Author: Nelson Coulter
Dr. Pedro Noguera has coined the phrase “Probecito Syndrome” to describe the view of many toward children raised in non-privileged environments. Loosely translated, it means “poor baby” syndrome. It is the assumed inability of those children to achieve academically, based on the environments in which they were raised. Former President George W. Bush also spoke of this viewpoint as “the soft bigotry of low expectations.”
Noguera, Dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, has researched and written extensively over the last 20 years about issues of educational equity (and inequity) as they apply to children raised in non-privileged environments. He chronicles well the pervasive low-expectation worldview that predominates in all but the rarest of communities.
Yet, a group of rural schools in Texas are aggressively challenging the Probecito mindset, by adopting and deploying the P20 Model, supported by Collegiate Edu-Nation(CEN). The leaders in these schools are boldly asserting that ALLchildren, even those from non-privileged environments, possess the needed intellect and proclivities to prosper in a rigorous educational experience. And, to successfully compete thereafter in the global work environment. These progressive leaders and school communities have learned that, provided the right support systems and educational guidance, ALL students can, in fact, learn and prosper.
High Aspirations and High Expectationsare the watchwords of schools in the CEN universe.
To what effect?
Better futures for those students.
Better futures for the current and future families of those very students.
Better futures for the rural communities from which those students come.
Better futures for the state/nation/world those students will eventually become.
*If you’d like to read more of nc’s blatherings, go to www.nelsonwcoulter.com
Comments 2
I agree, “Probecito Syndrome” is in fact an assumed inability that I did not know the name of. It is applied to those born into certain environments AND also those with certain last names in our small Texas towns. One of the exciting things about the P20 model is that it has been in place long enough for the fruits to be seen. I wonder what emphasis those first graduates will place on education for their own children? Will they be the second generation to succeed in the P20 model and continue to break the cycle of poverty? I think so, and it will be exciting to watch!
Here, here, Rhonda. I completely agree with you. And, it won’t just be exciting to watch; it’ll also be exciting to experience and be a part of!