In an attempt to attract more Black teachers to the classroom on the assumption that Blacks students learn more when taught by their own, Mississippi, Massachusetts and New Jersey have adjusted the cut scores for obtaining a license (“Public Schools Are Struggling to Retain Black Teachers. These Ex-Teachers Explain Why,” Time, Jan. 5). I say that is the wrong move.
I don’t doubt that some Black students learn more when they have Black teachers than when they have white teachers, but that doesn’t mean much. They still may be getting a sub-par education if their teachers of any race can’t pass the state licensing exam. Moreover, Black teachers granted licenses will wonder if they really deserved their place in the classroom.
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