<p>We do have PAASE at our high school- Parents of African American students for Excellence- a split off from the main PTA which represents all students.
Mixed feelings about it- I know that especially young black males have difficulty in high school, being labeled as a sell out- or caring too much if they show too much academic aptitude.
With girls, the pressure to dumb down doesn’t seem as great. My daughter for instance has quite a few African American friends who have been in both remedial or regular classes with her, as well as AP classes at the same time. Usually they are females.
But I also hear a generalized perception among the black community ( just from a vocal small portion,) that groups like PAASE are elitist and don’t address “average” kids.</p>
<p>Since there are other groups that do less well than AAs, ( Hispanic for example) I am more favorable to groups that try and support all kids who need it, not seperating by race- I think there is a need for it- but I think I would like to see in more in the communities, not necessarily divided groups based at school.</p>
<p>As my D attends a school that is very diverse ethnically, I think it is worth noting that it is less economically diverse than the district. ( by that I mean- they have higher average income- the school is a magnet for the highly gifted- which tend to come from better educated- higher income)
I happen to think that schools overall, can benefit more students if they pay more attention to economic diversity.</p>
<p>I also wouldn’t lable those of low socio economic background as white trash.
Not feeling like higher education is something that is possible for you, doesn’t mean that you have no goals. But disenfranchised communities don’t just come in " of color". It can be pretty overwhelming if you don’t know where to start and have been taught that you aren’t smart enough.
Additionally, it can be few and far between finding any programs students of Caucasian background qualify for. SOmetimes there are programs if you are FRL, but that is poverty level, if you are working full time, but still need educational support for your kids, you generally are paying for and finding that yourself.</p>
<p>I think this author has been on Oprah
<a href=“http://www.salon.com/books/sneaks/1999/02/04sneaks.html[/url]”>http://www.salon.com/books/sneaks/1999/02/04sneaks.html</a></p>