So it began . When the young girls were sent out of class for defiance , Mrs . Burrus would seat them closely to her desk and in her quiet , methodical way , speak life into their ear . Slowly , themes of personal responsibility , using your gifts and talents , never settling for the low expectations around you began to resonate .
The girls would come into my office , where I would share my own journey out of south Los Angeles to become an English teacher and later deputy principal of Vista Murrieta High School . Time spent that soon became affectionately known as one of “ Mrs . Wilson ’ s lectures .”
Shonda began a proactive outreach to all African American girls on campus and formed what is known today at VMHS as the Black Coal and Rose Society ( BCRS ). I can tell you , the end result has been and continues to be a clear messaging that “ I matter ! I am beautiful ! I am smart and creative ! I am the sum total of what I ’ ve been placed on the Earth to achieve !”
In 2007 , I was promoted to director of human resources and left VMHS . My attachment to Shonda and BCRS has not been daily , but definitely consistent . As a result , I have had first-hand opportunity to see the “ fruit ” of Shonda ’ s efforts when BCRS members participate in school and community service activities .
These young girls are expressive and passionate about their lives and the pursuit for excellence in all they hope to achieve . I think of Tawni , who while in high school spent her share of time listening to Mrs . Burrus or one of Mrs . Wilson ’ s lectures . She was an original participant in BCRS and the Black Student Union at VMHS . Now , Tawni serves as an elementary school counselor in one of our neighboring school districts .
Mrs . Burrus did not stop here . With all of the upheaval occurring on the national scene as it relates to the ever-growing number of young African-American men being killed or incarcerated , Shonda knew she must do her part at VMHS to alter the trajectory of African-American young men at her site .
Shonda approached me , now in my new position of assistant superintendent of educational services . She asked me what resources were available for her to begin this next intentional effort .
The implementation of the Local Control and Accountability Plan provided this opportunity . In our school district , African American students are one of seven student populations to which we provide improved or increased services . Shonda has been successful to mirror the BCRS intentional intervention and support model when she established the Young Gentlemen ’ s Leadership Club ( YGLC ) at Vista Murrieta High School .
YGLC focuses upon the 100-plus African American young men at the school . Last year these young people were brought together in a forum setting four times . In these forums , mentors from the community , some 35 African-American men – managers , business owners , church leaders , first responders and dads – came to show their support and commitment to the success of these young people .
In the forums , students and the mentors were shown the data for the African American young men at Vista . These stats , across the board , painted a picture of underachievement , underrepresentation in advance college preparatory courses , over representation in suspension / detention rates , and lack of reaching proficiency on the state assessment . One could hear a pin drop .
These forums soon became supplemented with parent meetings , tutorials , cultural learning activities and a consistent message of “ expecting students to do their personal best every day , because they matter .”
Our commitment is to surround them with any and all of the support they may
Our commitment is to surround them with any and all of the support they may need to achieve .
need to achieve . Support for BCRS , YGLC and the up and coming HLLC for our Hispanic and Latino students , comes directly from the Local Control and Accountability Plan .
There have been many positive outcomes since the inception of YGLC . One notable change , is in the grade point average rates for African American young men at VMHS . The program began in September of 2015 . By the end of first semester , these students ’ grades improved by 15 percent . By the end of the school year 2016 , their grade improved a whopping 30 percent .
This illustration of one educator ’ s unwavering commitment to ensure the success of one of the most at-risk student populations in the state and nation is proof that when intentional efforts are put into play and supported with the resources necessary to ensure its success , change can happen . The change that we are talking about is life altering !
Our rally call , Equity for All is not simply a mantra for the times . The Equity movement is both real and necessary . Assess where you are in the movement . Be intentional and every student succeeds .
Pamela Jo Wilson is assistant superintendent of educational services in Murrieta Valley USD and Region 19 representative on the ACSA Equity Committee .
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