Fact Finding Committee

SUNDA'Y^JANUARY^21,1996------- Walker sees lack of commitment Fact-Finding Committee hears his views on school bosses, patrons BY CARRIE RENGERS Democral-Gazelte Staff Writer One of the key figures in the Pulaski County school desegregation case didn't attend a discussion of school issues that was held Saturday by neighborhood associations, but he was the featured speaker at another school-related meeting. .John Walker, the attorney who represents a group of black families in the case, spoke to a new committee called The Fact-Finding Committee for the Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan Ls It Working for African-American Youth? We're fighting for our children. said Hafeeza Majeed, the community activist who organized the first of what she said will be rf X-. several meetings to develop modifications to the desegregation plan. , I meeting was exclusively for une oiscrict teacher who was black citizens. Approximately 35 present agreed and said that when people came and only black-owned she goes to schools other than her news media organizations were in- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/KAREN VANDONGE R(Kk attorney John Walker speaks Saturday to black residents about the Pulaski County desegregation case. One district teacher who present agreed and said that when vited. Majeed explained that was so participants would feel at ease dis- own, she's treated poorly until administration officials learn shes a ------------ teacher. Little Rock School Board cussing issues without the fear of Member Michael Daugherty said he bPina ------------- experienced similar problems. being misinterpreted. However, a a plan should be scrapped only after its been proven not to work. That has not happened, Walker said. And Walker had a brief comment on the strategic plan that was one of the main focuses of the reporter and photographer for the Arkwisas Democrat-Gazette were invited to stay when they aiTived. neighborhood association meeting Walker had familiar harsh words for the school district, but he also bemoaned black attitudes. People only do right when earlier in the day. theres a vigil, Daugherty said. ...... " And I am watching. The Little Rock School District's proposed plan for 199e-2001 con- Walker defended the desegregation plan and criticized district officials for not understanding it. I t 1 71.' --------- They dont like the plan, not un- ' P'' *. P'an IS Walker said. There is nothing in the desegregation plan that desegregation plan that is not ..................... tains strategies for achieving various goals and includes either im By and large, we accept second- said. We have an environment that plementing or modifying the desegregation plan. But Walker said, The strategic plan is not part of subjects our kids to dual standards more than dual standards. Its just a repressive environment. 1> good education. The problem. Walker said, is there is no commitment. He said He said the desegregation plan is important because our chil- dren must learn in integrated environments. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 1996 .3B ' Black parents committee offers school suggestions BY CYNTHIA HOWELL Democrat-Gazette Education Writer The Little Rock School District could better meet black students needs by altering the districts cur- students and district officials about the district. The committee felt there was a need for an independent renew of the districts desegregation plan and riculum and disciplinary system its affect on African-American stu- and improving communications dents, Majeed said. But no one with parents, a committee of black had to tell us that the desired results parents said Thursday. of the plan have not been achieved." She said the board and superintendent should take steps to ensure The committee, represented by community activist Hafeeza Majeed, recommended revising the that district residents and staff un- .....derstand the districts desegrega- districts curriculum to include more about Africa and the history of black Americans. The group also tion mission. And while she agreed that modifications are needed, in the districts 1989 desegregation wants changes in the districts zero _ _ tolerance policy toward student plan, she said parents should-be misbehanor, which, members said, shown problems and asked for is not applied uniformly. ideas on changes. -........................... Majeed suggested district offi- Majeed also called for more stu- , . dent training on conflict resolution dais consider an approach to in- and for employing bus driver aides to maintain order on school buses. The Fact Finding Committee for the Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan Is It Working : for African-.American Youth made its presentation at a special board meeting Thursday after spending several months talking to parents, j struction that holds teachers clearly responsible for student learning.The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African-American Youth? Mr. Curtis Hall Mr. Howard Love Ms. Hafeeza Majeed Rev. Larry Staggers WcfrSKfee RECEIVED MAR 5 B Ms. Ann Brown, Federal Monitor Office of Desegregation Monitoring 201 East Markham Street, Heritage West Building Little Rock, AR Suite 510 72201 OesesjifegaBiaT toiforiffg Dear Ms. Brown: This will confirm our understanding that Resource Speaker for the fourth community forum of The Jt-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - it Working For African-American Youth? held on Saturday, March 9, 1996, you will be the Our forum will be Is 11:00 A.M., at the Dunbar Community Center, 16th & Chester Streets, Little Rock, AR. Our purposes for holding these forums are to: Facilitate serious dialogue within the African-American community and the LRSD regarding the past, among its patrons of current and perceived future impact of the LRSD desegregation policies and activities on providing African-American children and youth ample and equitable educati opportunities. ion a Ascertuaaixnn aannad aaccccuummuullaattee, ftrom tthhiis process, a body of factual data and information from which African-American parents can draw valid, reliable, and collective conclusions as to which of the current arguments for and against the current plan best represent the realities of the present and the most promise for the future To accomplish our purposes, to , - we are inviting key individuals speak at our community forums to present factual information regarding the Plan, its intent, implementation, monitoring and outcomes. design, In preparing for your presentation, the Committee reauests that you address the following: 1. Those areas and operations in the Plan that have been released from monitoring due to 1110 West 10th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 ( FAX) 501 - 374 - 9739 501 - 664 - 7818 Ms. Ann Brown, Federal Monitor March 5, 1996 Page Two their successful completion by the designated timeline or due to the inability to successfully meet the expected results in the time specified. 2. 3. Those areas and operations in the Plan that are currently working successfully and "why-so." Those areas and operations in the Plan that are currently not working and "why-so." You should feel free to: Bring any handouts, videos, slides, or other materials that will assist in your discussion of the various Desegregation Plan. components of the LRSD Offer any solutions, suggestions, and/or recommendations to our Fact-Finding Committee that ODM deems necessary to assist us in our process. participate in the "Questions and Answers" session immediately following your presentation. Please let me know if you will need audio-visual and/or other equipment to complete your presentation. You can call me at 664-7818 or write to me in c/o The Fact-Finding Committee, 1110 West 10th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, Thank you for agreeing to participate in the process and we look forward to meeting you on Saturday. Sincerely, Ms. Convener a. t '1 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African-American Youth? Mr. Curtis Hall Mr. Howard Love Ms. Hafeeza Majeed Rev. Larry Staggers Mr. Dale Charles t B Ar--' I. 199fi M~ Drown. E' -ral M *3 Office of Deseere ion Monito inff 201 East Markham Street Office 0/ Op. "} M Suite 510 Little Rock. AR 72201 Dear Ann: On behalf of The Fact-Finding Committee, I would like to thank you for your recent presentation on the history and the process of the Desegregation Plan and the role of ODM. Your comments were received quite well by the community and when contacted by phone, several desire to become more involved in individuals expressed a result of j/our lecture. o,ir public schools as a Our committee has reviewed the recorded minutes of your presentation and we would like to make the following requests: Please provide a copy of each evaluation report that identifie.s key areas of the Desegregation Plan from 1990 thru the present. Please provide information and contact persons for the following programs: a . b. Great Expectations Reading Recovery School Parks p J p p forward the requested information to: The Faot-Fj.nding Comm ee Ms, Ha 1110 We feeta 10th B. lion Ter reet Little Rook. .AR n' Mo - , ! 1110 West 10th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 ( FAX) 501 - 374 - 9739 501 - 664 - 7818 Mrs. Ann Brown April 1, 1996 Page Two We will host our last fact-finding session on Saturday, April 20, 11 A.M., at the Dunbar Community center. This session will be entitled, "Youth Speak-Out", and we know you will want to be in attendance to hear current and former students in our District discuss the Desegregation Plan and Strategic Plan, followed by questions and answers. Thank you again for your assistance and we will continue to work hard for our children and our public schools. Sincerely, B. Majeed P<Z IX or Street Number City Zip Code 1k' 'PM -p\ -.1 ? A'S 7 USA-. )dH G I iitliitiil iiiii iii Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 April 8, 1996 Mrs. Hafeeza B. Majeed 1110 West 10th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 Dear Hafeeza: Tliank you for your recent letter. Im happy to provide the information you requested. Enclosed are copies of our monitoring reports that focus on the Little Rock School District. You also asked for information on certain programs which the district has implemented. Although we are acquainted with these programs, we do not maintain comprehensive files on them. Tlie Little Rock School District can provide you materials on Reading Recovery and Great Expectations. 1 suggest that you contact Gene Parker at 324-0513 about Reading Recovery and Sterling Ingram (324-2124) about Great Expectations. 1 regret that 111 be out of state on April 20 and therefore unable to attend the session youve scheduled for that date. You have my thanks and very best wishes as you continue to work on behalf of our communitys children. Sincerely yours, Ann S. Brown Enc. 6/5/92 7/31/92 10/8/92 11/16/92 /12/18/92 2/26/93 7/19/93 12/9/93 1/12/94 3/11/94 9/6/94 12/21/94 12/22/94 12/22/94 1/31/95 5/17/95 5/26/95 6/21/95 8/16/95 9/15/95 9/20/95 12/1/95 1/30/96 ODM MONITORING REPORTS 1991-92 Incentive Schools Monitoring Report Monitoring Report on the 91 -92 LRSD Four-Year-Old Program Status Report: LRSD's McClellan High School Business/Communications Magnet Program 1991-92 Monitoring Report on the Biracial Committees 1991-92 Monitoring Report on the Alternative Schools: LRSD, NLRSD, PCSSD Monitoring Report: NLRHS - West Campus 1992-93 Spirit Teams Recruitment and Selection Process Monitoring Report: PCSSD School Racial Balance 1992-93 Incentive School Monitoring Report 1993-94 School Racial Balance Monitoring Report: LRSD, NLRSD, PCSSD Incentive School Recruitment Monitoring Report Monitoring Report: Involvement in the 1994-95 Principal Selection Process in the LRSD 1993-94 Incentive Schools Monitoring Report Monitoring Report: Focused Activities and Academic Progress Incentive Grants in the LRSD Status Report: Little Rock School District Incentive School Staffing 1994-95 1994-95 School Racial Balance Monitoring Report: LRSD, NLRSD, PCSSD 1994-95 Incentive Schools Momtonng Report Monitoring Report: 1994-95 Four-Year-Old Program in the LRSD Status Report on Achievement Disparity: LRSD, NLRSD, PCSSD Double Funding of the Incentive Schools (Supplement to 1994-95 Incentive Schools Monitoring Report) Status Report on Staffing: Elementary Classroom Teachers in the LRSD, NLRSD, PCSSD Replacement of Portable Classroom Buildings in the PCSSD The LRSD 1994-95 Incentive Schools Extended Year Program 1995-96 School Racial Balance Monitoring Report: LRSD, PCSSDCl CM cc<Jc/x: fiECE SEP 2 0 1996 J 23-3 Office Ot DesegfesaMfi Monitoring SEPTEMBER 20, 1996 THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY THE FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE FOR THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT DESEGREGATION PLAN - FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUTH? IS IT WORKING TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS AND STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? aWe Fighting For Our Children! 99 I B B Q OVERVIEW The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African-Arnerican Youth? was organised in January, 1996. Our mission was to undertake an in-deoth study of the LRSD ion depth Desegregation Plan, the Interdistrict Plan and the Settlement Agreement
the Plan' intent, its implementation and monitoring and Its impact on African-American children. study phase, refinements After completion of the the Committee agreed to offer proposed changes and/or to the current Plan, whereever feasible, to the Office of Desegregation Monitoring, Soard of Directors. Superintendent Roberts and the LRSD {.Desegregation Plan Amendment Process, Appendix D). the intent of our Committee to meet with all partie involved in the implementation and monitoring of the Plan. It was study 3. Philosophy, 5 included a brief analysis o i the purpose, goals and objectives. Strateg Plan, Our its Our motto. In order to invite key individual "We're Fighting For Our Children", successfully complete our mission. guided our mission, it was necessary to Committee and groups to appear before the Fact-Finding and the African-American community to make presentations and answer questions regarding the Plan. this report to the community With the submiss ion of and recommendatiions to uDM, Supt. Roberts, and LR.jD E'irectors, our mission has been accomplished, totaling 1212 hours of valuable community mi broad cross-section of the Little Rock Commiunity. service provided by a The following is a partial listing Of individual and group
A who were key in helping us to accomplish our mission, and to them we are grateful: Henry F, Attorney representing black parents Katherine P. Mitchell and Mrs. Williams former Supt., LRSD
par into students in the LRSD
and John W. Walker. Dr. Judy Magness, LRSD Board members
Mr. seen Modeste, Special Assistant to the Supt., Ms. Linda Young Do-Internal Strategic Planning Corrdinator
