LeBron James Opens First 'I Promise' School

[disneyjunkie]

You’re reading way more into my statement than what’s there, but yes all these other factors you mention are huge and they tie in to what I was saying.

My sister was just telling me about the valedictorian from my nephew’s graduating class. She was one of many kids bussed into sister’s very wealthy district from the inner city. Her mother was right there for everything & the girl was at the top of her class. None of the other parents from the bussing program were involved with the school at all. And all of those kids did just as poorly as they had done at their previous school.

And yes, there are a myriad of factors why that is the case, many of which you mentioned. And that’s why I said it would take a really creative solution to overcome these obstacles and why I said I hope this school (which appears to be trying to address some of those issues) is part of the that.

Perhaps that one mom was a SAHM. The other parents may have been busy trying to make ends meet to be there for everything.

Is there reliable public transportation from where the kids live to the school they attend? That would play a major role in some parents being able to attend school functions.

How welcoming were the other parents? Did they embrace the new parents or treat them like outsiders?

Let's not pretend that desegregated schools do not have segregated classrooms. It's very common for kids to be bussed into great school but not have access to AP, IB...level classes within that school. Attending the same school doesn't guarantee you will be granted access to the same level of instruction.

 

[Hrhpd]

I really could not care any less...
He is all about the PR.
In the end, yes, he is the one who is, what somebody called 'polarizing'.. and I call 'divisive'.

Just a way to further his agenda.

Are you referring to the person who called him out on twitter and not Mr. James?

If you are referring to the work of Mr. James, then would you please kindly explain exactly which negative agenda pertains to helping fund a school, no matter what percentage, plus also guarantees all graduates a full ride to the University of Akron?

I personally would not have heard of his work until somebody made it national news by referencing a question asked during an interview. So, not sure, besides a few interviews, how Mr. James is the one politicizing his "agenda."

 

[NHdisneylover]

I certainly hope you are referring to the person who called him out on twitter and not Mr. James.

If you are referring to the work of Mr. James, then would you please kindly explain exactly which negative agenda pertains to helping fund a school, no matter what percentage, plus also guarantees all graduates a full ride to the University of Akron?

I personally would not have heard of his work until somebody made it national news by referencing a question asked during an interview. So, not sure, besides a few interviews, how Mr. James is the one politicizing his "agenda."

Pretty sure Wishing on a Star posted this before the infamous Tweet---it was before I heard about the tweet in any case.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Pretty sure Wishing on a Star posted this before the infamous Tweet---it was before I heard about the tweet in any case.

It was after. The thread was started before that but it was revived by wishing on a star and her agenda poster after.

 

[Hrhpd]

Pretty sure Wishing on a Star posted this before the infamous Tweet---it was before I heard about the tweet in any case.

 

[dish rag]

I think it's nice to see someone give of their fortune to help others, especially children learning. I always felt a little guilty that mine had a superior education and that so many children had or have such a poor one, a very useless education. Unless those children are extremely gifted academically they don't have a shot in the dark. The government can't do it, people have to do it. And there are a lot of rich people that can contribute. Some can contribute a lot and should, it would be nice any way if they did.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

So at some wealthy school you have no direct affiliation with, you know all the bused in inner city kids did "just as poorly" as they did at their previous school except for 1 who did better than everyone. You also know that none of the parents were involved with the school at all expect for the one girl. What about the wealthy parents? Do you know how involved they all were. How did every one of their kids do?

Yes, obviously getting the information second hand, but from someone who was in fact directly involved in the situation.

Second question, no. I have no idea what the specifics were for each of the individuals who lived in the district.

 

[lifesavacation]

When I read this about Lebron, my initial thought was that someone or some organization will try and ruin it. Some people hate to see others celebrated for doing good deeds. It’s easier to sit back and criticize while contributing no form of help.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Perhaps that one mom was a SAHM. The other parents may have been busy trying to make ends meet to be there for everything.

