Background Information
Glassbrook Elementary School in Hayward, California, used $250,000 in federal funds to hire a for-profit company called “Woke Kindergarten” for teacher training.
The intention behind the funding was to improve test scores for low-performing schools.
Academic Performance Decline
Despite the investment, there has been a reported 4% drop in both math and reading scores over the last two years at Glassbrook Elementary.
Less than 12% of students are reading at their grade level, and fewer than 4% are proficient in math.
Reasons Behind Hiring “Woke Kindergarten”
The decision to hire “Woke Kindergarten” was supported by parents and teachers, approved by the board, and justified by the district superintendent, Jason Reimann.
Superintendent Reimann framed the hiring as a measure to boost attendance rather than focusing solely on improving test scores. Attendance reportedly increased by almost 20%.
Woke Kindergarten” Approach
Woke Kindergarten” identifies itself as supporting abolitionist early education, pro-black and queer and trans liberation.
The organization promotes “Woke” words of the day and “Woke Wonderings,” addressing topics like challenging the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and advocating for the abolition of the police, money, and the military.
Teacher Dissatisfaction
Some teachers at Glassbrook Elementary express dissatisfaction with the “Woke Kindergarten” program, suggesting that funds could have been better utilized for a reading interventionist.
An anonymous teacher claims dissenting voices were not welcomed during the training sessions.
Concerns Raised by Teachers
Tiger Craven-Neeley, a teacher at the school, reported being instructed by “Woke Kindergarten” trainers to focus on “disrupting Whiteness” in the classroom. This led to confusion about its implications for a third-grade classroom.
Craven-Neeley mentioned being temporarily banned from training sessions after seeking clarifications.
Overall, some teachers at Glassbrook Elementary are expressing concern that the focus on “Woke Kindergarten” has not produced positive academic results, and there are worries about the direction and impact of the training on students’ education.