Mr. A
sistant to the Frank Martin, LRCTA Representative: Mrs. Ann Brown, Federal Monitor, ODM
Little Rock area ministers
former and current LRSD students and parents
leaders: and community residents. business area On April 20 hands 1996, members of The Fact-Finding Committee also .joined with other African-American community leaders deciare our unified commitment to public education. leaders included the following Fraternities, individuals: Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Sororities and patrons to These community and Sorority, I nc
Inc
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
Phi Beta Sigma Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
Zeta Phi Beta Inc
Sigma Gamma Rho .oorority, me
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Attorney Simmons S Smith
kwami
Mr. H.T. Akbar. In addition, members of The Fact-Finding Committee reviewed relevant desegregation documents and reports: listened to the testimony of desegregation experts invited by Federal Judge Susan Webber Wright and conducted an Opinion c Purvey of African-American parents in the LRSD to gather data relating to the District's policies, operations and academic and social programs.Our sincere thanks are e.xtended to every individual and group that actively participated in our study and to those who provided moral support as well as other resources. The areas of discussion in this report are defined as follows: I. Statement to African-American parents in the LRSD. II. Statement to African-American students in the LRSD. "Especially for African-American Males in LRSD". Ill. Recommendations to African-American parents, community. students and The fourth and final section of this report - Recommendations Office of Desegregation Monitoring, Supt. of Directors - will outline proposed Koberts and the :
t.o the ID Board current LRSD Desegregation Plan. hanges and refinements to the These recommendations presented to ODM, will be the Board and the superintendent as outlined the LRSD Desegregation Plan Amendment Process. in The Fact-Finding Committee offers this report to the African-American community because throughout our study of the Plan, our focus remained on the Plan's impact on African-Americn children and their parents in the LRSD. Parents, students, community leaders and residents spend approximately 30 volunteer hours to attend community meetings to participate in the process of studying the Desegregation Plan. It is therefore. our i.ntent to present this report to the community as a true representation of our gratefulness for the diligence and perservation of all parents. students and community members who have committed themselves to making a positive difference in our public schools. The long and ihort-term effect of our efforts shall be manifested by an overall increase in academic and social skills for African-American students in th LRSD. Thus, the over-presentation of black students in the suspension population and the disparity between black/white test results and academic achievement shall also be minimised. ODQWGY The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African-American Youth? agreed that our hypothesis. "Is the LRSD Desegregation Plan working for African-American Youth?", could best be proven or disproven by our commitment to serve as the organising body responsible for developing an independent view of the LRSD's commitment to Desegregation, page 1, line 32) (LRSD Desegregation Plan, Each of us realized that by agreeing to make thi commitment to independently study the Plan and to invite the African-American community to actively participate in this process. we were, in 2effect, agreeing to remain organised and continue to serve as the independent voice for African-American oarents and students in the LRSD. Our decision to study the Plan was reached as a result of many indicators that were directly and indirectly related to the academic and ,1
ocial successes, or the lack thereof, students in the LRSD. for African-Americn Moreover, our Committee members were actively motivated to begin and complete our study of the Plan because we believe that African-American parents, students and community leaders must accept the responsibility to support and monitor current and future LRSD policies, operations, and the academic and social progress of African-American students in the LRSD. Furthermore, we are in agreement with the Survey targeting African-American parents The Fact-Finding Committee (see "Attachments) results of an Opinion in the LRSD, developed by for the opinions, The survey asked perceptions and attitudes of the parents toward the LRSD Desegregation Plan, the Interdistrict Plan and the Settlement Agreement. The members < The Fact- nding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation an school halls Is It Working for African-American Youth? have walked the we are, and have been, substitute teachers, supervision aides, volunteers. students, and parents. As of our collective and consistent involvement in the LRSD, a result we understand the importance and necessity of a new and unprecedented commitment to public education by a majority of African-American parents, that we call the students and community leaders. This ommitment requires commitment leadership of the LRSD into accountability tor its 18). to Desegregation (LRSD Desegregation Plan, page 2, parents Our Opinion Survey revealed that 73% of African-American line in the LRSi? consistently do not utilise their collective parental and community resources to encourage the leadership of the LRSD to aggressively and effectively implement the Desegregation Plan as its tool for restructuring the school system so that all vestigages of discrimination, segregation or unfair treatment have been eliminated. As parents, students and community leaders. we must establish and maintain high expectations for academic and social excellence for all children in the LRSD with achievable goals and objectives that represen and talents of our student population
and respect the diverse cultural needs desegregated educational experience. -hereby, creating a quality Our efforts to study the Plan produced rich and fertile opportunities for bi-racial community participation. We believe that we must continue to plan together to eliminate the racial barriers that preceded oui' current efforts. Therefore, it is the genuine desire of the members of The Fact-Finding Committee to unify our efforts, whenever possible, with those efforts of the Little Rock Alliance Foi' Our Public Schools
Parents for Public Schools
and other organised groups and/or individuals who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to public education through their active involvement in our community and our public schools. 3The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African-American Youth? submits the following report as an identification and assessment of the opinions, perceptions and attitudes of students, parents and community leaders as revealed in our study of desegregation in the LRSD. sia: r-TQ AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS IN THE LRSD: "Central to any school desegregation plan should be a clear focus and understanding of Desegregation Plan, : he kinds of goals to be achieved." (LRSD page 2. line 2). The LRSD Board of Directors and the superintendent have the responsibility to clearly delineate the District's desegregation mission to the staff and to the community. (LRSD Deseg. Plan, page 2, lines 21-22). 78% of .African-American parents knowledge" of the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Settlement Agreement. surveyed report having "no Ironically, Interdistrict Plan and African-American parents in the LRSD have an immediate responsibility to request that Federal Judge Susan Webber Wright deny any motion by the LRSD Board of Directors to modify the current Desegregation Plan until the District's desegregation mission has been clearly and adequately delineated to the African-American community. t Furthermore, The Fact-Finding Committee will recommend the Office of Desegregation Monitoring, Soard that an independent view. Supt. Robert and the represented by African-American parents, students and community representatives, be discussed regarding the LRSD Desegregation Plan, Settlement Agreement. Interdistrict Plan and "The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has included parent involvement as among the curcial elements of the desegregation plans, and the District Court has continually stressed the importance of parent and community participation in the schools." Monitoring Report. July 12, 1996, ODM, page 61). (1995-96 Incentive Schools The members of The Fact-Finding Committee agree and our study reveals that the current LRSD Desegregation Plan should be discussed openly and honestly by the present litigative parties
The Fact-Finding Committee: Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools: Parents for Public Schools and all other concerned community representatives. When an agreement has been reached regarding all proposed amendment to the Plan, and majority ommunity support for those amendments is attained, only then can we support the modification of the current Plan. More importantly, we believe. is the District's and responsibility to "clearly" delineate the District's desegregation mission to the staff and to the community." ommitment 41 9 Again, allow us to cite the evidence as supported by our Opinion Survey that 78% of African-American parents surveyed in the LRSD reported having "no knowledge" of the current Desegregation Plan. The members of our Committee are in agreement that significantly more African-American parents must demonstrate an immediate and continuing increase in parental involvement in their child's school. African-american parents, students and community leaders must actively participate in discussions regarding neighborhood schools and all other proposed educational concepts and academic programs that are currently being researched for justifications as proposed modifications to the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Based on the results of our Opinion Survey, 66% of the Afrioan-American parent. surveyed in the LRSD, reported being "somewhat" involved in their child's school
22% reported being "greatly" involved in their child's school
and 12% reported "no involvement". involvement in your child' Through your increased and continuous parental school, you will realise that you are the best advocate for your child's educational future and through youi involvement you acquire the information and skills that are nece ssary to plan for that future. African-American students constitute 66% of the LRSD student population. This fact alone dictates that as African-Americans we are obligated to become "greatly involved" in the District
and it goes without saying that "no involvement" will continue to result in fewer academic and social successes for our children. Thus it becomes the responsibility of each African-American student. parent, grandparent and community member to. individually and collectively, read, consider and discuss the LRSD Desegregation Plan, the Interdistrict Plan and the Settlement Agreement. Please request your copy of the Desegregation Plan by calling 324-2408, Monday - Friday, 7:30 A.M. 4:30 P.M. After receiving and reading this important document. The Fact-Finding Committee respectfully requests recommendation your approval, acceptance and follow-through of the offered in this report. sta: IT TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS IN THE LRSD: The members of The Fact-Finding Commirtee aggressively sought participation from students during our study of desegregation in the LRSD. of our Our Committee benefited grearly from the active involvement student representative, Mr. Mark Cole. Mr. Cole is a 1993 graduate of Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School and is currently enrolled at Chicago State University. Mr. Cole and a panel of current and former LRSD students discussed the Desegregation Plan and answered questions for the community at our "Student Speak-Out", the last of six forums Fact-Finding Committee to invite the iponsored by The ommunity to actively participate in studying the Plan. - 5We believe that a student's ability to advocate for quality education within the classroom is proportionate to the student's knowledge, or lack thereof, regarding the LRSD Desegregation Plan. We, therefore, strongly encourage all students to study the Desegregation Plan. Adequate cla room instruction and effective classroom management, as outlined in the Plan, are the tools needed to create a c* afer, more productive school environment. According to the LRSD Disciplinary Management Report 11995-96), African-American students, generally, and African-American males. specifically. LRSD by 1%: 'b are over-presented in the suspension population of the In a comparison of Total Sanctions issued by race/gender in 1995-96, the following statistics represent tne over-presentation of African-American students in the Distrct. grc ss (Source: 1995-96). Little Rock School District Disciplinary Management Report Year 1995-96 Race Black Black White White Black White Gender Male Female Male Female M/F M/F Total Sanctions 3876 1446 698 207 5322 905 62 23 11 4 85 Additionally, according to the SAT published by the Arkansas-Democrat tanford Achievement Test) data score ^5 are 31 percentage point asette, 10/02/95, "Slack student and 7 and 38 points different in lower than white grade 10." scores in grade 4 We, therefore, conclude that African-American students in have been, and ontinue to be, under-educated and excessive tne -D disciplined, thereby violating the intent, the LRSD Desegregation Plan, agreement and spirit of Students, it is important for you to understand the correlation between suspension and expulsion rates for African-American student and the low test scores and overall academic achievement in the classroom. Students, you nuist be inside of the classroom to receive appropriate instructional assistance and to succeed to your greatest potentials. When you are outside of the classroom, due to suspensions and expulsions, it is impossible for you to receive the instruction necessary to succeed academically and socially. - 6 -According to the LRSD Disciplinary Management Report (1995-96), African-American students are three times more likely to be suspended and/or expelled than white and/or other race students in the LRSD. African-American students comprise 55% of the District's total student population. With the realisation of these facts students and parents - we want to make it crystal clear that when African-American students misbehave in the classroom and on./off campus (off-campus behavior is also increasing the rates of disciplinary sanctions against students), zero-tolerance is more likely to be e.xercised by school and city authorities, (L.R.P.D.), thereby resulting in their removal from school. Therefore, we conclude, and it is the belief of the members of this Committee that the proper education of African-American students in the LRSD is not s. priority. Our conclusions and beliefs are supported by the individual and collective observations of our Committee members
