Gathering the Pieces in New Orleans, There Is Work to Be Done

The air was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. My heart beat rapidly within my chest. My anticipation grew and my expectations were high as I waited to hear just the right set of words. Earlier this month, the United Negro College Fund held a candidate forum for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education district elections. Election day is on October 24. The first panel consisted… Read More

The True Definition of Educators Caring Versus Not Caring

Over the past nine months, my eyes have been opened to the world of education on another level. The research I’ve done, the things I’ve seen and heard have been really encouraging and disturbing at the same time. It has driven me to do whatever it takes to make a difference. Education is the most important part of our lives and also the most dangerous and controversial matter in America. Children’s lives… Read More

Every School Year I Had to Fight

Parents usually have to fight to get an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)or 504-plan for their children, but why? An IEP is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. You would think that for something as important as an IEP it would be very easy and not… Read More

Valuing a Connection Beyond the Classroom

Mrs. Turner. Mrs. Brinkley. Mr. Falcone. Ms. Breaux. Coach Dixon. Mr. Ussin. Mr. Cooke. I can recall teachers who have helped to shape my life. Along with my family and key male figures on my block, I am thankful for them. My first-grade teacher, Sister Ann Joachim, still teaches in New Orleans. I am 42 years young. I can still visit her and recall great memories of my childhood. I can remember… Read More

The Transition Through Aaliyah’s Eyes

As a parent you never want to feel as though you have failed your child when it comes to their education. We were given the news that our school was issued a failing grade and would be taken over by a Charter Management Organization (CMO). Questions and scenarios run through your mind. How do you explain this to your child? Who will get your school? Will they bring all new staff in?… Read More

The Long Battle to an Individualized Education Plan

Getting my child to be evaluated for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) should not take years to happen, so why is it so hard for parents to get the process started? Speaking from my personal experiences as well as other parents who have children who require IEPs, our stories are all the same. When I initially requested my oldest son be evaluated for an IEP, his school informed me of the steps… Read More

Let’s Not Underestimate the Power of Parent Involvement

Conventional wisdom tells us that parental involvement is always positive. We, as parents, are our children’s first and last line of defense. That’s why I’m baffled to see research that goes against this wisdom. I get the sense that educators expect me to relinquish my role to them and wash my hands of all educational matters. Most of them seem to expect parents to not have a voice in decisions that affect… Read More

This Is a Biased Agenda: My Educational Baptism

September 17, 2015: a day that I mark in infamy. The day started out beautifully. It was the day that I was to attend my first Congressional Black Caucus conference ever. Breakfast was great. Camaraderie with the other parents in our delegation was refreshing, and the bus ride over to the convention center was smooth and full of sights. After registration I did an interview with educationpost.org that covered my plight as… Read More

Until Next Year, Congressional Black Caucus

Last week, I was given the opportunity to take part in the Congressional Black Caucus. As a parent advocate, I was excited to go on this adventure. If you have never heard of the caucus, it is a huge educational event. I thought that I would be able to network with other parent advocates, educational leaders and teachers. I was also under the impression that this event would hit topics and discuss… Read More

What Is the True Purpose of the Congressional Black Caucus?

This past week I, along with a group of parents, attended the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. This was my first time attending, so I was excited for the opportunity to express my concerns as a parent regarding the education of my child and other children across the U.S. Once we arrived at the education sessions on our first day, my opinion quickly turned negative and had me… Read More