Controversy Surrounding 'Woke Kindergarten' Training Program at San Francisco Bay-area Elementary School
By Gabriel Rivera
Published February 4, 2024
An elementary school in the San Francisco Bay area, Glassbrook Elementary, has been embroiled in controversy after hiring a for-profit company called 'Woke Kindergarten' to train its teachers. The school, which spent $250,000 in federal funds on this program, aimed to improve test scores but reportedly saw a decline in math and reading proficiency over the last two years.
Decline in Academic Performance
According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, the students at Glassbrook Elementary in Hayward, California, have experienced a 4% drop in both math and reading proficiency, with less than 12% reading at their grade level and less than 4% demonstrating proficiency in math. These statistics place the school among the lowest-performing in the state.
School's Rationale and Superintendent's Response
Jason Reimann, the Superintendent of Hayward Unified School District, defended the decision to hire 'Woke Kindergarten,' emphasizing that the move was aimed at improving attendance rather than solely focusing on test scores. He stated that the program's emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive environment for students was integral to academic achievement and has resulted in a significant increase in attendance.
Controversial Training Content
The 'Woke Kindergarten' training has sparked controversy due to its focus on abolitionist early education and pro-black and queer and trans liberation. The program's use of 'Woke' words of the day and discussions around challenging the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, abolishing police, money, and the military have raised concerns among some teachers at Glassbrook Elementary.
Teacher Concerns and Allegations
Several teachers at the school have expressed reservations about the 'Woke Kindergarten' training. One teacher, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted that the funds could have been utilized to hire a reading interventionist to address low reading scores. Additionally, there have been allegations that dissenting voices were not welcomed during the training sessions, leading to an environment where certain viewpoints were discouraged.
Impact on Classroom Dynamics
Tiger Craven-Neeley, a teacher at Glassbrook Elementary, shared his experience of being instructed to 'disrupt Whiteness' in the classroom as part of the 'Woke Kindergarten' training. He expressed confusion and sought clarification on the implications of such directives, highlighting that his inquiries led to him being temporarily banned from the training sessions. Furthermore, there were reports of a trainer referring to the 'so-called United States' during a session, adding to the contentious nature of the program.
Lack of Comment and Response
Despite the concerns raised, the school district did not immediately respond to requests for comments, and an email to 'Woke Kindergarten' received an automatic reply stating that the founder was recovering from surgery.
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