student and parent surveys, data provided by LRSD officials, Arkansas-Democrat Gazette. testimony of Desegregation experts, and the Office of Desegregation Monitoring. "Especially for African-American male students in the LRSD": According to ODM's 1992-93 Incentive c 45, hools Monitoring Report, page "Some teachers may need more training than others in areas such as classroom management and organization and effective discipline. It is teachers incumbent upon the building administrator and the individual to identify areas of need and access the resources necessary to address them." Accordingly, The Fact-Finding Committee's Opinion Survey further revealed that ODM's statement of fact is true for educators and administrators in the Incentive Schools, Area Schools and Magnet Schools. Some administrators and educators in the LRSD, consciously or subconsciously. creater barriers that prevent them from being sensitive to the academic and social needs of African-American males in their clas circumstances These barriers exist as a resul of attitudes and in our society which as being dishonest, violent, disruptive, and stereotype African-American males hronic drug users. Unless and until all administrators and educators in our schools become sensitive to the growing academic, environmental and social odds impacting African-American males today. and effective discipline will continue to be a major 1assroom management concern. In recognition of this information, we agree that it is the primary responsibility of the student to onsciously work to decrease and eliminate the potential for school violence and insubordination in the classroom - the leading causes of long and short-term suspensions for African-American students - as reported by the LRSD Student Hearing Office in the 1995-96 Disciplinary Management Report. In 1995-96, African-American males received 62% of the total disciplinary sanctions reported by the District. - 7 -On behalf of African-American students in the LRSD, The Fact-Finding Committee will recommend a required course in "Conflict Resolution Skills" at the elementary and secondary levels. i This recommendation consistent with strategy #10 of the LRSD Strategic Plan (School Safety), and the comments of former LRSD Supt., Dr. Henry P. Williams to LRSD personnel, "Student behavior and discipline concerns are explicitly addressed in strategy 10 which focuses on the development and implementation of actions public confidence in the aimed at restoring safety and security of our schools. These actions include providing ongoing conflict resolution training and skill development for our students...' It is the proper acquisition and utilization of these skills that can result in a great decline in public school violence, achievement is increased. When violence is decreased and academic we all win! Students, it is your right and your responsibility to receive the best education available in the LRSD. Your self-motivation is the catalyst needed to receive that education. You must make educational excellence" your goal and you must not let anything or anyone inside or outside of the classroom prevent you from reaching your goal! SUMMARY: 'Academic achievement i expectations, a the result of commitment, high broad-based community support." trong belief that all children can learn and Monitoring Report, July 1996, page 74). (1995-96 ODM Incentive Schools We are entering the sixth week of school for the 1996-97 in the LRSD. We must seek every school term pportunity to express and demonstrate the importance of high academic achievement for all students in our District. We invite and encourage you to .join our Committee as we make a strong commitment to support quality and equal education. spoken commitments must be followed by our actions. Our We can and we must agree to increase our individual and collective involvement in our public all students. ichools, thereby. increasing the quality of education for in the following areas: We are seeking youi' support and active participation 1 Please plan to attend the LRSD Board meeting on Thursday, September 26, 1996 at 6:00 p.m., 810 W. Markham, Little Rock. Please schedule and attend a parent-teacher conference at your child's school on "Teacher Workday", Friday, September 27, 1996. 83. Please sign our petition to request a "special" school board meeting, at which time recommendations from the African-American community listing proposed changes and/or refinements to the current LRSD Desegregation Plan will be submitted to the Superintendent and Board of Directors. Involvement in our public schools is our right, our responsibility, and our obligation. The Fact-Finding Committee, through our in-depth study of the Desegregation Plan and the District, generally, identified the following areas of greatest concern among African-American parents. students, and community leaders. These areas of concern are being assigned to workgroups for further study and/or planning. workgroups will propose recommendations to The Fact-Finding The Committee for presentation to the Supt., Board and ODM. 1. 3. 4. Organise "Friends of the Court" to be heard by Federal Judge Susan Webber Wright. Ritalin administered to students in LRSD. Community forum with Atty. John W. Walker, counsel for black students and parents in LRSD (Neighborhood Schools). Increased enrollment students". "Quality Education' vs. "Recruiting white .5. 6. 7, 8, 9. 10. 11. 12. hool Safety. Zero-Tolerance. LRSD Alternative Schools. Incentive Schools. Little Rock Central High School Conflict Resolution Skill Training (LRSD Strategic Plan) Student Assignment Requests by African-American parents Summer Echo In summary, the following comments were recorded as received from African-American parents who participated in the Opinion Survey: "The Little Rock School District offers a quality education. however. black students, generally, do not get an equal opportunity to benefit from the higher-level academic programs provided by the District," "1 would like to be more involved in my child's school. teachers and principals are very rude to black students and parents." but some "We have requested that our children be assigned to School(s), denied." Magnet over and over again, but our requests have always been X - 9 -"My child had to attend Summer School and it was very ihocking and depressing that the entire class was attended by black students." "My child is treated like a second-class student at Central High". "Students in Magnet schools get a better education than students other schools in the District", in "I begged the District to assign all cf my children to : but they just split them up and sent them to different schools anyway. That makes it very hard for us. "Racism in the schools is a problem - others". more in some schools than in "I don't want my young child to be bussed across school". town to "Our child has "special needs", by the LRSD". and his/her needs are not jeing met "My child is in junior/senior high school, study with him/her as much". so I don't really need to "I don't have a problem with my child being bussed because I believe that he./she can get a better education by attending the schools that are no located in the inner ity. Sussing is not a problem with us. We are more concerned with the lack of discipline n the bus ride to ant the school." u- "Black and white teachers spend most of students who make the best grades'. their time working with the "The incentive schools have fewer student in the classroom, but the students' scores on tests and cla benefiting greatly from the smaller class room work show that they are not My child takes Ritalin at school and he/she does not seem to be learning at all". "Magnet schools create desegregation", segregation and that i counterproductive to "Why do African-.american males receive the most punishment in the school My child is an "A" student so I don't need to study with him/her. "The schools need more black teachers to teach black children". "The Board members are very divided and that is causing great problems for oui' District", 10"Why did the board want to buy out Dr. Williams' contract"? "I think the schools are fine, the teachers are doing a good job, but we need to see more black parents volunteering in the schools". "I am not pleased with the separation of the races at Central High". "Some black and white teachers in my school don't work well together". "I am working two, three, four jobs: I cannot visit my child's school". "The survey is a good idea. What will be the results"? was -old thar my child could not attend elementary school attendance sone because the school is filled to capacity'. in my i want my hild to attend him/her to have equal resources compared to school in my neighborhood and I want chools located in predominantly white neighborhoods". I want to receive more information from my school regarding the LRSD Desegregation Plan". "Education is not equal in the LRSD because there are Magnet schools. Incentive schools and Area schools": "Why?" RECOMMENDATIONS: It i c the LRSD parental our recommendation that more African-American parents in should generate the required efforts to increase their involvement from being "somewhat" involved in their child's school. involved to becoming "greatly" It is our recommendation that African-American tudents in the LRSD organise an effort
that set forth a, raise she awareness f LRSD student its primary goal to o regarding their opportunity to impact the present and future quality of education in the LRSD by gaining a knowledge and understanding of the Deseg. Plan's obligations and ommitments to African-American students attending Magnet. Incentive and Area schools. It is out' recommendation that African-American leaders. "team" business leaders, parents ommunity and students designate a from the community that is committed to representing the academic and social interests of African-American children in discussions regarding proposed amendments to the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Furthermore, it is recommended that thi 'team" establish parties. a view independent of the present litigative 114. It is our recommendation that members of The Fact-Finding Committee. African-American parents, students and education specialists meet with members from the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools and Parents for Public Schools to have a healthy exchange of ideas regarding proposed amendment, Deseg. Plan, prepared by The Fact-Finding Committee. to the We would be grateful to have participation from all present litigative parties to the Plan at this "idea" e.xchange. 5. We recommend that a required course in "Conflict Resolution Training and Skills Development" be offered to primary and secondary LRSD students. LRSD's Strategic Plan, strategy ttlO. This recommendation is consistent with 6, We recommend that African-American parents, students and commuity members define the strategy (strategies) that should rake ertect in the event that our recommendation deaf ears fall on the or our Susan Webber Wright. district's leadership and/or Federal Judge report is respectfully submitted by: The Fact-Finding Committee For The LRS It Working For African-American Youth? I Desegregation Plan - Is Ms. Hafeesa Majeed, Mr. ,Howard Lqvs iusinessman signature Chairperson 'signature date Mr. Mark Cole, Student Rep. Mr Businessman ' signature date Curtis Hall signature date Rev. Larry Staggers, Paren signature aate Attachments - 12 _ "ATTACHMENTS"OPINION SURVEY FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE Dear Parent: The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For AfricanAmerican Youth? would like your opinions on parent perception and attitudes toward the LRSD Desegregation Plan, Interdistrict Plan and Settlement Agreement. 1. I have read, partially or entirely. the LRSD Desegregation Plan. the Interdistrict Plan, and the Settlement Agreement. AGREE DISAGREE 2. I have been informed, formally or informally, about the LRSD Desegregation Plan, the Interdistrict Plan and the Settlement Agreement. AGREE DISAGREE SOURCE I have no knowledge of the LRSD Desegregation Plan, Interdistric Plan and Settlement Agreement. AGREE DISAGREE 4. Did your child attend a LRSD school during the 1995-'96 school term? YES NO Name of Schcol(s) 5. Were you sati 199.5-'96? ied with your child's school assignment in 6. ____ YES ____ NO Did you request another school for your child in 1995-'96? YES NO (Name of School)Was your request granted? YES NO Will your child attend a LRSD term? school during the 1996-'97 school YES NO Name of Schoolfs) n Are you satisfied with your child's school assignment for the 1996-'97 school term? YES NO 9. Did you request another school for your child in the 1996-'97 school term? YES NO Name of SchoolCs) 10. Was your request granted? YES NO 11. Please rate your involvement in your child's school: NO INVOLVEMENT SOMEWHAT INVOLVED GREATLY INVOLVED 12. How much time do you spend studying with your child at home? 15-30 min. 30 min. - 1-2 hrs. 2 hrs. + per day 1 hr. per day per day per day NOTE: Please use the following scale for ftl2-15: SA-Strongly agree
A-Agree
N-Neutral
SD-Strongly disagree D-Disagree
