tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post2546515662610434165..comments2024-03-28T23:48:08.527-05:00Comments on Jackson Jambalaya: Here we go again: JPS edition. Kingfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06184990110961727404noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-74064953446117024602016-05-06T10:11:42.498-05:002016-05-06T10:11:42.498-05:00People may be poor. People may be forced to live ...People may be poor. People may be forced to live in Jackson. Being poor is not a good career choice and living in Jackson is not a good choice. If the people in Jackson are good people why is the crime rate so high? Why do the kids carry guns to school? Why do they elect crooks?<br />There is a difference in being poor and being trash. People in Jackson are not forced to commit crimes, they choose to commit crimes. They even want to be allowed to go out of Jackson to other cities, commit crimes, and be free to run to Jackson for shelter.<br />Being poor has nothing to do with it. There are plenty of poor people in other cities. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-27253069557046031232016-05-05T15:56:36.968-05:002016-05-05T15:56:36.968-05:00@1:35
Some happen to like jackson and want to li...@1:35 <br /><br />Some happen to like jackson and want to live here. Others may want to move but they can't afford a 2,000 square foot house in Madison and Brandon because they don't have access to job/career that pays a living wage. This results from a lack of a quality education due to the concentration of poverty in Jackson. Poor people have to live where they can afford. So long as the other bedroom communities in the metro area keep zoning out affordable housing for poor people, where can they go? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-44636604723497176552016-05-05T13:35:14.690-05:002016-05-05T13:35:14.690-05:00Most poor and minority folks are honest, decent, h...<i>Most poor and minority folks are honest, decent, hard working people who have a right to have their government work for, not against, them.</i><br /><br />Then why do so many of the honest, decent, hard working poor and "minorities" remain in Jackson?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-1905421032102602532016-05-05T13:07:59.294-05:002016-05-05T13:07:59.294-05:00I have never understood the "poor shaming&quo...I have never understood the "poor shaming" that I see from many here in MS. The assumption is that if a person is poor, they must not work or are lazy. It's like the concept of "working poor" was never understood by the citizenry here. Simply working a low skilled, low wage job does not lift poor people out of poverty, and saving on poverty wages is impossible. Just where exactly are poor people supposed to live, get educated and thrive if they do not have access to safe, affordable housing, good schools, stable infrastructure, and quality health care? <br /><br />Also, it is as if everyone who is not poor are hard working, industrious "angels" who have the right to hoard tax dollars and therefore government services and supports from the poor. When private businesses benefit from government supports (tax credits, government contracts, etc.), the government is lauded for "smart investment" and "forward thinking". Yet, when the government wants to do the same for poor people to help them rise out of poverty, all of the sudden that same government is "inefficient" and "wasteful". This thinking is shaded by notions of "deservedness" that are characterized by classism and racism. The issue isn't government support for citizens, it is government support for "certain" citizens. <br /><br />If nothing else, how does this thinking help MS rise from the bottom of most social and economic indices? Without social mobility for a wider sector of Mississippians, MS will continue to be "Mississippi". Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-64555002722094833442016-05-05T11:51:48.616-05:002016-05-05T11:51:48.616-05:00The covenants and codes do not block anyone from l...The covenants and codes do not block anyone from living in or building. The amount of cash does that. Anyone who will abide by the covenants and codes can live there. Might be a good idea to get a job before blaming the cities.<br />Take a look at the apartments in Jackson. Why would any city want such as that in their city? Cities want hard working, tax paying, law abiding people. Why would they want to bring in people who are not any of these?<br />You seem to have some idea the working people owe those who do not work a place to live anywhere they choose. Get a job, save your money, then buy or rent where you can afford. It isn't the job of the govt. and the taxpayers to pay for your wants. They already pay too much.<br />The hard working people who pay taxes have a right to what they work so hard to get. Their govt. should not be abler to take it away and give it to those who do not or will not work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-1498734756140566072016-05-05T11:29:37.973-05:002016-05-05T11:29:37.973-05:00@ 10:05,
Are you assuming, then, that the Ridgel...@ 10:05, <br /><br />Are you assuming, then, that the Ridgeland zoning moves are justified? Why would you move to zone out apartments? What about the covenants and codes in Madison and Brandon that limit the size of new construction family dwellings (that effectively block any poor people from living in and benefitting from the city)? While there are bad seeds everywhere, why move to eliminate apartments or affordable housing for everyone, whether they are disciplined, industrious, or diligent or not? That is the unreasonable, indefensible racism at play here. Most poor and minority folks are honest, decent, hard working people who have a right to have their government work for, not against, them. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-62761156598626499722016-05-05T10:05:51.235-05:002016-05-05T10:05:51.235-05:008:59,
