We must work together to make a difference.

Despite the progress during the past few decades, racism and prejudice are still ugly realities in all sectors of life in the United States, including education.

Today, racism maybe less noticeable than in the past, but its effects can still greatly harm minority students. In fact, yet, cunning forms of racism may be even more harmful to young people than more blatant forms.

Prejudice against the poor, unfair treatment of whatever race or ethnicity, is another force that works against the academic achievement of disadvantaged students.

Teachers must resist the temptation to attribute student failure to lack of ability.

Failure to learn can stem from many other causes, such as inadequate prior knowledge, insufficient effort or motivation, the right learning strategy, inappropriate teaching (proper teacher certification) and classroom management.

Teachers are not the only ones who need to examine their expectations for students, however.

Administrators who decide what courses their schools offer should ask themselves whether they are providing too few challenging courses, enough resources and much more needed stability in the school system; also (Teacher Retention). And counselors must consider whether they are steering students into undemanding courses because students are poor, minority or female just to get them out of school before they dropout.

The high expectation that all students can achieve at high levels, under the right circumstances, should be the guiding principle of every school.

Wow, Louisiana.

Until the state starts reacting to the needs in education the way it is treating the missed call between the Saints and the Rams, with letters and at least one lawsuit from Baton Rouge to D.C. with Congressman Richmond asking the Commissioner to come to D.C. to testify.

Richmond’s office sent a statement about the feeling caused by the unfair penalty.

We have been disappointed for years with the changes in the education in our state. The Saints maybe left with the memory of officials who failed to create an equal playing field and deprive them of that opportunity. Just like officials should not have the ability to determine the fate of a team who rightfully earned their place in NFL championship history.

Richmond’s reference to Rule 17, Section 2. Article 1 of the league’s rule book: Sole authority to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective measures.

Don’t get me wrong, I support the Saints.

Our children deserve as much and more in-depth attention on every level.

The Constitutional right to education is long overdue, the Feds look in as “Watchdogs,” we must demand that education in this state get the same kind of concern from our Representative of District 2 in D.C.

Check it Out — Citizenship in the Fourteenth Amendment says we, as citizens, are guaranteed rights, education is a right.

Just like laws are there for sports (football), laws for education should be equally fair and just.

The legacy of Dr. King is based in part on Service. On (Jan. 21) all we heard was about the disservice to the football players, it is past time to do something about the disservice of education in St. John and every other Parish that sees the need of reforms on the reforms.

Stop saying everyone is involved with the changes, “Just Show It”.

— Carolyn Batiste, LaPlace