Skyline.

1. What is your stance on comprehensive sex education within the Birmingham City Schools?

Tyrone Silmon - When teachers are knowledgeable and improperly trained, I see no reason why our students cannot possess the same knowledge and understanding about important sexual matters. I support educating our children on sex and sexual issues at an age and grade level most appropriate. I also support every school district that approves classroom access for medical experts, child psychologist and counselors to ensure that the sensitive topic is being taught accurately. When teaching sex education is done professionally, then our children are less likely to make mistakes that can negatively impact their lives for years or forever.

Sonja Smith - The main reason children are contracting and spreading HIV and other STIs is because we are not talking about it enough.  Simply telling kids, "don't do it" is not enough; we need to accept that kids will try things, so it's a disservice to not educate them on how to have healthy sex lives.

Antwon Womack - I think that sex education within Birmingham City Schools should begin with several community conversations with parents and stakeholders. I believe that research and surveys are needed to review potential effectiveness. I also believe that if it is placed in schools, it should be taught by appropriately trained staff that includes school nurses. If it is implemented, it also should be taught in judgement free environments where students can be open to posing questions

2. What book or books have most influenced your thinking on education policy and why?

Silmon - There are a number of books that have influenced my thinking on educational policy, however, the book entitled, The Ordeal of Equality by David K. Cohen and Susan L. Moffitt. This book has greatly informed and influenced my thinking around educational policy as it pertains to the disparities that persist in inner-city school districts. The authors uncovered the outdated federal education regulations that failed at producing the intended results for public schools across America. The authors also questioned and investigated failed educational policies in public schools and addressed the disparity of inexperienced teachers assigned to positions at schools in need of seasoned, experienced teachers. 

 

The Ordeal of Equality left a lasting impression on me because it confirmed as well as exposed one of my biggest concerns regarding public education—the inequalities that still exist in public education in urban schools.  In the early 90's, I taught Math and History in the Birmingham City School System. During my tenure as a teacher, I witnessed teachers going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their students grew academically and emotionally. These teachers were committed to their students’ academic success and their emotional wellbeing.  I also witnessed teachers who didn't appear to be as committed to the academic success of their students and were not motivated in implementing "best
practices" for instruction and learning.  These teachers had little impact on their students.  The book, The Ordeal of Equality helped me to understand that for many public schools across the country, it is
challenging to find and retain highly qualified teachers to teach in urban school districts with extremely limited funds.

As a BCS Board Member, I will endeavor to work with other board members and district administration to determine best practices for hiring and retaining qualified teachers.  I am interested in the pros and cons of merit pay for teachers who accomplish what some would consider, an almost impossible task. When a teacher is asked to perform and produce what some would consider unachievable, those teachers should be compensated considerably and not only for increasing test scores, but also for making an impact in the lives of children who otherwise would be left behind.

Lastly, I believe my previous experience as an educator in an urban, public-school district has cultivated in me an understanding of the challenges inherent in public-schools at every level. I will allow my
experiences to serve as the impetus to empower community members in District 8 to become one voice as well as advocates for school aged children.   As a Board Member for District 8, I will operate with integrity and work diligently, not only for my nieces and nephews who attend school in District 8, but for every child in the Birmingham City Schools system.

Smith - Although it is not a book, the documentary Waiting for Superman has had the most influence on my thinking regarding education policy.  I like this film because it addresses the biggest flaws in modern education today: drop-out factories, school-prison pipelines, & charter/magnet schools.  Our schools as drop-out factories is a direct result of the replacement of skilled trades and vocational education in schools with a college-bound educational tract.  Our school to prison pipelines are due to
the stifling way we herd children through our school buildings in the exact manner experienced in prisons, and the charter/magnet issue is simply another way to further divide communities of color.  I see them as benefiting only a few, while the majority of students are left in substandard conditions.  Seeing the film and the stress/struggles parents and children experienced to get a decent public education is heartbreaking and should not be anyone's reality.

Womack - The book that has most influenced my thinking about education is Carol Dweck’s Mindset. This text influenced my views about education because it reminded me that most people, including myself, can experience difficulty in changing their viewpoints about pertinent issues due to experiencing what is commonly known as having a “fixed mindset”. Also, it reminded me that as a society, we must be willing to be reflective about different issues regarding education and other social issues and reflect and reevaluate as needed. This book challenges all to be open to viewing different issues and implementing needed changes. As I read this text, I was reminded about the importance of being reflective in how children are educated and rethink views regarding new initiatives introduced to promote effective learning. I understand that our children must be able to compete globally. The only way to ensure that they are competent,productive citizens is to encourage flexibility in how we think. This text gives the steps needed for one to become flexible and open to change. It is a book that I would recommend to others.

3. What is your own experience with public education and how will your own experience influence your work as a board member?

Silmon - No response

Smith - I went to public school starting in the 6th grade; prior to that, I attended a Christian private school.  My parents have always sacrificed for me to have a quality education.  

When I was young, my parents made the decision to move out of the Birmingham City School limits in search for a better education for me.   Unfortunately, 40 years later, parents are still having to make the tough decision of where to lay roots as their family grows.  I have also taught school at the high school and junior college levels.  While junior college might seem a bit elitist, it is not when you have many of the same issues experienced when teaching high school.  Furthermore, many of the students I taught at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, were pupils in my high school.