Of course with that right comes the responsi...8:59,<br />Of course with that right comes the responsibility of discipline, diligence, and industry.<br /><br />That is the part I like. For some reason that is usually the part that is missing. <br /><br />All people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness but that does not mean people have to give it to people who will not work for it. It isn't my job to work hard for a better life then have to give part of my wealth to those who will not work at all.<br />If you want something, work for it. Do not expect others to give what they have worked for just so you will not yell racist.<br /><br />Spend even half of the time working as you do demanding others give to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-50876663952157705072016-05-05T08:59:49.740-05:002016-05-05T08:59:49.740-05:00@May 4 10:12,
Wow, I wonder if you really understa...@May 4 10:12,<br />Wow, I wonder if you really understand what racism is about. To assume that its OK to stereotype a whole group of people based on an unfounded fear and ignorance of facts is not rational and then to complain about people being called on that fear and ignorance is really just sad.<br /><br />All people , based on the ideals hat this country was founded upon, have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Of course with that right comes the responsibility of discipline, diligence, and industry. But, I ask, does it cut both ways? IF want to harbor racist feelings, own up to them and be what you are. Don't cower when people call you on your ignorance. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-26570401745968377102016-05-04T10:12:41.210-05:002016-05-04T10:12:41.210-05:006:37, you should know by now that the person in qu...6:37, you should know by now that the person in question is one that does not have to integrate or really do anything except complain. If you do not agree with that you will be called a racist and that will end the conversation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-495228758320477512016-05-03T18:37:40.953-05:002016-05-03T18:37:40.953-05:00What have you done 5:26 to integrate your space?What have you done 5:26 to integrate your space?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-65716625496012007302016-05-03T17:26:08.259-05:002016-05-03T17:26:08.259-05:00@5:02
So, can the people in Ridgeland living in t...@5:02<br /><br />So, can the people in Ridgeland living in the apartments that are being zoned out by the mayor and the city council get a good education at the schools in Ridgeland? Also, why is the city trying to zone them out, is it because they are trying to sell dope to put rims on a piece of junk? Have you actually even talked to any one in those situations and are trying to make it? Not all poor black folks deal drugs to buy rims. This is exactly why we need more integrated spaces, to dispel sad stereotypes people erroneously hold about "the other".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-13377687479082164962016-05-03T17:02:55.443-05:002016-05-03T17:02:55.443-05:003:54, one sure way to better themselves would be t...3:54, one sure way to better themselves would be to get an education no matter where they live. For many their American Dream is to sell enough dope to buy a shiny set of wheels to put on some piece of junk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-41227602265751385002016-05-03T15:54:34.297-05:002016-05-03T15:54:34.297-05:00@2:08
Maybe because poor and minority people want ...@2:08<br />Maybe because poor and minority people want to better themselves too? They want a piece of the "American Dream" and realize that a good education will help in that regard? Perhaps, as in Ridgeland's case, is not a question of attracting them, but serving them as citizens and constituents who already live there!?!?!?!?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-32963244491552978912016-05-03T14:08:32.842-05:002016-05-03T14:08:32.842-05:008:50, please remind me again why any city would wa...8:50, please remind me again why any city would want to attract the type of student or the type of family you are talking about?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-88149044204144282452016-05-03T12:24:01.292-05:002016-05-03T12:24:01.292-05:00@11:48
Right, because the professionals in Madis...@11:48 <br /><br />Right, because the professionals in Madison and Ridgeland are also very good at what they do, zoning out apartments within the city and being "attendance zone Nazi's", arresting parents who students attend the schools there out of zone. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it? These are just real good educational and academic interventions that address the students' weaknesses and tend to them with precision, accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency. What pedagogical or ed leadership texts or research support these interventions? (sarcasm)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-24128879722955445492016-05-03T12:06:41.097-05:002016-05-03T12:06:41.097-05:00Before we start teaching kids art appreciation we ...Before we start teaching kids art appreciation we should at least teach then to spell art. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-42322824114495516342016-05-03T11:48:49.143-05:002016-05-03T11:48:49.143-05:00Yes, by all means, let's leave it up to the pr...Yes, by all means, let's leave it up to the professionals inside of JPS. Their outstanding record of documented success is a clear demonstration that they know what they are doing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-64855625833729726112016-05-03T10:54:07.154-05:002016-05-03T10:54:07.154-05:00Kids learn how to read when they read things that ...Kids learn how to read when they read things that interest them. Rudiments work well for first time readers who pick it up easily. But for those who struggle, get behind, then find them selves reading grade levels below where they should, if all they did was those same elementary rudiments, then they get bored, embarrassed, and un-engaged. They need to pick up the needed reading skills as they participate in activities and engage in content that interests them, mainly arts and contemporary subject matters (creative non-fiction, poetry, music, real world problem solving, current events, etc.)