Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline | Benjamin Williams | TEDxFoggyBottom

Summary

Benjamin Williams, PhD, principal of Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, shares his own challenging childhood and the school's mission to empower young men of color. Despite initial struggles and ACLU opposition, the school focuses on restorative justice and fostering a culture of high expectations. Williams emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic issues like the school-to-prison pipeline and unequal education funding, urging listeners to take action for change.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The principal emphasizes the importance of a school's response to students' needs and experiences.
• 👶 The principal shares a personal story of hardship, including abuse and family tragedy, to connect with students' struggles.
• 🏫 He is the principal of Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, aiming to empower young men of color.
• 👨‍👦 He is a guardian and role model to several young people, showing his commitment to their growth and development.
• 📈 The school was created to address the educational disparities faced by young men of color, with low literacy and graduation rates.
• 🚫 The principal faced opposition from the ACLU for opening a single-sex public high school, but persevered with the mission.
• 🌟 The school's culture is built on restorative justice, advocacy, ownership, self-belief, voice, and social change.
• 🤝 The principal believes in the importance of community and collaboration, especially in resolving conflicts.
• 🎙️ The school was featured by NPR, highlighting both struggles and successes in its approach to education.
• 🎉 The school celebrates individual students' achievements and uses restorative circles for difficult conversations about their future.
• 🔄 The principal concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to keep moving forward and make a positive impact.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker is Benjamin Williams, PhD, the principal of Ron Brown College Preparatory High School.

What is the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) score of the speaker?

The speaker's ACE score is a solid 10 out of 10.

What is the primary goal of Ron Brown College Preparatory High School?

The primary goal of the school is to empower young men of color and change the educational landscape of Washington DC.

What were the statistics for young men of color in Washington DC before the school was opened?

Before the school was opened, 19% of young men of color were reading on grade level, 48% would graduate high school within four years, and only 16% of those who left for four-year institutions would graduate within five years.

What was the ACLU's stance on the opening of Ron Brown College Preparatory High School?

The ACLU campaigned vigorously against the opening of the single-sex public high school, stating it was discriminatory and biased.

What is the school's approach to discipline and student behavior?

The school's approach is grounded in restorative justice, advocacy, ownership, self-belief, voice, and social change, rather than punitive measures.

How did the school handle conflicts among students?

The school used 'circles' where students could have open and authentic conversations, hold each other accountable, and work towards solutions together.

What was the impact of NPR's coverage on the school's first year?

NPR reporters followed the school daily, capturing both struggles and successes, which provided an authentic look at the school's first year.

What was the significance of the circle involving Jay?

The circle involving Jay was significant because it was an authentic conversation about his future, where he asked for help to graduate high school.

What is the speaker's message about the role of adults in educating young men of color?

The speaker emphasizes that it is the responsibility of adults to educate and provide skills for young men of color to become productive citizens, rather than perpetuating their criminalization.

How does the speaker conclude his speech?

The speaker concludes his speech by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., encouraging everyone to keep moving forward no matter the challenges.