Black Excellence

  By Kyla Thomas “What if I fail? Oh, but what if you soar?”  No matter what generation you were born into, we all have a common denominator, the fear of failure.  Albert Einstein once said, “It takes seven positive influences to overcome one negative.”  Due to the social media craze, negative headlines are at our fingertips every second of the day.  Our future leaders, our youth are being victimized daily.  It… Read More

Parents are angry about public schools in NOLA! Can you blame them . . .

  By: Dana Henry As a parent of two public schools students in NOLA, I am one of the fortunate ones. My children tested into a high-performing pre-K program because I could afford to pay the fees. The school isn’t in OneApp yet, it’s walking distance from my home, and the likelihood of them attending a high-performing public high school is extremely high. Citywide, those coveted quality seats are few in number… Read More

Graduation Rates Rising

Graduation rates are rising in New Orleans area parishes.  Some high schools in Jefferson Parish have seen an increase of 10 points with regard to graduation rates. “I know our teachers and staff members will maintain their laser-like focus to ensure all of our kids graduate college and career ready.” Read more here 

What’s in a School Mission? A Look into New Orleans’ Collegiate Academies Promise of College Success to its Students and Families

  The mission: CA builds world-class public schools that prepare all students for college success and lives of unlimited opportunity. “College isn’t for everyone!” Or is it? No matter which side you stand on, the promise of preparation for college is one that Ben Marcovitz, CEO of Collegiate Academies, and his school leaders and staff plan to keep to the students and families they serve within the city of New Orleans.  … Read More

Happy Father’s Day: How a Father Impacts a Black Boy’s Education

by David McGuire Many would argue that a great school, quality teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum are the most important factors to educating a black boy. They wouldn’t be wrong in arguing these points. All of which are important; however, one factor that seems always to be neglected from the argument is the role and the importance a father plays in the education of that black boy. Many black boys grow up in… Read More

The Cautionary Tale of a White Supremacist Principal

The story of a white supremacist principal in charge of a charter school whose student body is mostly African-American is the kind of horror story that sits with me. It’s the kind of story that requires some time and analysis to move through the layers of the question of how this happened. In the past few weeks, I’ve read through news stories and commentaries about Nicholas Dean, the principal of Crescent Leadership… Read More

I am Woman. I am an African American Muslim. I am an Educator. An Interview with Mariam Ogunsanya

Mariam Ogunsanya is a Nigerian born, Maryland raised teacher who has taught Math Essential Skills at Abramson Sci Academy in New Orleans for the last two years. With a younger sister who required early supportive services to manage Autism, Mariam saw first hand the power of intervention and was driven to narrow her teaching focus on special education.   Even more unique than her area of interest is that Mariam is an… Read More

5 Suggestions on how Teachers Can Stay Sharp During the Summer

By  David McGuire Last week I wrote an article about ways parents can prevent the summer slide for their students. Summer slide is not only isolated to students, but teachers can also suffer from the “Summer Slide.” Here are five things teachers can do this summer to stay sharp. 1. Read: The same message we give to kids about reading teachers must do the same thing. Often for teachers during the school year, you do… Read More

‘Take Em Down Nola’ is Ed Reform at its Finest

  If you think “Take Em Down Nola” is just about monuments, then allow me to broaden your thoughts on the importance of the history that was just made. It is not a coincidence that the movement was spearheaded by a group of dedicated and creative educators who have succeeded in fulfilling one of the greatest acts in education ever. The collaboration of ‘K-16’ educators is something that is dreamed of by… Read More

5 Tips for Summer College Prep for Millennials

By: Mendell Grinter As the summer season sets in and the last high school graduates walk across the stage, we all remain hopeful for new experiences that the fall season and the start of a new school year will bring. For most graduating seniors, the thrill and exhilaration of high school graduation will wane as the summer break concludes while eagerness and possible anxiety will commence as you await the beginning of your… Read More