes considered a last-ditch effort in the case of students failing in their academics, credit recovery programs were suppos

By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (Editorial Opinion) The Minnesota Department of Education's Grow Your Own programs are innovative and needed ventures laid out to cater to the reality of teacher shortages and to develop a teaching career workforce that is diverse and highly qualified. Though these kinds of programs generally target both high school dropouts and paraprofessionals for the project, there is still a very strong argument to begin real GYO programs as early as middle school. Beginning GYO initiatives in middle school can harness the formative nature of these years, providing a strong foundation for future educators and addressing critical educational challenges. How do district leaders Identify and cultivate an interest in teaching? Middle school is a formative stage for scholars regarding their interests or the road to their future careers. With this program, the Minnesota Department of Education will be better prepared to identify students who already have an i