13. In my child's school. I can easily access information regardingschool policies, school operations, and my child's educational progress. 14. In tny child's school, there is a positive chool climate which improves academic excellence, student discipline and attendance. 15. In my child's school, principals and teachers demonstrate the belief and expectation that all children can learn. 16. In my child's school, equity of educational opportunity and of educational access are the norm. 17, Have you been asked to respond to a survey regarding the LRSD Desegreation Plan, Interdistrict Plan and Settlement Agreement? YES NO By whom? 13. Would you like to receive an invitation for your family to attend a reception to hear the final report from The Fact-Finding Committee regarding the LRSD Desegregation Plan? YES NO Name Address City State ZipIMPORTANT MEETING AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS & STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 BiI rbnt dtj IS DESEGREGATION WORKING FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Questions & Answers Session with Attorney John Walker Community Input is Critical & Invited Saturday, January 20,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( SOI) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? COMMUNITY MEETING ( Second In a Series) Guest Panel Mr. Frank Martin, Executive Director Little Rock Classroom Teachers Assoc. LRSD Classroom Teachers Partial List of Desegregation Concerns Expressed at 1st Community Meeting: LRSD Zero Tolerance Policy Mobilizing Parents, Community, & Organizations Education Curriculum Revisions to Reflect LRSD Majority Population Teacher Accountability Public Schools Boycott Charter Schools Act Responsibility of Churches Neighborhood Schools Mentoring in Schools & Community Models of Effective School Districts Increased Participation in the LRSD by African-American Males Encouraging Student Participation at Community Meetings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street ( 16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? Were Fighting For Our Children! COMMUNITY MEETING (Third In a Series ) Resource Speakers Dr. Henry Williams, Superintendent Little Rock School District Ms. Judy Magness, Board Director Little Rock School District All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact ( 501 ) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? afFe re Fighting For Our Children! I COMMUNITY MEETING (Fourth In a Series) Resource Speaker Ms. Ann Brown, Director Office of Desegregation Monitoring All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, March 9,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? 6Were Fighting For Our Children! I COMMUNITY MEETING ( Last Fact-Finding Meeting) Resource Panel Ms. Linda Young Co-Internal Coordinator- . strategic Planning/ New Futures Liaison All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, March 23, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact ( 501 ) 664 - 7818 YOUTH SPEAK-OUT Sponsored By The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? aWe^re Fighting For Our Children! Panel of former graduates & current students discuss Desegregation Plan & Strategic Plan 9. SATURDAY, April 20,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) WANTED: Motivated, Articulate, Knowledgeable students to serve on panel For More Information Call ( 501 ) 664 - 7818 or ( 501) 374 - 2946 LRSD ADMIN. BULDIN6 9^7 Fax:1-501-324-20 12:26 P. 02/01 Little Rock School District For Immediate Relea.se LRSD Board to Meet with Community Group November 6, 1996 For more information
Snellen Vann, 324-2020 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District (LRSD) will hold a special meeting with a community group which is reviewing the district's desegregation plan. The special, meeting with the Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 1996, immediately after the agenda meeting which begins at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Board Room of the LRSD Administration Building, 810 West Markham. MEDIA NOTE
The agenda meeting, which normally begins at 5:00 p.m., will start at 6:00 p.m. on November 7, 1996. 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)324-2000 Lets Talk About Education All LRSD Students & Parents Invited (Arkansas Education Association) Members & Guests Invited Is Education Equal For All Students In The Little Rock School District? REcen -YES ^7 1996 Office of _X_- NO ^segregation Monit( ^9 (Source: 1996 Survey of African-American Parents in LRSD) Dont Miss This SPECIAL MEETING With: Dr. Don R. Roberts {LRSD Superintendent} LRSD Board of Directors The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? Thursday, November 7, 1996 7:00 p.m. LRSD Administration Building 810 W. Markham St. Desegregation Recommec^dations to Supt. Roberts and LRSD Board. Special Discussion - "Making The Education Of Black Students A Priority in The LRSD." Do Your Part To Make Education Equal For All Students - We Want To Hear From You. Call: THE FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE (501) 664-7818 &SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN AND WESTERN DISTRICTS OF ARKANSAS 600 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE 302 little ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-332S NOV J 1996 Office of ^ntoih'ig ^^^aregation November 8, 1996 Ms. Hafeeza B. Majeed, Chairperson The Fact-Finding Committee 2603 S. Brown Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 Dear Ms. Majeed: This is in response to your letter of November 8, 1996, in which you enclosed a copy of the report of The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African- American Youth? I am always happy to hear of parents' interest in their children's schools and I appreciate the Committee's interest in the implementation and monitoring of the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Your letter and report will be placed in the file of the Little Rock School Desegregation case. I am also sending a copy of your letter and report to the parties in case because I want them to be aware of the Committee's interest in participating in any process for amending the desegregation plan. Thank you again for expressing your interest. Sincerely, Susan Webber Wright The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Mr. Curtis Hall Mr. Howard Love Ms. Hafeeza Majeed Rev. Larry Staggers Mr. Dale Charles Working For African-American Youth? lairs November 7, 1996 RECEIV"^ NOV I 1996 Office of Desegregation Monitoring received WRIGHT NOV 0^1996 U. 3, DISTRICT JUDGE I B The Honorable Judge Susan Webber Wright 600 West Capital Street Suite 302 Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Judge Wright: The Fact-Finding Committee For The Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African-American Youth?, respectfully requests the opportunity to appear in your court. African-American parents, students and community members are eager to share with you our concerns and recommendations regarding the implementation and monitoring of the Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan. The Fact-Finding Committee and members of the African-American community believe that view, independent of the present litigative parties responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the plan, is long overdue. a Enclosed is a copy of a report, with recommendations to the African-American community, that was presented by our Committee on September 20, 1996. On Thursday, November 7, 1996, our Committee will present recommendations for amending the Desegregation Plan to the LRSD Board of Directors and Superintendent Roberts, at a special board meeting. With the presentation of our recommendations to the Board, we are, in effect, following the Desegregation Plan Amendment Process, (Deseg. Tool Kit, April 2, 1996, Appendix D). However, Judge Wright, the Amendment Process does not guarantee the Community an opportunity to be heard by you. Therefore, we prayerfully request the opportunity to present our concerns to you, in person. The Honorable Judge Susan Webber Wright November 7, 1996 Page Two The Fact-Finding Committee For The LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth?, and many community members have spent long hours surveying parents, listening to the testimony of desegregation experts, reviewing documents, reports, and statistical data provided by LRSD administrative staff. Your favorable response will be greatly appreciated. Please mail your reply to: The Fact-Finding Committee, c/o Ms. Hafeeza B. Majeed, Chairperson, 2603 S. Brown Street, Little Rock, AR 72204. Please contact me by phone at 664-7818. Respectfully, Chairpi i|ee: ''son 7 } ' The Fact-Finding Committee for Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? i5A Weli^^^iiiagEar OiwChttdrei^ !I f 7 COMMUNITY MEETING (Fourth In a Series) Resource Speaker Ms. Ann Brown, Director Office of Desegregation Monitoring AU former & current students & parent in the LRSD are encouraged to attendl SATURDAY, March 9,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact (501)664 - 7818 atju^JT-aBn^rft r- M.W. * { The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? Were Fighting For Our Children! ^1 COMMUNITY MEETING ( Last Fact-Finding Meeting) Resource Panel Ms. Linda Young Co-lntemai Coordinator-'' Planning/ New Futures Liaison All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, March 23, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? biBq B J COMMUNITY MEETING (Second In a Series) Guest Panel Mr. Frank Martin, Executive Director Little Rock Classroom Teachers Assoc. LRSD Classroom Teachers Partial List of Desegregation Concerns Expressed at 1st Community Meeting: LRSD Zero Tolerance Policy Mobilizing Parents, Community, & Organizations Education Curriculum Revisions to Reflect LRSD Majority Population Teacher Accountability Public Schools Boycott Charter Schools Act Responsibility of Churches Neighborhood Schools Mentoring in Schools & Community Models of Effective School Districts Increased Participation in the LRSD by African-American Males Encouraging Student Participation at Community Meetings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1996 f * it I 6* I 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? Were Fighting For Our Children! & J COMMUNITY MEETING (Third In a Series ) Resource Speakers Dr. Henry Williams, Superintendent Little Rock School District Ms. Judy Magness, Board Director Little Rock School District AU former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact (501)664 - 7818 school poi '3 0 scnoo: progress.
?eraoions. and my < Id's educational In my child' J" school. a positive school < imate which improves academic excellence, student discipline and attendance. . Tn my child's school. principals and teachers demonstrate the belief and e.xpectation that all children can learn. IS. Tn my child's school. equity ot educational opportunity and of educational access are the norm. 17. Have you been asked to respond to a survey regarding the LRSD Cesegreation Plan. " Tnterdistrict Plan and Settlement Agreement? Yao NO 5y whom? IS. Would you like to receive an invitation for your family to attend a reception to Fact-Finding Commit - 'he final report from The .-raing the LRSD Desegregation Plan? YES NO Name Address City State ZipIMPORTAM MEETING AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS & STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 0 C" BiillH IS DESEGREGATION WORKING FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT ? n Questions & Answers Session with Attorney John Walker Community Input is Critical & Invited Saturday, January 20,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( 501) 664 - 7818 OPINION SURVEY FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE Dear Parenr: r?, Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegrecation =lan - 3 Working For African-American Youth? would like vour oo'inions or parent perception and attitudes toward the LRSDDeses^-sat^on'" egrsgacion Plan. Interdis'tnc'C Plan and loet'tlemen't Afifreecnenv I have read. the Interdi partially or entire! triCt Plan. and t he the LRSD Desegregation Plan. tert lament .Agreement. y. e AGFRE DISAGREE I have been inxormed. Desegregation Plan, the Interdistrict formally or informally, about the LRSD Agreement. tne cett.ement I 9 AGREE. DISAGREE SOURCE -q nave n knowledge of an .nd .e LRSD Desegregation Settlement Plan. A in p r' 3 AGREE DI sag: 4. Did your term? Ic attend a LRSD school during the 1995-'56 school rib NO -Name chool ( s I Were you - oap-- ' oj sat d with assignment you request
ia NO another noo 1 tor UI' 1 19S5-'P6': 1 1
io .NO or Schoo1)q c < /(as your cues 3 sranteaT YES NO Will your ch term? attend a _SSD school during the 1996-'97 YES NO ?i ame OOI1S} Are you satisfied with your child' 1996-'97 school term? YES NO sc. 1 3 school assignment for the Did you request another' school for your school term? hild in the 1996-'97 your :aa NO Name of School! s) scuest gr.ant YES NO 1 * Please rate your involvement in your child's school: NO INVOLVEMENT SOMEWHAT INVOLVED GREATLY INVOLVED . How much time do you spend studying with your child at home? 15-30 min. 30 min. - 1-2 hrs. 2 hrs. - per day 1 hr. p, ?<5r day cay per cay NOTE: Please use the following scale for #12-15: SA-Strongly agree: A-Agree: N-Neutral7 SD-Strongly disagree D-Disagree: 13, In my child's school. I can easily access information regardingRECEIVE!^ NOV 1 2 1996 Office of Desegregation Moniionng SEPTEMBER 20, 1996 THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY THE FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE FOR THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT DESEGREGATION PLAN - IS IT WORKING FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUTH? TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS AND STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? aWe>e Fighting For Our Children! A cact- i.tg F Tjni o Desegregation Agreement: the an. o OVERVIEW Che Ian's was .ept.n secregaz i earn In-ceraistricc Plan and the .tent. s impact on African-American dy phase, .e Oemmi o -- - .an - Danuarv, LRSD rerineiaents to the Its implementation se agreed hildren. urrent Plan. iertiement and monitc -zis snd After completion of the to oxfer preposed changes and/or wnereever feasible, to the Office 5
Ainendnent ProcesB, , LRSD It was the intent oi our Conmittee to meet with"ill involved in the mpiementation and monitor! hilosophy. .'-icteo pose. analysis < ng / 1 goal and
ect ategii Appendix parties Ian. xan. tJur its ' '-ir" uiO'Cto w order to "We Fighting ror successfully complete tn idren our r 10 our missidn. was necessary to the Fact-Finding invite key individuals and groups to appear .terore -.ommittee and the African-American community to -ake i,".c answer questions regarding the Plan. report to the community ana reccmmen.cati'-Cxus rotniJ
Directors, our mission nas b^en accomplished, aling 1212 ..ours ot vaiuaole community service provided bv a crcaa cross-section of the Little Rocx Community. ns regarding r le T> r. to appe-ar he commu: and recemmen.: presentations omission of Jirectcrs, our mission has of valuable communi y servi .*2! -pllowing IS a partial listing of --o key in heiping us to accomplish i _ : Dr. .-.enry P. Williams former -Supt., were grateful: torney represent! -Catherine ?, Leon Modests, M one tc ODM, Supt. individuals and groups who our mission. and to them we are g ciacK parents and 1 and yjr Judy studen' -RSD: John W. Walker, s in the LRSD
Dr. pecial Assistant to the -tupt.. "ms -o -nternal strategic Planning Corrdinator: Mr ---------- Federal Monitci, .hepresentat ive: T) ^upt. , rd members,' M . Linda Young Frank Martin, LRCTA ODM: Little Rock area ministers: -ormer anc current LRSD students and oarent- .--usiness leaaers: .and community residents. former end current LRSD apa a On .April 20, 1996, members of The Fact-Finding -tanas with other African-American community leaders and patrons ommittee also joined leaders are our un -ndividuals: Fraternity, included ied commitment 1 1 '^mega Psi public education. lowing Fraternities, .0: Alpha Phi r-hi Fraternity, rorit -no
to These community and eta .Sigma ni - ---Pha Fraternity, 1 inc
i<eita Sigma Theta Sorority, -Fraternitv. rority, vexta oigma iheta Sorority, Inc: --rity, .nc: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity I kwami
Mr. ri.T. Akbar. Zeta Phi Beta gma Gamma Rho Smith: .
