In chapter 5 Kafele talks in depth about his young men's empowerment program that he implemented during his teaching years as well as during his years of being an administrator. One of the points of emphasis in these meetings was the pledge that each member recited before leaving. The pledge included many aspects of life including respect, acting responsibly, and other things that are parts of a young man's life. These empowerment meetings also would implement dress for success days, father-son programs, and even male retreats. I feel that these are some great ways to get not only black males but all males involved with a father figure in their life. Whether it is a grandfather, a father, or even another male role model it is important that these young males have a person that can involve themselves and become a major influence on these children's lives.
It is extremely important for black males to rise to the occasion and become great men and in turn will positively affect society. I feel that with these empowerment programs give the students the opportunity to see what they need to be doing as well as gives them a head start to actually perform the tasks needed to become a responsible citizen. These empowerment programs were created for black male students but in reality all male students are welcome to attend and become a part of these meetings. Another part of this concept is that the females would be meeting as well while the males had their meetings going on. This in turn would have a positive effect on the females in the schools.
Ethical Considerations
1. School/Community Relations - It is imperative that we as administrators go the extra mile when interacting with local businesses and other local agencies. With the absence of school and community relations the school is really acting with one arm tied behind their back. Proper relationships need to be developed and sustained throughout the school year so that we can give the best possible opportunities for our school as well as for our students.
2. Maturity Level - These empowerment meetings are most effective when they are separated by grade level. The difference in the maturity level amongst our students is extreme and needs to be taken in to consideration. Relationships, peer issues, growth, and development are all aspects that are majorly different among all the different grade levels. Take a middle school for instance the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are so different they must be separated when worked with in this nature.
3. Respect - When speaking of empowerment one of the first terms that comes to mind is respect. If a student learns to respect others they have learned something that will help them for the rest of their lives. It is amazing how quickly we can earn some one's respect or even lose some one's respect. It is going to be very important as administrators to not judge too quickly because sometimes first impressions will not be pleasant. We need to be open and need to accept things for the way they are and do our best to make sure the result of each situation is as positive as possible.
I like that Brandon mentioned the pledge to be recited by the young men. It is important that these young men vocalize their to commitment to such a program. That is much different than simply sitting in a seat and having an adult tell you what you are expected to do. Once these young men vocalize it, they then begin to own that commitment personally. This one action can now allow others to hold them accountable for their actions, not based on rules made for them, but instead for the words they chose to speak themselves. It is one thing to challenge the rules and values that someone imposes on you, but it is totally different to be asked to keep your own word. This action alone will serve as a great lesson to the young men in the program about integrity, self respect, being a role model, and becoming a man.
ReplyDeleteI always ask my students why they have behaved the way they have, whether it be a discipline issue or an academic one. I certainly get the cliche answer from many; "I don't know." I tell them that is not an answer; I explain to them we all have reasons for our actions, even if they are not good reasons. I then demand of them some type of real answer; a real reason for their choices. This usually leads to a more honest conversation with the student; I sometimes get a simple answer of laziness or making bad choices, and sometimes I get a conversation about issues that are much more personal. I believe this conversation I try to have with students is related to the pledge Kafele has as part of the program. It gets to the heart of ownership and personal responsibility of one's actions. In a society that likes pointing the finger and placing blame elsewhere, this lesson about personal control of one's life and future is a valuable one, especially at a young age.
Respect is an important quality that can be carried with students the rest of their live. The dress for success piece of the empowerment program is great for helping students develop respect for themselves and build their self-esteem. I feel you much first respect yourself before you can show respect to others. Kafele noticed that when his students dressed up they felt good because they looked good. There was a change in their behavior those days at school. I feel boys and girls can both benefit from dress for success days. Some of the clothes our students wear to school are very inappropriate. They range from low cut attire to offensive messages. It can send the message they don’t respect themselves or others.
DeleteCrystal pointed out the fact that Kafele effected change amongst his faculty and staff by encouraging them to embrace changes that built character. I feel a positive change in character will cause a positive change in the school’s climate. The students will be more motivated, respectful, and successful. There will be a decrease in diruptions and more time for learning. Teacher and student morale can increase and there will be more of a cohesive relationship seen throughout the school.
I agree with John and Brandon; the pledge is not only heartwarming but serves as an affirmation for the boys to believe that the words they are saying are real. When I first read the book I was amazed about the similarities of the infrastructure of the program as compared to the mentorship program in which I was involved. We made sure the boys said a pledge at the beginning and end of the meeting to serve as a rite of passage for them. They may have just been words to outside observers, but to the boys it meant so much more. The boys listened to what they were saying and ensured that their words materialized into actions. For many students, especially black males, positive affirmations are important to give them the impetus to excel and rise to higher expectations. As a transformational leader, Kafele effected change amongst his faculty and staff by encouraging them to embrace changes that encourage character building aside from the curriculum (Fiore 2009). The young men of Kafele's school benefited from a strong curriculum and integrity implementation methods.
ReplyDeleteBrandon expressed the importance of the young men's empowerment program to teach young men respect and necessary behavior for life time success. Programs such as Kafele's help create productive members of society both in and out of the classroom. Ornsein, Levine, and Gutek (2011) talk about how the school serves as a partner in providing educational, health, social, family support, recreational, and cultural activities to the community and the purpose of these efforts are to increase student achievement. In Minneapolis, there is an after-school leadership program, the "Beacons" which is in partnership with the YMCA which has proven to be helpful especially for low-income families. This program has had success in achieving reading gains on citywide assessments, increased school attendance, and reduced suspensions (p. 219). We cannot assume proper morals, values, and behaviors are being taught and enforced in the home. We must always remember the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” and as educators create and support programs that will help create responsible, respectable, and productive members of society. I believe all parents innately want what is in their child's best interest but unfortunately not always do they know how to reach their goal. Kafele says it is ideal when people work collaboratively on behalf of children so no matter which way they turn, an adult will be present to keep hold them accountable (p. 40).
ReplyDeleteBrandon brought up the pledge as a way to have these students vocalize their committment and responsibility to themselves, the meetings, and the school. This is a great way to begin the meeting, reminding all of why they are there. Also, this reminds the students that everyone in the room is making the same committment and working towards the same goal; regarless of age, grade level, or race. This one act of unity alone can help the young men feel more comfortable and as if they are part of a group where they fit in and are supported. However, I agree with Brandon when he said maturity level should be taken into consideration when establishing these meetings. In some meetings, it would be okay to combine grade levels, depending on the topic. But it would probably be best to try to "meet with each grade level separately becasue of the differences in maturity, interests, needs, and issues between younger and older students" (Kafele 2009). This also allows you to conduct the meetings according to the needs, interests, and maturity level of your group.
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