issues of social & economic equity.
There is a tension, of course, between a theoretical ideal and that which is
practicable. One is held as a goal by which to navigate while the other
represents current constraints (mental, fiscal, political...). Independent
schools represent, or CAN represent, a crucible in which the finest
practices of education are tested, polished, and proven. The fact that we
are free of many of the constraints of public school and in some cases much
better funded, can serve to demonstrate one way that all of American
education might be improved upon if our best practices brought to the public
sector.
This is not to suggest in any way that we cannot learn from public schools
for indeed we can. Many public schools are incubators of innovation and
success, supported by forward thinking school boards and communities.
Addressing deep seated systems of oppression and white privilege in America
requires efforts from all educators - public and private. And one means to
do this that is within the reach of all of us is the practice of solidarity
with the oppressed. Solidarity is far more than fund raising, consciousness
raising, and feel good assemblies. Such efforts may be preludes to
solidarity. Solidarity means working shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed
as partners, not as their leaders.
In this area, every independent school can contribute to addressing social
justices issues within their own community. Years ago when I attended
Catholic grade school, the "Little Sisters of the Poor" would solicit our
pennies, nickels, and dimes to help save the "pagan babies" of Africa; all
the while we turned a blind eye to the racism and classism in our own small
town. So let me suggest that independent schools consider teaching about
systems of oppression and modeling solidarity as one way for us to honor
Labor Day.
-----
Steve Taffee | Director of Strategic Projects
Castilleja School | staffee@castilleja.org
1310 Bryant Street | www.castilleja.org
Palo Alto, CA 94301 | taffee.edublogs.org
650.924.1040 (Google Voice)
Women Learning, Women Leading
<http://twitter.com/sjtaffee> <http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetaffee>
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