2 Page work

Discussion 2

As we know, segregation was legally outlawed years ago (not too long, though), however, de facto segregation, red-lining and racism in our financial, education and real estate sectors still exist today. This particular discussion will focus on education and the impact that de facto segregation has had on the lived experiences of children of color. 

Racial segregation exacerbates achievement gaps between Black and White children because it concentrates students with the most serious social and economic challenges in the same classrooms and schools. Schools receive a majority of their funding from property taxes, thus, an area with lower property values (inner city, urban and often rundown areas) means that schools in these areas are given less (often times thousands less) than schools in predominantly white, upper class areas. the impact of this type of segregation also bodes terribly for student health.

Consider childhood asthma, for example: Largely because of poorly maintained housing and environmental pollution, urban African-American children have asthma at as much as four times the rate of White middle-class children. Asthmatic children often come to school drowsy and inattentive from sleeplessness, or they don’t come to school at all. Indeed, asthma is the single most important cause of chronic absenteeism.

No matter how good the teacher, or their instruction, children who are frequently absent will see less benefit than children who come to school well rested and regularly. Certainly, some asthmatic children will excel — there is a distribution of outcomes for every human condition — but on average, children in poorer health will fall short. 

For this discussion, I ask that you engage in a conversation with classmates on ways in which this could be addressed, keeping the following questions in mind:

1. With this knowledge, does every student (in reality) have an equal chance at succeeding at school and being well prepared for college?

2. We often call the educational system "The great equalizer" with the false perception that we can get an education, go to college and become whatever it is we want. If this is the case, why then do so many colleges consider "extra-curricular" activities (activities which involve programs many inner-city/poor schools cannot afford). 

3. Reflect on your own school and the resources available, do you think you were adequately prepared for entry into college? 

4. How might we (financially) address this shortcoming of our education/tax system?