Education, Kansas City

Interview with Charlie Shields, President of the Missouri State Board of Education

Steve Kraske’s KCUR interview with Charlie Shields this fall made headlines when he said there was a possibility KCPS might regain full accreditation sooner than later. But the interview also led Shields to share sage advice about the perception of Kansas City schools. The idea of expanding school choice in Kansas City continues to be promoted as a necessity to ensure our students receive a … Continue reading Interview with Charlie Shields, President of the Missouri State Board of Education

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Education, Kansas City, Parents

Tour your neighborhood school

Eight years ago when we were looking at schools for my oldest, we toured 3 schools and found them all to be great. One of the best ways to learn more about KC schools is to take a tour. Please consider touring your neighborhood schools as well as other schools you are interested in. Neighborhood schools do not always have prescheduled tours or open houses … Continue reading Tour your neighborhood school

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Uncategorized

Takeaways from KCUR Integration Discussion Sept 20, 2018

I was grateful to be included in a local conversation about integration in schools this fall with KCUR’s Central Standard. The resulting dialogue was thoughtful and candid. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, and below are a few of the takeaways that stuck with me the most. Listen: KCUR Central Standard: Integration of Schools Susan Wilson, Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion … Continue reading Takeaways from KCUR Integration Discussion Sept 20, 2018

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Desegregation, Education, Kansas City, Parents

Integrated Schools Parent Meetup Dec 9 at the Plaza Library 4-6pm

Thinking about school choice? Then think about Integrated Schools! Join us to talk about racial & socioeconomic integration and public schools and the integrated schools movement and YOUR KID. Casual conversation. Thoughtful discussion. Bring your questions and your kids. Snacks and toys will be available. Continue reading Integrated Schools Parent Meetup Dec 9 at the Plaza Library 4-6pm

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Desegregation, Education, Kansas City

Starting with the same information around integrating Kansas City schools

It’s important we start conversations today around integrating Kansas City schools with the same information. School desegregation reached it’s peak in the US in 1988. In the 1987-88 school year, KCPS received a AAA rating from the state, the highest possible. However since Brown v. Board, a series of subsequent court decisions reduced court oversight and the ability of districts to desegregate. Among them: decisions … Continue reading Starting with the same information around integrating Kansas City schools

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Desegregation, Education, Kansas City

School choice, privilege, and impact in Kansas City

It is so important for us to think about school choice, privilege, and impact in Kansas City, where we are so full of school options. We have dozens of private, charter, signature, and neighborhood choices. Over 30% of school aged children are white, yet only 10% students enrolled in public schools are white. The zoned areas for our public schools often include diverse neighborhoods, yet … Continue reading School choice, privilege, and impact in Kansas City

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Desegregation, Education, Kansas City

“If you have choice without civil rights policies, it stratifies the system.” – Gary Orfield, the co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA

A panel took place recently that explored segregation in Kansas City. The guest speakers were Michelle Wimes, Mayor Sly James, Arthur Benson, and Tanner Colby. It’s important that this conversation took place here and that the focus was on Kansas City. Too often, Kansas City avoids this discussion, and would rather assume what is happening across the country is not the same as what is … Continue reading “If you have choice without civil rights policies, it stratifies the system.” – Gary Orfield, the co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA

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Desegregation, Kansas City

Is integration what we are still striving for?

I recently read a 2002 article from The Pitch that is a sobering history of segregation and desegregation efforts that failed in Kansas City. Articles like this and a recent one from The Brookings Institution have reminded me of the harsh reality that education and social justice advocates are still conflicted as to whether integration should still be the goal. Like the Brown v. Board decision, I believe … Continue reading Is integration what we are still striving for?

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Education

Why isn’t investing in local schools worth it?

When the argument is made that investing in our local schools isn’t a realistic solution, that we should instead continue to invest in new, separate, “better” schools, what does that say of the 26,000 students and their families that have chosen our public schools in Kansas City? Isn’t the education of these students worth investing in? Aren’t these families already invested? And why are our … Continue reading Why isn’t investing in local schools worth it?

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Education

When education advocates believe integrating one school is a solution

This is what is happening here when elected officials and neighborhoods embrace the idea that opening new schools is needed to create more “quality,” “diverse” school choices. Because our city continues to foster the idea that a few integrated schools are better than none, we put roadblocks in the path of a real, comprehensive integration strategy which would bring equity to all our students, not … Continue reading When education advocates believe integrating one school is a solution

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