Activity 1: Bicultural Education

Students will skim through Document 13, "Statement to the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus on the Failure of the New York Public Educational System to Retain Hispanic and Other Minority Students." Students will discuss:

What was the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus upset about? Is this still a problem in the New York City schools?

What problems did they see in the schools? What problems did Blacks and Hispanics have when they dropped out of school?

What resources do Puerto Rican students bring with them to school, that were being ignored by the educational system? How did that make them feel?

How can schools promote students' self-esteem? What do the authors of the article recommend?

What is "bicultural education?" What needs to be included in the curriculum?

How can schools help parents get involved? How would that help their children?