Attorney Simmons desegregation documents The Fact-Finding Committee reviewed desegregation e and reports: listened to the testimony relevant and conducted an Opinion - . xAauenea uo tne testimony of xperts invited by Federal Judge Susan Webber Wright n ODininn siirvo.. A.P__a__________ . , -p-n , purvey of African-American parents in the '/j - ^ata relating to the District's policies, operations and academic and social programs. to the District's policies.Our sincere rhanks are extended tc ever/ actively participated in cur study and support as we ether resour
to individual and group those who provided t .ne areas ct oiscussion in tnis report are defined as JS: III. ctatement to African-American parents in the LRSE Statement to African-American students in the LSSD. "Especially for African-American Males in LllSB. RecommefKiations to African-American community. ?ai*ents. students ana The fourth and final section Office of Desegregation Monitor tnis report mg. itecommendation, or Directors - will outline proposed c .p ?erts current LRSD Desegregation Plan. nanges ana re These recommendati presented to ODM. the Board and the superintendent the LRSD Desegregation Plan .Amendment Process. air inding Committee oan-Hmerican community our focus remained- on the Plan's and their parents in the LRSD. mers t.uis oecause t.nro-t
ur and residents spend approximately impact i Parents. 1 tne . nemen: 9 ms will as outlined stuav ir 'he ican-Arnericn r
,6 .an. ten community meetings to Desegregation Plan. 30 VO 1 u: participate in the uaen eer community -saaero hours to attend report to the It is therefore. 1' the diligence and community as a true reores our i process o studying A tent ntation of to present t IS "cmmun y embers perservation cur grateful a^ 11 rerence our wnc publ ave lommitted parents, students emsei -ng maxing a The scnocis efforts shall be manifested by o.. uveraii academic and social skills for African-American Thus, the over-presentation of black students in population and the disparity between black/whi our nort term er o. overai increase in stuaents in th the suspension L, academic achievement shall also oe minimized. te test results METHODOLOGY -he *act Finding t.ommittee tor the LRBD- I'ese^r^sat Working For African-American Youth? Fact-Committee tor t .te couic :D Desegregation Plan working agreed tnat tor oest ce proven or disproven by our Afrloan organizing body responsible for developing the LRou s commitment to Desegregation. tor
n oui' n:. Amen
Plan - : zpothesi
n commitment an indepenaent to serve es ew e page 1, 1ine 32) ILRSD Desegregation Plan. aoh of U3 realized that oy agreeing independently study the Plan and community to actively participate to -o maxe this commitment to invite the African-American in this process. ve were. tn 2effect, agreeing to remain organised and continue to serve as the voice for African-American parents and students in the oKSD. '-'ur aecision to study the Plan was reached as a result of inaicators that ware directly and indirectly related many UHOL worts airectiy ana inairectly related to the academic and social successes, or the lack thereof, for African-Americn students in the LRSD. Moreover, our Committee members wore actively motivated- to begin and complete our study of the Plan because i believe-.thafc African-American parents, students and coamamity leaders must accept the responsibility to support and monitor current and future LRSD policies, operations, and the acadea^c social progress of African-American students in the LRSD. Moreover, our Committee members we and c. 'urthermore, we are in agreement with the results of an Opinion curvey targeting African-American parents in the LRSD, developed i no n a __k 1 i w/, i !_______iiM.^ , ... ___ * The Fact-Finding Committee (see "Attachments"), for the opinions. The survey asked , perceptions and attitudes of the rai?onts toward tne oRbD Desegregation Plan, y Settlement Agreement. the Interdistrict Plan and the .nem'oers nan f The Fact-Finding Commit Is It Working for African-American Youth? the LRSD Desegregation school halls: we are, and have been. have walked the substitute teachers, supervision aides, volunteers, students, and parents. As a result or our collective and consistent involvement in the LRSD, we understand the importance and and parents. necessity of a new and unprecedented commitment to public education by a majority of African-American parents, students and community leaders. This commitment requires that we call the leadership of the LRSD into accountability for its _8 I . mmitment to desegregation (LRSD Our Opinion Survey revealed that desegregation Plan, page 2. O/ of African-American line parents in the LRSD consistently do not utilise their collective community resources to encourage the leadership of the lRSD to aggressively and effectively implement the Desegregation ,Ian as its tool for restructuring the school system so that ail vestigages of discrimination, segregation or unfair treatment have been eliminated. As parents, student.e suH pnmmnni tw As parents, students and community leaders, i U8t establish and maintain high e.xpectations for academic and .Hence for all children in the LRSD with achievable and objectives that represent and respect the diverse cultural needs ano talents of our student population: thereby, desegregated educational e.xperience. goais resting a quality Our efforts to study the Plan produced rich and fertile opportunities for bi-racial community participation. We believe that we must continue to plan together to eliminate the racial carriers Therefore, it is the genuine desire of the members of The Fact-Finding Committee to unify our erforts, whenever possible, with those efforts of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools: Parents for Public Schools: ana other organised groups and/or individuals who have consistently ommunity participation barriers that preceded our current efforts. ommitment to public education through their active involvement in our community and our public schools. - 3 -t nding \ king for African-Ameri
dentification and tudes of students. an U' -esegregation ?ian is Ir submits the following report as cur study of desegregation in the LRSD. assessment of the opinions, perceptions and parents and community leaders as revealed in STATBHgWr TP AggrCAM-AMRBTnAli PARiarrS IH THK entral to any school desegregation plan should be a clear focus undex'aJ.ending - -ne /imas of goals to be achieved " -esegregation Plan, page 2, line 2). The LRSD Board cf Directors ana the superintendent have o . line 2 f goals to -LRSD e District's desegregation mission the responsibility to clearly delineate immunity. (LRSD Deseg. cf African-Amer r _ an. page to the staff and to the nes 1 . owledge" flament of the an sarents surveyed Agreement. bittu cesegregati report naving n an. erdist -ronicaliy, 'no Ct Plan and African-American parents in the LRSD have responsibility to request that Federal Jr. an immediate age Susan Webber Wright j.env any motion by the LRoD Board of Directors to modify the current -esegregation Plan 'matil the District's desegregation mission has clearly^and adequately delineated to the African-American -immunity, furthermore. The Factfindine Commitaa ':'/ill neoommpnr
teen tne ?ff ice Furthermore, The Fact-Finding Committee
ard that an of Eesegregation Monitoring, independent v ents. stuaents a tommu.n V our represented . Robe Africa regarding the LRSl> ^'esegregation Plan, Settlement Agreement, representatives. rts and the o-American iscussed -nterdistrict Plan and he Eighth Circuit Court a a? among the curcial elements of f Appeals has incl'udsd parent involvement the desegregation plans, and the district Court has continually stressed the importance of parent and community participation in the schools," /< Monitoring Report, July 12, A binding Committee agree and 1996, ODM, (1995-96 Incentive Schools page 61), The members of The . - -ur study reveals that the current ? Desegregation Plan should be d ^resent litigative Alliance For artie ihe cussed openly and honestly by 'Jur Schoc is: Fact-Finding Commi Parents tee
Little all ether concerned community representatives. for yuclic Schools and -vnsn an agreement has been reached regarding ail proposed amendment .. ,,ne Plan, and majority community support for those amendments is a ained, lan. - _________ _______ ______________ IS nly then can we support the modification if the current More importantly, we believe. O' upport is the District's commitment and responsibility to ''cleaLrly delineate the District' s desegregation mission to the staff and to the community," - 4am. aiiow us Tjrvey that SX s avijience as supported h an-Amerlean tea naving .-:ncw
.SG2e fie parents surveyed Opinion current I'esegregati" in the LRSD s T.enjoers . mai 1 in aareetnent that s more African American parents must demonstrate xuu continuing increase in parental involvement in their African-american parents. actively participate in students and and all other proposed educational snir an immedic cnii ommunity leaders t. ciscussions regarding neighborhood that aj?e currently being researched concepts and academic fications tc the LRSD Desegregation Plan. tor justifications cased on the results of a can-.Amer i our Opinion Survey nti: ana : schco1. st schools programs as proposed somewhat" greatly" olvemenf . involved in involved in ed i tne '.n oivement in your 66% of t repor -.6 ret eo eins --- -_-~.ted beif -hild s schco..
and 12% reported Through ycur increased and Inild's s hil s schoc1, ---you will tne best advocate for your child's educational ur involvement you acquire tne 1 entinuous parental realise no tnat you are ary -tute Ma e intcrmat anc .-..mer future and through 3K1. car. tates that as stuoent greatly involved" lean-Americans we involvement al successes will in the District: pu_a are and i ontinue to result i ter our children. US r'o*-' an. Is that are students fact alone oligated to become gees without saying that lewer academic and It becomes the responsibility of each African-Ameri grandparent tivei the 1 . reac. terdist and cemmuni member cons anc dis ''-is 3 :ne Man and lest day your copy Friday. ' the Set indi' LRSD can student. iduaily and Desegregation tne "rSO A.M. -esearegaticn
Ian Cement Agreement. Please tnis important document, requests your approval. 4:30 P.M. cy After calling 324-2406. receiving and reading a ne tact rinding Committee respectfully oommenaations o ceptance and rered in this report. follow-through of the 3TATPMKNT TO AFRICAN-AMRRTCAN STUDENTS TN THE T.RHD: e members of me ract-f rt 1 ipation .'ur from students curing inding Committee aggressive sought Committee our stuay < our student great 1 rom ate representative. Mr. Mark Cole. ci Parkview Arts.- ence M f desegregation in the tne ac Mr. e involvement le is a 1993 and i s ... ---- ...jh School ourrentiy enroiiea at Chicago State University, panel of current and former LRSD students discussed the desegregation Plan and answered questions for the community at our Student bpeak-Out". the last of six Magnet : Mr. Cole and a Fact-Finding Committee to invite participate in studying the Plan. the forums sponsored by The community to actively - 5<ve ce.,.,.^,.^ a ouuueuu a aointy to advocate for oua-'- education within the classroom is proportionate to the stuae knowledge, or lack thereof, regarding the LRSD DeseeregaS-^ We, therefore, strongly encourage ail students to studv tne Desegregation Plan. Adequate classroom instruction and arrA. evii '^hat a s'Cudan'C 3 abiii'cy to advocate Z' the 3tuaenr'3 - instruction and effecti as outlined in the Plan. to create a safer-, more productive classroom management. are tne school environment. tools needed According to the LRSD Disciplinary Management Report African-American students. specifically. generally LRSD :v 19% are cver- esented i e in a comparison rican-Ame ension to 1995-
itan " a Ct race/gender in 1995-96. the following statistics over-presentation of African-American stuaents^'in i-owins ti represent Little Rock School District Ziscic 1995-96). 'cource: tne strct nary Management -Addi Year 1995-96 Race Black Elaczi -'Tn Wh Black ^White Gender Male Female Male remale M/F M Total Sanctions 3.3^6 1446 6.98 J cnaiiy, according t the SAT : published by the Arkansas-uemocrat Gat scores are .31 percentage ana and 33 o points ewer terent i , ,'"Q 1 white eveme.' /oc acit c> ''Je. have conci and that Afr tne uaents. and t continue ed. *hereb desegregation Plan. an-rti er-e. an c. 5.ting che t is important suspensi .e low test .n ana e.tpu scores and Sion Classroom. Students, Instruct i and c> o o aireement 'incerstand rates overall Afr acaaemic ana tne cor an-.Amer : 1
n an achievement 1 you must be inside of the classroom onai assistance and to succeed t to receive appropri When you are outside of the classroom.' your greatest due to suspensions . . . . . -------------------v*-' -xw'iiO BUG e.<puisicns. it is impossible for you to receive the instruction necessary to succeed academically and t is socially. - 63 ican-Amer an ed and ? cr*^
:en tuaents are .xpelled tna. -.Amerioa.n s .^ati on. ' tnree n white y ^^snaseinen u fceport
es aaore likely d/or other mprise z5% a A With the real at ion ese tacts - 3'tuden'fcs and parenti It crystal clear that when African-American stude want misbehave in the classroom and on/off also increasing he rates of campus (off-campus disciplinary sanctions agai: t jhavitr students), zero-tolerance is more likely to be exercised jy sc ^d city authorities, (L.R.P.D.), thereby resulting in their r jy from school. Therefore, we conclude, and it is the belief of memoers of this Committee that the -A ican-.America. elusions and 1 students i proper education of emovai the tne collective observations of beliefs are supported o priority. the individual and jur our Committee members: student and surveys, data provided by LRSD officials. ~es mony or .esegregation experts, oring. ana Arkansas-Liemocrat Gat parent o t.te If f ice cr vesegrecati aapecially tor Africnn-Ameriran maie students in the LRSD": A-
crding to ? 1992-95 Incentive Monitoring Report, as Some teaor.ers may need more training ____ ______ classroom management and organization and effective di sc id tnan others in areas IS incumbent upon the building admini page such a teachers to necessary t .entity ddress areas of need and a them. ' trator and the individual csss the resources revealed g L S. that /M's statement a Commit oi tact true icr. for vey tur er educators and administrators in the Incentive Schools. Area Schools and Magnet schools. Some administrators and educators in the LRSD, consciouslv hools. r subconscicuslv. creator barriers that prevent them from beins sensitive to the academic and social needs cf African-American in their classes. rcumstances in our These barriers e.xist as a result cf attitudes mates and society which stereotype African-American males violent, disruptive, and chronic reing dishonest. , aisruptive. ana cnronic drug users. Unless and until all administrators and educators in our schools ceccme sensitive as the growing academic, impacting African-American to set ve SCI ne will males today. environmental and g continue Classroom management be a ma.jor concern. ecognition tf this information. we agree that it IS the prima responsibility of the student to consciously work t________ iminate the potential tor school violence and insubordination tn the classroom - the leading causes of long and short-term suspensions for AfricanAmerican students as reported by the I student Hearing Office in the 1995-96 Disciplinary Management decrease and Report. In 1995 96. African-American males received 62% of the total disciplinary sanctions reported by the District. - 7 -behalf cf Afr can-.America,n students in the LRSD, The Fact-Finding imittee will recommend a required course in "Conf'ior ^esoiut^- L_i3'' at the elementary and secondary levels. This recommenaat consistent with strategy aio of the LRSD Strategic Plan Pafsty), and the comments of former LRSD Supt.. Dr. Williams to LRSD personnel. eisnenrary 1 o required curse in secondary levels. - Henry P. student behavior and discipline concerns are explicitly addressed in strategy 10 which focuses the development and implementation of actions School on public confidence in the safety and securi aimed at restoring a
