School Beat: “Geeks of Color” Go to Head of ClassIrene St. Rosemanbyline‚ Jan. 19‚ 2007According to the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning only 24% of black and 30% of Latino students in California public schools scored at their grade level in mathematics. Getting a second-class education in a poorly-resourced school district is a raw deal for any kid, but it’s double jeopardy for high achieving black and Latino high school students who show early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They not only face poorly equipped classrooms and well meaning counselors who often point them toward trade vocations; there is also constant peer pressure to hang out and join gangs. With a national workforce in danger of falling short of STEM professionals, we need these scholars of color to succeed. A National Science Foundation study found that only 3% of scientists and engineers in the US were black, and another 3% were Latino. If we are going to improve these odds, we must help bright, motivated students of color get the skills and confidence to pursue professional careers. |