Reaching Minorities In The Columbus Schools

Like all of the public schools in Ohio the Columbus Public Schools have a low graduation rate for its students. And like all of the public schools in this country the Columbus Schools have a racial gap that is disheartening and depressing. Two methods used by the Columbus Schools to help minority populations achieve are mentoring and smaller sized high schools.

I like both of these ideas because I think they address two of the core difficulties of minority achievement: income and role models. As parents in the Columbus Schools debate the inequities of magnet schools, charter schools, and who gets money for what, its easy to forget the underlying causes of low achievement.

Columbus Schools students raised in poverty are unlikely to have well-educated role models who can teach them what successful behavior looks like. Low income parents are usually less able to spend time in their childrens Columbus Schools, less able to help with homework, and less aware of the impact of reading. If the Columbus Schools are serious about helping minority students rise above their current situation, then the realities must be addressed.

The National Society of Black...