Is the reliable public transportation for where the kids live to the school they attend? That would play a major role in some parents being able to attend school functioning.

How welcoming were the other parents? Did they embrace the new parents or treat them like outsiders?

Let's not pretend that desegregated schools do not have segregated classrooms. It's very common for kids to be bussed into great school but not have access to AP, IB...level classes within that school. Attending the same school doesn't guarantee you will access to the same rigorous instruction.

Public trans to the “better” school is all but non-existent. And of course I agree there are numerous factors why the parental involvement varies, many of which are no fault of the parent AT ALL. One of the reasons parental involvement in a wealthy district is more prevalent is simply because it’s easier. No doubt about it.

I’m not attacking poor parents. I’m simply pointing out that poor children face many obstacles OUTSIDE of school that directly impact their quality of education. And that’s why this is such a challenge. And again, I applaud anyone willing to step up to help these kids - be it in the classroom, outside the classroom, or both. Because “both” matter.

 

[Chocolate Cake]

I love the entire premise of this school! The GED classes for parents is a fabulous idea. I would love to see more schools turn to this formula of helping parents and children.

 

[Chocolate Cake]

So if I read it correctly, the taxpayers are actually footing 75% of the bill.

Even if this is true, THIS is what tax payers should be happy to be paying for. It will be better for the community. I always envisioned schools to have doctors/dentists offices. Maybe a school in a greenway setting. With walking and bike paths, restaurants, a park, maybe a bakery and tons of parking. For both poor and rich (and middle class) neighborhoods. Center everything around your school. Education is the key to so much in life.

 

[luvsJack]

One of the thing that LeBron has said many times is that parents need to be involved with their kids' education - I believe he's set some sort of parental responsibility into the requirements to remain in the school long term.

I am glad to see that.


@Gumbo4x4 isn't wrong. Parental involvement is a big factor in educational success. But, of course there are a multitude of reasons why a parent may not get involved.

I don't think its productive to blame other parents for possibly not being "inviting". This is YOUR kid and your kid's education, you don't sit back and wait to be invited to be involved. You get up and do it. Nor do I think it is productive to allow excuses. Many parents work just to make ends meet, work 2 and 3 jobs and still are able to be involved in some way in their child's education. Sounds to me like LeBron realizes that all of these reasons need to be put away and requiring the parents to be involved will help do that.

I am really happy to not only see someone stepping up and giving these kids a chance but doing it in a way that is proactive on all the things that set kids up for failure. Again, good job Lebron!

As a taxpayer, I would be happy to pay for a school like this.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I am glad to see that.


@Gumbo4x4 isn't wrong. Parental involvement is a big factor in educational success. But, of course there are a multitude of reasons why a parent may not get involved.

I don't think its productive to blame other parents for possibly not being "inviting". This is YOUR kid and your kid's education, you don't sit back and wait to be invited to be involved. You get up and do it. Nor do I think it is productive to allow excuses. Many parents work just to make ends meet, work 2 and 3 jobs and still are able to be involved in some way in their child's education. Sounds to me like LeBron realizes that all of these reasons need to be put away and requiring the parents to be involved will help do that.

I am really happy to not only see someone stepping up and giving these kids a chance but doing it in a way that is proactive on all the things that set kids up for failure. Again, good job Lebron!

As a taxpayer, I would be happy to pay for a school like this.

Not being able to attend school events due to your work schedule and/or lack of transportation aren't excuses, they are valid reasons.

Lack of reliable public transportation is actually one reason why some are against bussing children out of their neighborhoods. It makes it important for many parents to become actively engaged in their child's school.

Snobby, elitist... parents who do not want others bussed into their schools, have a way of making the parents feel unwelcomed and/or preventing them from getting involved. For example, refusing to schedule PTA sponsored events in the evenings.

Parents can be nasty when they feel they are being forced to share educational resources with those they deem are unworthy.