Womack -  I have always loved school and learning, however, I was systematically bullied, could find limited assistance and as a result, I left high school. However, I did complete my GED and discovered opportunities to enhance myself, academically. After I left high school, I recalled how some people expressed that because of my barriers that I was deemed inadequate to experience success. This label was hurtful. No one knows the life stories of others. As a teen, I didn't have a great amount of support from home but my parent gave to the best of her ability. As time has passed, I understand the need to work diligently despite the obstacles. The bullying and the lack of support in my home life were major barriers. I do not believe that my story is rare. Many students rely on themselves due to limited parental support and because they don't necessarily know the steps to seeking assistance when experiencing emotional turmoil, leave school. As a board member, I desire to  work with other board members to create avenues for success especially for students that experience barriers to learning. I also desire that students have true lines of open communication with the faculty and staff to ensure that as barriers are discovered that schools offer appropriate programming, policies and procedures that will ensure that students do not to discontinue their educational processes but rather, thrive and meet their fullest potentials.

4. Title IX is a federal law that makes sex discrimination illegal in most schools and most courts who have looked at the issue have said that this includes discrimination against someone because they are transgender or because they don’t meet gender-related stereotypes or expectations. As a candidate, what are your thoughts on how we can make sure we are providing a safe learning environment for all students?

Silmon - There's nothing I desire more than to feel reassured that my daughter is safe at school. While every child is different and learns differently, a safe learning environment is a major contributing factor in every child's development. One of the biggest steps towards creating safe learning environments is identifying first, what we don't know and then, what we can do. I believe a safe learning environment consists of, but not limited to these five things:
 
• A safe learning environment begins with admitting that we don't know everything. To ensure a safe learning environment, I believe teachers and administrators should receive ongoing professional development in areas that directly impact our students, particularly in areas of unfamiliarity.

When we learn as much as we can about a particular background of students, then we are in better positions to help them grow academically,while also keeping them safe at school.

• A safe learning environment for all students happens when school districts offer options. For students and their families who have unique backgrounds or come from untraditional families, schools must be open to an alternative learning environment. These options may include, but are not limited to online learning and Homeschool.

• A safe learning environment happens when teachers and administratorsmodel kindness. Oftentimes, confrontation among students and students and teachers occurs when either party feels as if they were treated badly or disrespected. I believe that conflict can be eliminated and most definitely resolved when teachers operate in the spirit of kindness and model that kindness in front of the student body, especially as it relates to students with alternative lifestyles.

• A safe learning environment for all students happens when teachers and administrators follow through with consequences. It is important as an educator to say what you mean and mean what you say. When the rules are not followed and consequences are applied, it sends a message to other students that mistreating, harassing or bullying any student will not be tolerated.

Smith - All students do indeed deserve to feel safe in our classrooms.  I believe the stigmas our kids support can only be fixed by a comprehensive, district-wide initiative to change the way students
respond to people different from them.  We need to make our schools safe-spaces where kids can tell a friend or counselor their feelings and recognize/address the oppression of others.  Finally, we need to make sure students have healthy outlets to deal with trauma and stresses at home.  This is considered a tier 1 approach to mental health in schools.  

Tier 2 goes a bit further.  It allows students to have their issues addressed in a group setting.  I see this as being possible through partnerships with one of the many social work programs across the Birmingham area.  Tier 3 is individualized counseling.  This is another way we can utilize our local
talents through partnerships to help our children cope with life stresses.

Womack - I think we first must ensure that everyone that works with our students truly understand what “hidden agendas” they possess. Often, people unintentionally place their own agendas into the lives of their students. I can imagine that it might be difficult for a transgender student to speak about being bullied when an instructor has discussed what he/she believes is a “natural” VS “unnatural” lifestyle or laughs with students when subjects regarding gender and gender stereotypes are discussed. We have school mission statements that encourage “socially enriching” environments but the need for a district-wide character education program that discusses issues based upon age appropriate materials is needed. I believe this program should be universal and evaluated for success ongoing using parent/student/ teacher surveys, administrative observations and other evaluation tools.

5. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or

as a representative of the school system?

Silmon - I envision myself as a representative and a voice for the community and the school district.  I believe that it is my responsibility to represent community members that comprise District 8 and the
Birmingham City School System. I want to ensure that the community has a voice in the educational processes that occur that occur within and amongst the schools in the Birmingham City School System while ensuring that students, teachers, and administrators have the support they need in order to be successful.    

Smith - As a member of the Birmingham Board of Education I am a representative of the community.  I'm elected by the community so I am a representative of said community.  My role as a member of the Board is simply to be a mediator between the Board and my community.  That said, I pledge to do three things: advocate, communicate, and be transparent.  Advocacy and communication go hand in hand.  Through regular communication and listening sessions, I will fight for the needs of teachers and parents. Additionally, I want our community to look at the board through a clear lens, so I will do my best to be as transparent as possible.

Womack - I see myself as the representative of my community as they are responsible for who is placed on the school board. I believe that when people elect you to represent them, a great deal of responsibility is included. The community is a part of the school system. They work best together.

Patricia Bozeman-Henderson (no response)