<br /><br />Your thinking is what keeps MS last on these educational indicators. For you, learning for the at-risk student becomes more of a punishment than a tool for empowerment. If a student doesn't get it the first time, the first way, then something is wrong with them and they don't need (or "deserve") to engage in educational or academic pursuits that interest them or they enjoy. Besides, time on task on ineffective methods doesn't help any student, much less at-risk students. Lets try something new, relative, and effective for change.<br />Besides, I wonder if those lovely students in Madison or Biloxi just sit and do math and reading drills all day-everyday? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-16341669034959519252016-05-03T10:37:10.929-05:002016-05-03T10:37:10.929-05:00Kids at a first grade reading level first need to ...Kids at a first grade reading level first need to learn how to read. Period. Of course arts should be a part of education. However, you are criticizing schools for spending too much time on reading when the kids they kid don't really know how to read. I love it. Kingfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184990110961727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-74497908155841938802016-05-03T10:31:50.198-05:002016-05-03T10:31:50.198-05:00@Kingfish,
So, you think that drilling and killi...@Kingfish, <br /><br />So, you think that drilling and killing poor black young kids (who populate most charter schools) on reading and math rudiments only (no arts integration, science integration, social studies application, etc.) without any real world connection and content is the best way to engage these at-risk kids? And you think you understand enough about education to dog Gray about his critiques and complaints about the unnecessary and truly crippling budget cuts? No wonder Mississippi has really struggled to solve its educational challenges over the years, too many non-educators assume they know more about education than trained educators. SMH!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-79747001989410068442016-05-03T10:19:42.439-05:002016-05-03T10:19:42.439-05:00Ignore him. He is the guy who says charter schools...Ignore him. He is the guy who says charter schools spend too much time on reading and math. Kingfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184990110961727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-68293658915532014992016-05-03T10:17:20.276-05:002016-05-03T10:17:20.276-05:009:23 AM conveniently ignores the notion of Class t...9:23 AM conveniently ignores the notion of Class that 8:50 am mentions every time the idea of segregation was discussed. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-87463257160274331042016-05-03T09:23:26.334-05:002016-05-03T09:23:26.334-05:008:50 AM conveniently avoids noting that Jackson...8:50 AM conveniently avoids noting that Jackson's black middle class has been storming the city exits for more than a decade now. There is nothing in Jackson to integrate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-53545305125004149792016-05-03T08:50:26.178-05:002016-05-03T08:50:26.178-05:00The Money JPS spends per pupil is the cost of conc...The Money JPS spends per pupil is the cost of concentrated poverty. When most (nearly all) of the students in the district qualify for free or reduced lunch (around 85%), that indicates children in poverty who will need extra services, interventions, and supports to be ready to learn. Public schooling is not a business; children are not interchangeable like car parts or wood for furniture making. Each child is different, unique, and present individual challenges that need individuated interventions. <br /><br />Suburban districts don't "get it done with less" in as much as they don't deal with the challenges of a district like JPS. Why do you think Ridgeland is getting sued by HUD? Because they got caught doing what most suburban districts understand and do to keep costs lower and accountability grades higher, they simply push out or keep out as many poor/minority students as they possibly can. This isn't about "building a better mousetrap", but more about simple classist/racist segregation, plain and simple. <br /><br />Until true class/racial integration takes place in Jackson, Dr,. Gray has every right to complain about every cent that the district misses out on due to "budget cuts" that simply go to fund tax cuts for corporations. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447438783001404385.post-55979143593473011462016-05-02T22:57:42.113-05:002016-05-02T22:57:42.113-05:00"The issue you were certainly implying was th..."The issue you were certainly implying was that the students - you know, those who we are supposedly spending all these tax dollars to benefit - were spending one month in standardized testing. As it is, there is no more today than there was three decades ago. "<br />What I know is that two different teachers have described the same problem to me. One is my own daughter who teaches in Colorado. The other has been a friend for 25 years and is a very honest person and not given to exaggeration. I did not understand all the whys and wherefores that are causing this but it seems to be two things. First there is more standardize testing being done than we we were in school. I think we all know this is true. Second is that they are going to great extremes to prevent cheating. Such as - today is the makeup day for XYZ test and we have to put the kids who have already taken the test in class rooms and leave them there all day and so they cannot go to their regular classes, etc, etc. Again, I cannot give you the blow by blow, but this guy is completely honest. <br />It sounded like the administrators are really dumb. My brain says - OK make up at least six or eight different versions of the test so that the entire school is not stopped for testing. They are so worried about keeping different groups of students separated from other groups that no one can go to class. Bottom line is somebody gets paid to design and administer effective tests, prevent cheating, and cause a minimal loss of class time. And they are doing a very poor job of it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com