ns include providing ongoing confli y cf cur schools. These deveiopmenc for our ana utilisation these sk uden ' T .a in public school violence. .at t resolution training and t IS tne proper acquisition lavement 3 increasea. *nen we all violence win: result in a great decline IS decreased and academic uaents. est educati it is your right catalyst needed to n available in ana your the respons receive educational excellence" --.oi,'. :cu cucation. ity to receive the f-motivation is th anyone ir goal! yc, You must make inside cr outside of tne ana you must not let anything or c_assrcom prevent you rrcm reac.- SUMMARY: .aoaaemic acnievement 13 tne ations. a strong orcaa-casea oommuni ' oeiief support. resu.t ot that all commitment. lidren Monitoring Report, July 1996. page 74). . lyyo-cD ODM can igh learn and incentive Schools We are entering the sixth week of school for the 1996-97 school We must seek every opportunity to express and aemonstrate the importance or high academic achievement for all in the LRSD. ek school term Students in cur District. ve invite and encourage you to join ou Strong commitment to support Committee as we make a spoken commitments must be quality llowed ana equal education. Our st agree t increase cur cur actions. our public schools, tnereby. ai uai lect udents. We are We can and we ve involvement i in the following areas: seeking increasing the quality of education your support and ac participa tor Please plan to attend tne LR: 3card meeting cn Thursday, September 26, 1996 at 6:00 p.m., 310 W. Markham, Little Rock. Please schedule and attend a child's school on parent-teacher conference at .eacner Wcr ay , Friday, Septemoer 27. you: 96. - 8.-.ease s meeting, tcmmunit 3 C 2 t: request a e c omme .nda 11 o ns eciai scnooi 5oara S*= lurrent Super i.t public tenoe.tt scncois anges and/or an will be s rem rhe African-Amer emenrs r.ae **0 VI car. obligation. . o 3ur rignr. responsibility, emen* jr a The Fact-Finding Committee. -"^ough our in-depth stucy of the desegregation Plan and the District, generally. . ---' --------identified the -ixawing areas or greatest concern among African-American tuaents, and community leaders. These areas of concern ai^e being assigned to workgroups for further study and/or planning. ' 'orxgroups wil_ prepose recommendations to Ths Fact-Finding propose re The "ommittee for presentatior. to the Supt., ooard ana OEM. 9 > Organise Friends of the Court ' to ousan Webber Wright. Ritalin administered to students in te neard oy Federal Judge Oommunity forum with students and parents creased enrt_lment .at tv John W, Juaj.1 students . School Safety. Zero-Tolerance. LRSD Alternative Schools. Incentive Schools. Little Rock Central High School Neig V Fd oounsel for black tonc'- vs. IS , Recruiting white . Conflict Resolution Skills udent Assignment Re ummer Schoo 1 quests Training by Afri LRSD S can-Amer rategi Plan) can parents .n summary, the following comments were Afrlean-American recorae parents who participated in ths as received from Opinion Survey: 'The Little Rock School District offers a quality black students. education. y^ever. _oiacK stuaents, generally, do not get an equal opportunity trom the ..igher-level academic programs provided by the . O 1 X. t . general would like co "sa ners and pr oe more cipais involved T'O T O ** in my c la a to bla school. but some students and 'We nave requested that Schoolf s ), ienied." our over and over again. children be assigned to Magnet out our requests have always been - 9 -cn cepressina naa t that attend cummer the entire class noo i ana 'f/as verv was attended by black Xing cents lid 1 treated -ixe a seccnd-class stuaent at an . otudents in Magnet schools get other schools in the District'. a better education than stuaents X cegged the District to assign they just split them up and That makes it very hard for sent us. " ^11 cf >117 children to them to rerent schor _____ out antway. ^^acism in the schools is a problem others". more in some sch
5 IS .an t want my OCX ycuna chi own /or child has 'special needs', by tne LRSD". and his.'her neeas are not ceina Study with mor. senior 1 nim.-'ner as much". aon have a tnat he.'she can are not located problem with get a better in the inner my child education city". cussed oecause attending the scnco-s at not a ne problem with tne OUS us. ide re concerned wit.n X a o it n and white 3 who make tea' ners sper.a most a "The incentive students' scores c benefiting greatly fiy tne oest grades '. schools have fewer tests and from the c lassroom sma Iler : . t .ne show tiassr t na t om. ~.r.e out lass sices . t.ney are r child takes Ritaiin at school and he/she does -earning at all" not seem to M Magnet schools segregation". create segregation and .at mtertr: ict ivhy do African-.american males receive the most punisnment in tne My c lild is an student so 1 don't need to study with him/her. The school need more black teachers to teach black children . The ooard members are problems for cur Tistrict". very divided and that is causing great 10 -r. i ^he ooard want t 0U3 _r. Williams' concracr ? rut we need ik rhe schools are to see mors tine. clacK rhe reachers are doing parents volunteering in a good the s"' ICO is I am not pleased with the separation of the races at Cent 1 High . "S. dme black and wrtiite teachers together'. in my school don't work well "I am wrking two, three, four jo'os
school". I cannot visit my child's 'The survey is a good idea. What will be the results"? d that my child could , - --------not attend eiementarv schon' - -> attenaance sone oecause the school is filled s ri to capacity'". want my child to attend school nim/her to have eoual resources . - --------compared t preaominantiy white neighborhoods". in my neighborhood and I want schools located in want receive more LRSD Desegregation Plan , informaticn scnoci regarding t ,e ^Education is not equal in the LRSD because school incentive schools and Area schools": there are ^iagnet "Why?"" RECOMMKHDATTONS: IS parental recommendation the LrtSD snould generate at mere -an-American parents i e the required efforts to increase their involvement from being somewhat" involved in their child's school. involved to becoming "greatly" T recommendation that African-Americ LRSD organise an effort that an students in the - ---- sets forth as its primary goal to raise the awareness of LRSD stud-- j' a ax ..j impact the present and future LRSD by gaining a knowledge an's obligations and and ents qual regarding their opportunity y understanding
of education in the the Deseg. -.t tend ing tlagnet. .acent 'mmitments to African-Zunerioan ve and .Area oCflOClS . students z is our recommendation that .African-American leaaers, business leaders. ' team"" community . , -- parents and students designate .rom the community that is a committed to representing the academic and social interests of AfricaA-^iJc:
' emSJiSi ciscussions regarding proposed amendments Desegregation Plan. t::----- team" establish parties. Furthermore. to the LRSD in a it is recommended that this view independent of the present litigative - 11 -Z3 cur Committee. . specialists ?cx' Public .
ea^ .V rsccsanendaz i aembers A can-rtme mesr L'eseg. Plan, xcnan-e . prepare- of 4.ne Facc-?indin<^ rican parents, students and education memoers from the Little .Hook .alliance F arenis cm or ochoois zo have a be grateful to ha^-e parri
regaroing preposed amendment^-tcach* ract-Finding Committee. T~, \ .1 ~ ion from ail present littgafciw- ne parion UiEQQid the Plan at this idea ' exchange. We reconaend that a required , --I..-!-, - ~ , course in 'Conflict ResolutXonr. Training and skills I'eveiopment'' be offered to ~ secondary LRSD students. LRSD'8 Strategic Plan, strategy #10. Wia recommend nat oommuity members take effect in z'. tear ears an Web'cer 'in
-- 1.0 primary recommendation is conaiaBaarttirith can-.aner cerine e event can tne strategy that o parents, students and strategies) that should cur recommendations fall on the Leadership and.- or rederal Judge re-a pie Fact-Finding Committee For The _t Working For .Africaui-.American Yc desegregation Plan - Is . hafeeza Ma.jeed. Chairperson . .Howard L^vex^ua lusinessman hr. .hark Cole, Student Aep. r.at -a date ! STffnature ignature cate r.yieurtis naxi, ignature Mr -cur Suslnessman date -arry Staggers, rarent 2^ y J J -cate taohaents ' 12"ATTACHMENTS"UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN AND WESTERN DISTRICTS OF ARKANSAS 600 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE 302 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-332S SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT JUDGE Qi S^iicn i^'Q^f^liiil,CiKig November 8, 1996 Ms. Hafeeza B. Majeed, Chairperson The Fact-Finding Committee 2603 S. Brown Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 Dear Ms. Majeed: This is in response to your letter of November 8, 1996, in which you enclosed a copy of the report of The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African- American Youth? I am always happy to hear of parents' interest in their children's schools and I appreciate the Committee's interest in the implementation and monitoring of the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Your letter and report will be placed in the file of the Little Rock School Desegregation case. I am also sending a copy of your letter and report to the parties in case because I want them to be aware of the Committee's interest in participating in any process for amending the desegregation plan. Thank you again for expressing your interest. Sincerely, Susan Webber Wright The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African-American Youth? Mr. Curtis Hall Mr. Howard Love Ms. Hafeeza Majeed Rev. Larry Staggers Mr. Dale Charles Bl ISI November 7, 1996 NOV ! c 1996 Office Of Dos&g.'og
received WRIGHT NOV 0 21996 U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE R 0 ^3 The Honorable Judge Susan Webber Wright 600 West Capital Street Suite 302 Little Rock. AR 72201 Dear Judge Wright
The Fact-Finding Committee For The Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African-American Youth?, respectfully requests the opportunity to appear in your court. African-American parents, students and community members are eager to share with you our concerns and recommendations regarding the implementation and monitoring of the Little Rock School District Desegregation Plan. The Fact-Finding Committee and members of the African-American community believe that a view, independent of the present litigative parties responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the plan, is long overdue. Enclosed is a copy of a report, with recommendations to the African-American community, that was presented by our Committee on September 20, 1996. On Thursday, November 7, 1996, our Committee will present recommendations for amending the Desegregation Plan to the LRSD Board of Directors and Superintendent Roberts, at a special board meeting. With the presentation of our recommendations to the Board, we are, in effect, following the Desegregation Plan Amendment Process, (Deseg. Tool Kit, April 2, 1996, Appendix D). However, Judge Wright, the Amendment Process does not guarantee the Community an opportunity to be heard by you. Therefore, we prayerfully request the opportunity to present our concerns to you, in person. The Honorable Judge Susan Webber Wright November 7, 1996 Page Two The Fact-Finding Committee For The LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth?, and many community members have spent long hours surveying parents, listening to the testimony of desegregation experts, reviewing documents, reports, and statistical data provided by LRSD administrative staff. Your favorable response will be greatly appreciated. Please mail your reply to: The Fact-Finding Committee, c/o Ms. Hafeeza B. Majeed, Chairperson, 2603 S. Brown Street, Little Rock, AR 72204. Please contact me by phone at 664-7818. Respectfully, (Ms.) :ee: . Majeed ChairpCTSon IMPORTAM MEETING AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS & STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 0\ BlIiilH IS DESEGREGATION WORKING FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN IN THE LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT ? "Questions & Answers" Session with Attorney John Walker Community Input is Critical & Invited Saturday, January 20,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( 501) 664 - 7818 schcoi co i sc
?er3:
3ns. and my c id's educational c 1 pvoeres in my chii< cnco. improves academic excellence. a past ive scnooi c imate which student discipline and attendance. . in my child's school. principals and teachers demonstrate the belief and e.xpectation that all children can learn. . In my child' school. equity educational access are the norm. of educational opportunity and of Hav! you been asked t respond to a survey regarding the LRSD Lesegreation Plan, interdistrict Plan and Settlement Agreement? Yas NO 5y whom? 13. Would you like to receive an invitation for your family to attend a reception to Fact-Finding Committc - "he final report from The .-ruing the LRSD Desegregation Plan? YRS NO Name Address City State 7'- IThe Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? BtrIaItH B B 1 COMMUNITY MEETING (Second In a Series) Guest Panel Mr. Frank Martin, Executive Director Little Rock Classroom Teachers Assoc. LRSD Classroom Teachers Partial List of Desegregation Concerns Expressed at 1st Community Meeting: LRSD Zero Tolerance Policy Mobilizing Parents, Community, & Organizations Education Curriculum Revisions to Reflect LRSD Majority Population Teacher Accountability Public Schools Boycott Charter Schools Act Responsibility of Churches Neighborhood Schools Mentoring in Schools & Community Models of Effective School Districts Increased Participation in the LRSD by African-American Males Encouraging Student Participation at Community Meetings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact Hafeeza Majeed, ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? We re Fighting For Our Children! 91 B COMMUNITY MEETING (Third In a Series ) Resource Speakers Dr. Henry Williams, Superintendent Little Rock School District Ms. Judy Magness, Board Director Little Rock School District All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact (501)664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? Were-Fighting For Our Children! ai COMMUNITY MEETING (Last Fact-Finding Meeting) Resource Panel Ms. Linda Young q. Co-lntemal Coordinator-^ rategic Planning/ New Futures Liaison All former & current students & parents in the LRSD are encouraged to attend! SATURDAY, March 23, 1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street ( 16th & Chester Streets ) For More Information Contact ( 501) 664 - 7818 The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For African- American Youth? i i s 7 COMMUNITY MEETING (Fourth In a Series) Resource Speaker Ms. Ann Brown, Director Office of Desegregation Monitoring All former & current students & pareirts in the LRSD are encouraged to attend!. SATURDAY, March 9,1996 11:00 A.M. DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTER 1001 West 16th Street (16th & Chester Streets) For More Information Contact (501)664-7818 ' -St- JU "J T-3! J* B Dear Parenr: OPINION SURVEY FACT-EINDIMG COMMITTEE The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Working For African-American Youth? would like your opinions parent percept m and acti es toward r.he Z Interdistrict Plan and Settlement Agreement. I have read. partially the Interdistrict Plan. or entirely. .e ana the 13 on :D Desegrsgai:ion Plan. 5D Desegregation Settlement Agreement -an. .-.'jnro. DISAGREE I have been inxormed. formally or informally. Desegregation Plan. Agreement. the Interdistri
about the LRSD nave terd 4. .n tne t-ement AGREE, DISAGREE SOURCE .ttcw AGREE DI SAG Did your o term? Were you sat you dge of S.X1 'Sind attend MO .Mame recuest the LRSD Desegregati Settlement A r eement a LRSD school e zne 1SS5-'56 scncci. I d witr ass me nt NO another noo J. ror t 1955-'56'
NO .Name oq ,1 ycur Will term? * o cues: your o. sranrec YES NO a attend a LSoD YES NO school during the 19S6-'37 =cr CHS Are,you satisfied with your child's school assignment f 1996-'97 school term? YES NO id you request anothei' school chool term? fcr your ar tne hild in the 1996-'97 Was your ease 'YES NO Name of SchooICs) request gr-anti
YES NO rate your involvement in your child's school: NO INVOLVEMENT SOMEWHAT INVOLVED GREATLY INVOLVED . dew much time do you spend studying with your child at home 7 NOTE : 15-30 min. 30 min. - 1-2 hrs. 2 hrs. per day 1 hr. Cl per day - per cay cay l*sase use the following scale 3A-3trongly agree: for #12-15: 3D-5trcngly disagree A-Agree: N-Neutral: D-Disagree: 13. In my child's school. I can easily access information regardingij V aiat?: - NOV 1 2 1996 Office of Desegregatcn ivniiQnny bEPTEMHER 20, 1996 THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY THE FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE FOR THE LITTLE ROCK SQKX)L DISTRICT DESEGREGATION PLAN - FOE AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUTH? IS IT WORKING TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS AND STUDENTS IN THE LITTLE HOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working For Afriran- American Youth? aWe^e Fighting For Our Children!^ r act- ing F n S e o o -esegregation Agreement: the OVERVIEW . :2Eix^ an. :
ne an's 'leprr gani o In^eraiscricz Plan and the anuarv. LRSD tent. zzs impact on African-American Its implementation and n: oertietnent dy phase, t hildren. '.on it.: S After completion of the .neaents to the current Plan, se agreed to ozfer preposed changes and/or whereever feasible. to the Office of Deae^gation Monitoring, Superintendent Roberts'aAd the LRSd' Directors. .Desegregation AinonriinAin.r a___ u). It was the intent of
Desegregation Plan Process, t Ct our Conmittee to meet with all Appendix involved in the implementation and monitoring 7- inoiude-d -a triaf analysis of t?,e .St: parties A nilosophy. t 't'O se. goal and 0
ect rategio Ian. Fl.an. Cur its cr motto, n order to We Fighting ror Our < successfully nvite key individuals and complete cur r .ren o o "i . cur missidn. mmittee and the African-Amerlean groups to aorear t ore cue commu: me answer cuescions regarding T-'.ic report c.., die community , r.cberts, and LRSD Directors, our mission ? totaling 1212 hours of valuable conairunitv tne fia.c. .-^i and recommen.'i.a : make was necessary tc the Fact-Findin tne ons resentaticns mission cf tc ODM, Supt. as ceen accomplished. ----------i ^--S trovided bv a crcaa cross-section of the Little Rock Community. VI -ne tollowing is a partial listing of individuals and groups who were sey in neiping us to accomplish Dr. Henry P. Williams grateful: our mission torney repre Katherine ?, M - tormer .Supt. . anting black parents and studen ne 1 and Mrs. .juuy Mag:oess .g and to them we are SD: .John W, Walker in the LRSD: Dr.
