As we all know, the achievement gap in this country continues to widen. How are we as a nation to shrink the gap when so many schools are failing ― even though we have a sense of what does work? I, together with some of my USM colleagues, had the valuable experience to hear Geoffrey Canada speak at the SHARP Literacy, Inc. luncheon in Milwaukee earlier this week. Canada is an education pioneer and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) who was profiled in the documentary "Waiting for Superman." He has been named to Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world to educate children and strengthen the community.
Doing whatever it takes to educate children and strengthen the community. This tagline for HCZ describes Canada’s philosophy. He has demonstrated how to make children into the leaders of tomorrow―even when they live in areas where it is an anomaly to graduate from high school―by creating a community so tightly woven that it’s difficult to slip through the cracks.
Canada credits parents or guardians who have taken a stance and made the choice to invest in their child’s education experience. “At USM, students aren’t only learning the basics,” said USM parent Lisa Wright, who was also in attendance, “but they are exposed to all the other 'wonderful stuff' as Canada refers to that makes a child complete.”
Our children are so fortunate for many reasons. They are fortunate that they belong to families who have decided they will attend this incredible School. I’m so proud to be here with these students, because they are what makes this place amazing; it’s all about what they achieve as students.
I encourage you to take the time to explore Canada’s work with the Harlem Children’s Zone – it will inspire but also validate that you have taken a commendable stance.
