As students transition back to in-person classes, it’s important to recognize that many, particularly Black children, do not feel secure in this environment. Their concerns extend beyond fears of COVID-19; they also grapple with the racism and bullying prevalent in schools.
Recent surveys by the Institute of Education Sciences reveal that when given the option for in-person learning, 65% of white fourth graders chose to return, compared to only 45% of Black fourth graders, 50% of Hispanic students, and 38% of Asian American students. This discrepancy stems from various issues, including the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and a lack of trust in schools to provide a safe atmosphere. Additionally, schools in urban areas with significant populations of students of color were slower to reopen for in-person learning.
Racism and Bias in Schools
The bias against Black students and their families is well-documented, whether it comes from teachers, administrators, or peers. Many Black parents have found a silver lining in online schooling: it serves as a shield against racism. In a survey of 500 parents in Los Angeles, 82% of Black respondents cited COVID-19 as a reason for not wanting to return to in-person classes, while 43% mentioned bullying, racism, and inadequate academic standards as concerns.
The Speak Up report indicated that Black parents observed how their children were treated during remote learning and recognized systemic issues that did not support their children’s needs. Consequently, many of them are rethinking the necessity of returning to campus. The trend of homeschooling among Black families has notably increased during the pandemic, partly due to the pervasive racism in schools. As Khadijah Parker, a homeschooling advocate, points out, racism in education plays a significant role in the decision to homeschool, leading families to seek safer and more supportive alternatives.
The Benefits of Remote Learning
Many Black families have witnessed their children thrive while learning from home. According to the Speak Up report, 27% of Black parents noted improvements in their children’s behavior during remote learning, while only 8% reported a decline. Furthermore, 34% of these parents felt their children received better support from teachers during online classes, compared to just 12% who indicated a decrease in instructional quality.
Parents have also taken the initiative to enhance their children’s education by incorporating Black history and culture into their learning, ensuring their kids receive a more inclusive and relevant education.
The Need for Change in Schools
While it’s encouraging to see some Black students excel during remote learning, the underlying issue remains troubling: these improvements stem from a need to escape a toxic school environment riddled with racism. As schools reopen for in-person instruction, we must prioritize creating welcoming and equitable spaces for all students, particularly for Black children.
It’s crucial for schools to implement comprehensive training to address implicit biases and to increase the number of teachers of color, particularly Black educators. Additionally, we must advocate for competitive wages for teachers, as they play a vital role in shaping the future of our children. If we truly value education, we should support our educators accordingly.
Our Black children deserve an educational experience where they can thrive without the constant fear of being belittled or marginalized; it shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to recognize this need.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this related blog post. Additionally, if you’re exploring fertility options, resources like Make a Mom and WebMD can provide helpful information.
Search Queries:
- How to support Black children in education
- Impact of racism in schools
- Benefits of remote learning for children
- Homeschooling options for Black families
- Creating inclusive classrooms
Summary
Many Black children feel safer and more supported in remote learning settings due to the racism and bias present in traditional school environments. This has led to a significant number of Black families reconsidering the value of in-person education, with many opting for homeschooling or remote learning. It’s crucial for schools to address these issues, foster inclusive environments, and support educators to ensure that all children can thrive without fear of discrimination.
Leave a Reply