Broome/Tioga NAACP Surveying Local Schools

A major concern of the Broome/Tioga Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as well as other NAACP branches across the country, is the high school suspension rate for African American students. "In 1998 more than 3.1 million students were suspended from schools nationwide" reports an article in the January issue of Essence magazine "Research indicates," says the author "that race does not determine how children act, but it does determine how they are disciplined. Nationally, Black students represent only 17% of public school enrollment, but 32% of suspensions. Black students are regularly put out of school for nonviolent conduct that is termed disrespectful, disruptive or disobedient. These subjective assessments leave room for bias."

The Broome/Tioga NAACP hopes to convince area school districts that classroom learning is enriched, not by differences in skin color as such, but by open, honest and safe, mutual sharing of differences in life experience, values and ensuing thoughts that in the US are the inevitable result of a mostly segregated society. On the negative side, the unappreciated differences in the experience, values and thoughts of minority students must not lead to resentment, dealt with by punishment, and ultimate banishment. A survey to define the extent of the problem locally has been sent to all Broome and Tioga County school districts, including the Catholic schools. The NAACP will use the results to prepare its educational policy agenda for the coming school year. The following information has been requested:

1. The total number of students enrolled in the last complete school year, the total number and percentage of students in each of the following racial groups - African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian & Pacific Islands, Native American, and white.

2. The total number of dropouts for the last three to five years and the total number of dropouts in each racial group.

3. The total number of graduates for the last complete school year, the total number of graduates in each racial group, and the total number of students in the senior class.

4. The total number of students who entered college after the last complete school year, and the total number of college entrants in each racial group.

5. The total number of students suspended or expelled during the last complete school year and the total number of students suspended or expelled in each racial group.

6. The total number of students enrolled in gifted programs or advanced classes, and the total number of students in gifted programs or advanced classes in each racial group.

7. The total number of students enrolled in "alternative schools" and 811 classes, and the total number of students in "alternative schools" and 811 classes in each racial group.

8. The total number of students participating in extra-curricula activities (band, academic societies, debate teams, sports, cheerleading, etc.) for the last complete school year, and the total number of students participating in extra-curricula activities in each racial group.

9. The total number of teachers and the total number of teachers in each racial group.

10. What is the total number of students with limited English proficiency? Do all students who need it have access to bilingual education programs?

11. Are all teachers and administrative staff provided mandatory multi-cultural/anti-racist training? If so, please provide a description of the pertinent policy or programs.