d rd members
M s> -ecn Modeste^ opeciai assistant to the .lupt.t Ms. Linda Young -nternal strategic Planning Corrdinator: t' Representative: Mrs. Ann Brown. Federal Monitor, area ministers: former and current LRSD students .:usiness leaders
.and community residents. pecial Assistant to the Mr. Frank Martin, LRCTA On April 20, former and current ODM: Little Rock anc parents: area 1996. members cf The Fact-Finding nands with ether African-Ameri leaders are our un dividuals: included d commitment can community leader ommittee also joined 1 sc public omega Psi owing Fraterni education. eternity rority, rcrity, : Alpha Phi nc: ijeita Smith
hi Fraternity, les. Inc: Ipha Fraternity. Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc: A 1 B __ .nc: Kappa Alpha Fsi Fraternity, kwami
Mr. n.T. Akbar. and patrons to These community rorities and i cet.a .Sigma Zeta Phi Bet.a gma (Jamma Rho .
Attorney Simmons addition, members of The Fact-Finding Committ desegregation documents and reports: desegregation ee reviewed relevant listened to the testimony of -xperts invited by Federal Judge Susan Webber Wright ^a^conducted an Opinion Survey of African-American parents in the -.r.oi-' oata relating to the District's policies. LRSD to gather and academic and social programs. operationserrsc::. agreeing to remain organized and independent voice for African-Ameri LRSD. continue co serve as the can parents and students in the Our decision to study the Plan was reached as a resuic of many --------------------s.* Cl icauxu OZ man XT inaicators that were directly and indirectly related to the academic and social successes, or the lack thereof, for African-Amr.<^ motiJ^tXl.^? Moreover, our Committee members were-actively complete our study of the Plan because believe^,fchet African-American parents, students and cnmwmUtTr leaders must accept the responsibility - * to the academic Moreover, our Committee members we xcavicro iBuot. accept tne responsibility to support and monitor policies, operetione: Md th. SSSSSc social progress of African-American students in the LRSD. and Furtnermore, we in agreement with the results of an Opinion African-American parents in the LRSD, developed by .he fact-Finding committee (see "Attachments"). ~ tor the opinions. 'ur thermo re, are the LRSD Desegregation Plan, The sturvey asked perceptions and attitudes of the parents toward Settlement Agreement. the Interdistrict Plan and the ' nan members c . - Is It The Fact- inaing Committee Working for African-American the LRSD Desegregat uch? have walked the scnool halls: are, and have been, substitute teachers. supervision aides, volunteers, students, and parents. As a result or our collective and consistent involvement in the LRSD understand the importance and of our collective and and parents. we . necessity ox a new end unprecedentsc commitment to public education by a majority of African-American parents, students and community leaders. This commitment requires This chat we call tx^e leaoership of the LRSD into accountability for i = commitment_to desegregation (LRSD Desegregation Plan, cage 2. l^n- -8 . . Our upinion ourvey revealed that of African-American parents in the LRSD 'an . onsistently do not utilize their collective "d community resources to encourage the leaderstetp of the lRSD to aggressively and effectively implement the Desegregation Plan as its tool for restructuring the school system so that all vestigages of discrimination, segregation or unfair treatment have been eliminated. As parents, students and community leaders. must estaolish and maintain bi ch e.xpectations for academic and establish high social e.xcellence for all childre we and objectives that represent n in the LRSD with achievable ... . - ana respect the diverse cultural ana talents of our student population: goal 3 needs esegregated educational e.xperience. thereby, creating a quality Our efforts to study the Plan produced rich and opportunities for bi-racial fertile ommunity participation. We believe that we must continue to plan together barriers that preceded our current efforts. Therefore, it is the members of The Fact-Finding Committee to unify .,,, _ _ *------- With those efforts of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools: " current efforts. to eliminate the racial our efforts, whenever possible. AnH .rh . duoiic Schools
Parents for Public Schools: ana other organized groups and/or individuals \ groups and/or individuals who have consistently remonstrated a commitment to public education through their involvement in our community and our public schools. active - 3 -am. axj-ow -^s rvey that '5% 3 ce s zvi^encs as supcorea : an-Amerlean -'or tea naving parents T.emcers .-mcwiscee surveyed
ur in tne current Z'esegre^ati' LRSD - a r more African-American .cmmi1 in agreement that gnir pairents must demonstrate an immedic continuing increase in parental involvement in their Af nt-y ana schco1. cnix lean american parents, stuaents and community leaders .t. regarding neighborhood and all other proposed educational concepts and academic programs "r.at _ar currently being researched for justifications as proposed mccitications to the LRSD -esegregaticn Plan. actively participate in students and concepts and academic for justifications cased on the results of i oan-.Amer cur Opinion Survey o st schools somewhat" greatly" involved in tne 66% of tne D. reported oivement". oivement in involved in their child' s scnoc..
Through ycur increased and your n senO' 1. you w the best advocate for your child's educat 1 r involvement 'ary .cute Pu.a.- you acquire the inrermat a ne 0/ ... o anc 1 no/ oeing erted being reported no entinuous parental realize cnai mat you are future and through can iiotates chat as .A greatly involved" stuaent can-.amerleans we are _ is that are students fact alone involvement al successes will in the District: and i ontinue to result 1 tor our children. ligated to become ces without saying that fewer academic and -US an, becomes the responsibility or each African-Americaui student. grandparent tivei the Z lest iay and cemmuni member t . reaa. terdist youi' copy Friday. ' consi ict P the oer ana Ian and ":30 A.M. is important document. guests your approval. eccmmendations o CIS' the tne individually and inShi desegregation Zesegregaticn x Settlement Agreement. 4:30 P.M. -an After 3 e Please oy calling 524-2400. Tact-Finding Committee receiving and reading :ceptance and respectfully rerea in this report. follow-through of the STATEMBMT TQ AFEICAN-AMKRICAN STUDENTS IN THE T.RHD: Tne members of me ract- rt 1 at ion inaing Committee aggressively sought '.'ur Ccmniittee cm students curing o our stuay c desegregation in tne a cur student great _ rom cate representative. Mr. Mark Cole. me act invo1vement of Parkview Arts.- cience M Magnet Mr. Cole is a 199.3 gh Schoo1 currently enrolled ac Chicago' State University. panel of current and former LRSD students discussed ana IS Mr. Cole and a the -esegregation rlan and answered auestions for the cemmunitv -at our 'Student Speak-Out", the last of Fact-Finding Committee to invite participate in studying the Plan. six forums sponsored by The the community to actively - 5feel eve '-'hst 3 student s sDixx'cy sdvocs'c education within the classroom is proportionate to uxaaaroom 13 proportionate to the 3tuaent' = knowledge, or lack thereof, regarding the LRSD Desecre We, therefore-, strongly encourage ail students to ^tud Desegregation Plan. to study Bati:n .e Adequate classroom instruction and ^ffa^ classroom management, as outlined in the to create a safer-, more productive Plan. are tne tools school environment. aecea According to the LRSD Disciplinary Management African-American students, generallv. ana c-p specifically. LRSD 19% are over- esented i Report can-.Amer a n s in a comparison of 7 Q race/gender in 1995-96. the foil ensicn * r owins over-presentation of African-American s tics !cource: 1995-96). Little Rock School District tuaents in represent Addi hl Discit ne strct nary Management Year 1995-96 Race Black Elacx '.'Tn Wh onaiiy, according t published by the Arkansas scores are and ~ and percentage -J Gt tne We. have tneretcre ocnci and con cioi ed. thereb:. nue tne Gender Male Female Male cemale M/F zA" : -Democrat points as over O yrs oesegregation Plan. that Afr iating t an- V* _ in uaents. t is important or etween u ana e suspensio.n and e.xpui LDv test scores and :ion rates Classroom. overall Students. instruct! you muat be inside of the onai assistance and When you are outside of the expulsions. t is impossible Total Sanctions 3376 1446 698 veir.e ano ex e* p p erstand cr Afri academic acii ?.r. tne corr can-Ameri an achievement i Classroom to succeed t Classroom. necessary to succeed academically and to your tor you to receive receive apprct greatest due to suspensions the instri potent and socially. % - 6can-.Amer i enoed and .n aent stucents are expelled rhi -o-.Amer 1 can a u^ati c.n. y ..anaaemenc t.tree n white tucer-a Seporr . .es nors iikeiy a ether f.prise s ~c = o With the realization of to make it crystal clear .nese facts - stnidents and parent! that when African-American stude misbehave in the classroom and on/off campus (off-campus want uiioucnavc in me Classroom on/orr campus (off-campus
havi:r also increasing the rates of disciplinary sanctions agai* t students), zero-tolerance is more likely to be exercised ly sc ^d city authorities, (u.R.P.D.', thereby resulting in their r 3V from school. conclude, and it is the belief of members of this uomsiittee that the proper education of Arrican-Aser sions and e* sP^cents xn tne uxi eiiefs are supporcec : act a prioricy. the individual and Our -ciieccive ocservacions oz our uominiccee ineinbers
student anH surveys. data provided by LS5D official emovai the test Mcni iony or .esegregation experts, sring. anc t Arkansas-iiemocrat
ice of parent a vesegreca Sapeciaily ior African-Aaericsn male students in the LRfiD": Ac erding to 1992-93 Incentive Monitoring Report, as Some teaoners may need more training ____ ______ classroom management and organization and effective than others page in areas sucn IS incumbent upon the building administrator and teachers n.ecessary to entity ddress areas of need and the.m. cess the the discipii individual resources I'evealed giy. that ?M's statement Commit .3 A n vey rur __ --------educators and administrators in the Incentive Schools. Area Schools and Magnet cchools. Some administrators and educators in the LRSD, consciouslv cr subconsciously, creator barriers that prevent them from beins hools. itive to their classes. the academic imstances or tact s true tor that prevent and social needs of African-American males These barriers exist as a result of attitudes and -n our society which stereotype African-American males as oeing dishonest.violent. disruptive, and chronic drug users. Unless and until aii administrators and educators to ome sensitive to the growing academic, s impacting .African-American in our schools environmental and ve SCI ne will males continue t today. Classroom management be a ma.j concern. necognitio.n if this information. we agree that it is responsibility of the student to consciously work t the pr a decrease an: -iminate the potential tor school violence and insubordination i.n the classroom - the leading causes of long and short-term suspensions for AfricanAmerican students as reported by the i student Hearing Office in the 1995-96 Disciplinary Management Report. In 1995 96. African-American males received 62% of the total disciplinary sanctions reported by the District. - 7 -oehaif of African-Amerloan cmittee will recommend Lils'' at the elementary sru required a ao.- ents in rhe LRSD, The ?acr course cndary in 'Conf ieveis. Tliis Ct resoluri inding recommendaC oonsistent witn strarecy jJlO the LRSD Strategic Plan t Sch Safety), and the comments of former LRSD Supt., Dr. Henry p. student behavior and discipline concerns are explicitly addressed in strategy 10 which focuses the development and implementation of actions COl Williams to LRSD personnel. on public action, aimed at restoring onfidence in the sarety and security of our schools, include providing ongoing conflict resolution train! These skill development anc utilisation o r our s hese sk rUdents. . t resolution trai.ning and in public school violence. When tnat can result proper acquisitior lavement increased. violence win: is uaents. it is your right oast aducati catalyst needed to available in and the your respons in a great decline decreased and academic A ' v to receive the receive 'educational excellence" cucation. -motivation is t I OU must make A anyone ir goal! inside cr outside of tne ana you must not let anything c_assrcom prevent you rrcm reac SUMMARY: aaemic ac evement ations. a on? 3 tne 'oelie resui f that commitment. g-i a oroac-casea communi support. Monitoring Report, July 1396. page 74). . 