This critical analysis looks at the disproportionate number of African American males in special education. Arguing that the problem is race and gender driven, questions covered include Why does Europe send more females to special education? Why does America lead the world in giving children Ritalin? Is there a relationship between sugar, Ritalin, and cocaine? and Is there a relationship between special education and prison? More than 100 strategies to help teachers… More >>
Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education
Tags: Black, Boys, education, Keeping, special
Every parent, educator, school board member, etc. should read this book. I have been in education for over 20 years, and I can say with no hesitation that Mr. Kunjufu is on the mark with this book.
Rating: 5 / 5
Kunjufu sheds light on an incredibly important social problem in our public schools: the overplacement of black boys in special education classes, yet I felt overall that he succumbs to the same problem that he blames others of in the opening of his book, he presents no real solutions! I commend Mr. Kunjufu for writing a bold book for a larger audience and if this book brings any positive attention to this issue, he should be applauded.
First, let me address many of the positive points that he addresses. I must add as a caveat, however, that nearly all of his advice is becoming mainstream knowledge in public schools. He often treats this material as if it is revolutionary and never thought of before. He explains that classrooms must be designed for boys, which is rarely true in female dominated classrooms. (82% of elementary teachers are female.) Multiple intelligence training is also essential to ensure that boys’ (and all learners) are being addressed. Developmental differences between genders should be incorporated into literacy lessons.
Perhaps my biggest critique of this book is its generalization of all black boys having the same needs. By making this assumption, we must assume that all black families are the same and that communities, schools, socioeconomic status make no difference. He does acknowledge this, but then returns to simple models and charts that reinforce the similarities of all black boys. Many of my black male special education students did not like rap music or sports, and taking the individual out of teaching is very dangerous.
I do agree in one of his suggestions, that we need more black male teachers. How do we encourage more black men to teach? By berating white women who are filling the gap, we are accomplishing nothing!
Other criticims, don’t read on if you liked the book or expect to – His tone is often dogmatic and condescending towards teachers, he includes religion as a solution and advocates having Bibles in the classroom!, brings in faulty arguments about links between nutrition and education, defends OJ Simpson, and uses loud screaming fonts to make his point.
Not a scholarly read, but does bring attention to an atrocious social phenomenon that must be understood and stopped! Hopefully our new president can help get us on the right track.
Rating: 3 / 5
This book provided as much insight as I needed to adress the topic I had been researching. Very useful
Rating: 5 / 5
I brought this book because it is very revelent. The book is Afro- centric. In some was has a strong 60’s type message and tone. The facts are true, candid and thought provoking. I highly recommend the sections on how to deal with the school system as an advocate for the child as well the sections on developing the child’s self esteem. The recommendations in the book do work.It’s a good book for educators and African American families regardless of your child’s grades. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4 / 5
The teachers who do not reside within the same urban areas of the public schools should read this book. This book confirmed my suspicions about the Teaching styles of Teachers who do not understand how to teach the African-American male students.
When I first visited my son’s classroom, I made a mental note to view the boards for educational material. However, after reading “Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education”, I witnessed how the educational boards only reflected Caucasian references. There were no references attributed to African-Americans or Latinos, which made up 90% of the classroom. I agree with the author that there should be more Afro-centric educational systems within the urban area, but it is these African-American school administrators who would feel more threatened about adopting such educational centers or programs.
I used this book as a resource for the meetings with my son’s Teachers. After reading this book, I have decided to take my son out of the public school system and enroll him in a private educational institution. Although private school is not the answer to all, but least there is some sort of accountability and I can have a more active role in the school’s decision process for educating the children. The public school system needs a major renovation in order to secure the future of the African American students. I am not suggesting for the removal of these ineffective Teachers, but at least have the Teachers (all ethnic groups, including the African-American or Latino Teachers) go through a de-sensitizing program so they become aware of the culture of the African-American students within an urban area.
Rating: 5 / 5