 

[Boardwalk Jedi]

Love that he funded a public school. For years, teachers have known that more resources are necessary for at risk kids. It's nice to see that he's working with those in the trenches.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Not being able to attend school events due to your work schedule and/or lack of transportation aren't excuses, they are valid reasons.

Lack of reliable public transportation is actually one reason why some are against bussing children out of their neighborhoods. It makes it important for many parents to become actively engaged in their child's school.

Snobby, elitist... parents who do not want others bussed into their schools, have a way of making the parents feel unwelcomed and/or preventing them from getting involved. For example, refusing to schedule PTA sponsored events in the evenings.

Parents can be nasty when they feel they are being forced to share educational resources with those they deem are unworthy.

Paying attention to the grades of the bused in students at their former and current schools so you can compare them, noticing how much their parents are involved with the school and sharing that information with people not affiliated with the school is another way to make people feel unwelcomed. Especially when you only do that with the bused in students.

 

[luvsJack]

Not being able to attend school events due to your work schedule and/or lack of transportation aren't excuses, they are valid reasons.

Lack of reliable public transportation is actually one reason why some are against bussing children out of their neighborhoods. It makes it important for many parents to become actively engaged in their child's school.

Snobby, elitist... parents who do not want others bussed into their schools, have a way of making the parents feel unwelcomed and/or preventing them from getting involved. For example, refusing to schedule PTA sponsored events in the evenings.

Parents can be nasty when they feel they are being forced to share educational resources with those they deem are unworthy.

There are so many ways to be involved that do not include volunteering in the classroom, joining the PTA or even going to the school. Just being involved with your child and making school and education a priority.

Of course it’s a hardship for many many people. I am not saying that it’s not. It can be extremely hard no matter where you live, where your kid goes to school or how much money you have.

When I worked for the school system, there were two kids bussed in that were brother and sister being raised by their elderly grandmother. She was legally blind and could not drive, didn’t have a car and had very little money But she arranged to have someone bring her to meet the teacher night every year and she found a way to stay in contact with the teacher every year. She couldn’t go to PTO meetings because she couldn’t drive. She couldn’t go to parent/teacher conferences but every year she and the teacher worked out a system so she knew what was going on, what the kids needed and how they were doing. She found a way to be involved and made their education a priority even with the hardships that kept her away from the school. Where there is a will there is a way.

And hopefully LeBron’s school will help them find the way to be involved rather than just giving it up as a lost cause.

 

[mefordis]

Yeah cause all that kneeling has really helped "solve the problem". Exactly how does insulting law enforcement and veterans help? Oh right we're now "aware" of the problem.

Or you could just become a Cowboys fan.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Paying attention to the grades of the bused in students at their former and current schools so you can compare them, noticing how much their parents are involved with the school and sharing that information with people not affiliated with the school is another way to make people feel unwelcomed. Especially when you only do that with the bused in students.

Oh please. So, now you’re suggesting that my sister is creating a hostile environment because she observed something at her place of employment and shared it with me? Something that’s not at all a shock to anyone who’s ever been in that line of work? You’re out of line.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Oh please. So, now you’re suggesting that my sister is creating a hostile environment because she observed something at her place of employment and shared it with me? Something that’s not at all a shock to anyone who’s ever been in that line of work? You’re out of line.

I'm saying she was being judgemental and being judged does not make people feel welcome.
It's out of line for her to share information information about how specific students perform with you, especially because there's no reason to do it other than to be judgemental.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'm saying she was being judgemental and being judged does not make people feel welcome.
It's out of line for her to share information information about how specific students perform with you, especially because there's no reason to do it other than to be judgemental.

She made the same observation EVERY educator has made at multiple points in their career: involved parents = successful students. It’s not exactly earth-shattering news to those of us outside education, nor is it even anything with which anyone on here disagrees.

Look, you don’t know anything about my sister. And while I know you’d happily walk through fire if it provided even the slightest opportunity to insult ME, I will kindly ask you to leave my family out of it.