15So-c6 ODM ran can learn and Incentive Schools We are entering the LRSD. ek of school must seek every ooportunity t demonstrate the importance the 1996-97 school term students in our District. express and Ct high academic achievement for all ve str invite ana encourage g commitment you to to support join OU. spoken commitments must be quality .and 1lowed agree t increase our di Committee as we make a equal eaucation. our actions. le: Our We can and we ve involvement i cur puDuc scnoois. tnereby. increasing the quality of education udents. are in the following areas: seeking your support and active participat tor Please plan to September 26. attend * e ir,: 3card meeting on Thursday. 1996 at 6:00 p.m. , 310 W. Markham. Little Rock. Please schedule and attend a child's school Teac.ner Workday parent-teacher conference at criaay. September 27. your 6. - 8 --- .sase s meeting, communit V* o 30 3 eciai eoommendati ed changes ons and.' rem one Af a school board eoien can-.Americ s "o tne -luper intenoenc public schools obligation. 3ur The Fact-Finding T.-immi r.r.i=A. o.-- eoien* respcnsibilioy, 'Jr a through our in-depth stuny of the desegregation Plan and the District, generally, identified the iiowing areas of greatest concern among AfricanAmerican parents, students, and community leaders. These areas of concern are beinc These areas of concern are being assigned to workgroups for further study and/or planning. workgroups will propose recommendations to Ths Fact-Finding I'cmmittee for presentation to the ~ s a. ons r ai 2oard and CTM. The Organize Friends of Susan Webber Wright. Ritalin administered to one Cour'o ' :e heard V Federal Judge Jommunioy forum with Aooy ooudenos and parenos .creased enr
j.meno soudenos i John W Juali Mei students'. School Safety. Zero-Tolerance, LRSD Alternative Schools. Incentive Schools. Little Rock Central High School 10. Oonflict rcesoiuoi n udeno Assignmeno n
cummer School II '-jaixer. Fkills Training onct' a quests oy ar - n summary. counsel for black SchccIs J. 'S . .-.ecruioing whior Soracegic Plan) lo.an-amer oan parenos the following comments were African-American parents recoroe as received from participated in ' e Opinion Survey: "The Little Rock School District black students. offers a quality education. , ivever, olacK stuaents, generally, do not get an equal opportunitv oenefit from the higher-level academic programs provided by the would like co be more ea oners and pais inVOivec 3 ,.5 , X.. in my a cniio o blac but some students and its. nave requested that our children be assigned to Magnet .tchooi(s), over and over again, but our requests have always been lenied. - 9on ceprsssing naa t that attexid cummer ^r.e entire class r.oo - = R3 was ve rv was attended by 1 -3' tKtng tcent. Id created like a seccTi-class stucent at antr 9 i students in Magnet schools get a better education "han c-in("'-o ether schools in the District'. '1 begged the District to assign they just split them up and That makes it very hard for sent us. " all cf my children to them to terent schor ________ out s anyway. "Racism in the schools is others". a problem ore some schools tr.an t want my young 0 OCi -ur onild has 'special needs", by tne LRSD". and h ner neeas are not ceing e 1'. sent stuay with nim/her as much'. *'.9 don't have rcblem with tnat are s.'she can get a better not located in the inner my child education city". r '.^336-^ oecause sending rhe schcoIs .ar cussing 1 problem wit? C it an.c w nts who xne srucenrs' ne rn^ cus oe * a wirn :naxe t eac.ners the best sper.c
t.o grades ' a incentive schools have r ewe r srucer C cenefiting grearlv rssr anc from rhe 0 lasst'ocin snrw oiassr: tnat t
rm. cur smaller class ey 3,re n: sizes hy child takes Ritalin at -earning at a school and he/she does seem t a M 'agnet schools desegregation'. create segregat ion oct Why co Atrican-.american males receive the most punisnment tne My child is an "A" student so - don't need t.o study with him/her. 'The schools need more black teachers to teach black children 'The prob Soard members are very divided and that is -ems tor cur district '. causing great 10ny d the ioard wane - out _r. williams' contract ik the schools are te. tut *e need to see sors the teachers are doing a tlacK parents volunteering in tne oca .-co. a -hools I am not pleased with the separation of the races at Cent 1 high". Some black and white teachers in my school don't work well together". "I am working two, three, four jobs
I cannot visit my child's school"'. "The survey is a good idea. What will be the results'? told that my child could - was niy caiid cculd not aLrend eiementary school i a'Ctandancs zone oecausc cn school is rilled co capacicy". want my child to attend school im/her to have equal resources in my neighborhood and I want predominantly white neighborhoods'. comparea chools located in want receive more IKSD Desegregation Plan . information scnoci regarding t .e iducation is not equal in the LRSD because schools. incentive schools and Area schools': there are ^lagnet "Why?" RECOMMENDATIONS: IS recommenaat i on .at mere tne parental can-American parents i uxtSD snould generate the required efforts to increase their involvement from being "somewhat" involved to becoming "greatly" involved i.n their child's school. is our recommendation that African-American tudents in the _iRSD organise an effort that sets forth as its primary goal t _ U. .... _ ______-T^ . . , raise the awareness of LRSD students impact the present and future qua! RSD by gaining a knowledge and u regarding their opportun ity of education in the Ian's obligations and derstanding : the Deseg. attending Magnet. 'mmitments to African-American Studer. t is cur leaaers. ncent ve and .-.rea senooxs. recommendation that African-American community business leaders, parents and students designate a team " from the community that is committed to representing t' academic and social interests of .African-American children in discussions regarding proposed amendments to the LRSD ne Desegregation Plan. Furthermore, it is recommended that this team" establish a view independent of the present litigative parties. - 11 --t 13 cur Tommittee. rsccrjnenaar aciaiiscs mesc can-.iM can aemoers cf 4.ae racc-?inqing .
ea^ rUDi thv temcers r arents aarePxrs. sruaents and education cm or ne Eeseg. Flan, Acnanae oreparec regarding 13 -Icck .Alliance F choois to have a be grateful to ha^e :e ?rc?c3ed aiaendMntST^to.'^je parties to the Plan at this ract-Finding Committee. , _____ patron from ail present litigatirB- 'idea' UEMQaid exchange. We reconoend that a required course in- "Conflict Resolutim^
Training and Skills Ewvelopment" be offered to secondary LRST* students . primary
This recoaaaondation is consisJbsntMrith LRSD's Strategic Plan, strategy 10. recommend that commuity members take effect in t' can-.^erccan cerine >A aa: ears or .san Webber iir 'in paren udents and e strategy nat The Fact-F It Working For .Afri strategies j that should aur recommendations fall on the ieadershi an' deral Judge o nding Committee For The hs. .hafeeza Ma.jeed. an-.American Y / lesegregation flan - iS Fnairperson .--.cwara 7^7 lusinessman date .'Ir. .^ark Cole, Student ,-,ep. -ph jlMl'.-i, ignature cate _arry ttaggers. rarent 31 mature cate Atta-: '.ents r.yicurtis naix. Businessman ignature date "ATTACHMENTS"The Fact-Finding Committee for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It (Ln. Working For African-American Youth? Mr. Curtis Hall Mr. Howard Love Ms. Hafeeza Majeed Rev. Larry Staggers Mr. Dale Charles B December 1, 1996 B ia H RECEIVrr* The Honorable Judge Susan Webber Wright United States District Court Eastern And Western Districts of Arkansas 600 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 302 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-3325 OfC 4 J99g Office of Desegregaiion Moniioring Dear Judge Wright: Thank you for your letter dated November 8, 1996, in which you expressed your appreciation for The Fact-Finding Committees interest in the implementation and monitoring of the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Additionally, we are pleased that you have placed our report in the file of the LRSD Desegregation Case. It is also encouraging to African-Arne ri can parents and students in the LRSD for your office to forward a copy of our letter to you dated November 7, 1996 and a copy of our report to the parties in the case, making them aware of the Committee s interest in participating in any process for amending the Desegregation Plan. Judge Wright, we are taking this opportunity to make you aware that we are seriously concerned that Superintendent Roberts, members of the LRSD Board of Directors and Attorney John Walker have indicated to African- American parents and students in this District that they are unwilling to seek or accept our participation in any process for amending the Desegregation Plan. We justify our conclusion with the attached article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, dated November 29, 1996. The members of The Fact-Finding Committee learned about the Superintendents proposed recommendations and the Boards unanimous vote to approve the newspaper article. Superintendents proposals through the attached Therefore, Judge Wright, our Committee and African- the LRSD have unanimously agreed to the American parents and students in following
1. We respectfully request that you deny any motion by Superintendent Roberts and the LRSD Board to seek a break of up to nine months from requirements of court-monitored desegregation. Please be Friday, December 6, 1996, members of The Fact- Finding Committee and African-American parents will hand-deliver and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, our written advised that on to your office justification for requesting your proposal. denial of the Superintendents 2. The Fact-Finding Committee has scheduled live air time on radio to African-American parents and students regarding the inform Amencan anu biuucmo .cya.Mu.a blatant disrespect of our community by Superintendent Roberts, the LRSD Board of Directors and Attorney John Walker. We thank you for your efforts to show your respect for the concerns of the We intend to continue to make the parties African-American community. aware of our interest and we certainly intend to participate in this process, at every level. Thank you so much for your time. Majeed, Chaifpersor/ cc
Superintendent Don Roberts Attorney John W. Walker FileUNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT eastern and western districts of ARKANSAS 600 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE 302 little ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-3325 SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT JUDGE November 8, 1996 Hafeeza B. Majeed, Chairperson The Fact-Finding Committee 2603 S. Brown Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 Dear Ms. Majeed: This is in response to your letter of November 8, 1996, in which you enclosed a copy of the report of The,Fact-Finding^Committee you enclosed a t for the LRSD Desegregation Plan - Is It Working for African- American Youth? I am always happy to hear of parents' i_ nteres_ t in the, ir and I appreciate the Committee's interest in children's schools the implementation and monitoring of the LRSD Desegregation Plan. Your letter and report will be placed in the file of the Little Rock School Desegregation case. I am also sending a copy of your letter and report to the parties in case because I want them to of the Committee's interest in participating in any be aware process for amending the desegregation plan. . sr ^2^ Ms. Thank you again for expressing your inter
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.