African American boys have the highest drop out rate in the nation. From the lack of resources in the community to the disconnect in the classroom, it is an increasingly difficult challenge as a teacher to remain asset-minded and identify the advantages that our students, specifically our boys, do have. Take a few minutes this week to read this fantastic article from NEA on educating boys for success.
 
The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

We all know as educators that we need to diversify the curriculum that is given to us. But it is a different story when students are able to see there is a need for change in our education system. 
 
Click on the link below for a great blog post from a 9th grade student who gives us insight on why its important to diversify our curriculum.

https://bit.ly/2oM8Tjw
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We want to believe that someone is teaching our children how to communicate effectively. How to make informed decisions – and set goals. But who?The truth is, if young people don’t learn life skills in school, they may not learn them at all. And, we know that you have limited time to teach students these important skills. Overcoming Obstacles’ curriculum was developed to be flexible enough to fit into everything from core content classes and advisory periods, to after school and summer programs, to morning meetings. 
 
Check out their website to get a free copy of their curriculum.
https://www.overcomingobstacles.org/curriculum/
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