Kill Them Before They Grow. Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms

Customer Reviews

a quick read that needs to be read

2008-01-07
First of all, as an educator of future educators of black boys, I loved the fact that this was a quick read. We have to be so careful of the labels we allow to be placed on children because they may accept them. Michael Porter is not afraid to expose what he has witnessed and offer practical solutions.If you are not afraid of truth, you have to read this eyeopener. Porter wrote that whether our boys become productive, prosperous, non criminalized men is a litmus test for public education.His experiences as a teacher of behavior disordered children made him answer no to the preceding question.

Excellent service

2007-10-20
Service was quick and it arrived before the projected date. The book was in great condition-like new.

A Must Read For All Educators And Parents!

2007-09-06
This book, along with Jawanzaa Kunjufu's books, is a must read for all educators. If you want to make a positive change in the lives of African American males, it is important to understand the "powers" that are in place that hinders the growth of not just our African American boys, but all of our children, because without the positive influences/gifts of these young boys, everyone will suffer.

TRUTH

2007-08-12
As an educator, I can whole-heartedly agree! Thank you for putting this into print. PLease seek 60 Minute & 20/20 for an audience. Give them the direction to investigate & and PLEASE follow through! I am buying this book & referring it to all of my co-workers. Ouch!

Thank you for enlighening me

2007-06-09
This book is very informative about our african american boys and men. I'm a single parent with a 17yr old (son), and have gone through half of the problems that is going on in the school system. advicing my son that he needs medication for his behavior program, through the special education program etc. It is something that every african american parent should pick up and read.

Blessings

Kill Them Before They Grow: The Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in America's Classrooms

2007-02-15

Examining how African American males end up in dead-end classes, this book explores what must be done to change this trend, asking such questions as What happens to these boys in special education? and How can educators and communities reduce the number of African American boys receiving Ritalin and ultimately dropping out?

Thanks you - Mr. Porter for putting in plain text the Truth

2006-11-19
It sometimes appears hopeless, that people will view the truth for what it is and not be hampered or biased based on what side of the fence one finds himself/herself on (be it racial or social economic). As I read Porter's book, I found myself and my own personal experience within the American Public School system. I can only thank Mr. Porter for daring to put into text such an ugly truth that really needs to be addressed, diagnosed and dealt with by all (especially those who are victimized by that truth).

Kill them before They Grow

2006-07-15
The book was right on, regarding the school systems and the teachers that work in it.

Powerfully Enlightning!

2000-11-13
Where do I begin......this book has been extremely informative. Specifically in regards to the "public" school system. I am a 31 year old single parent of an 11 year old boy. Recently I have been dealing with various issues within the public school system. It alarms me to know that the experiments to "distruction" of our black children still goes on. Moreso, how we continue to allow are children to be "test cases". We can no longer turn a "blinds eye" to our African American children (specifically boys) any longer. This book has encouraged me to continue to be a "visible" advocate for my son as well as other African American boys. It has compelled me to become more pro-active in my childs education. It is imperative that we as African Americans put an end to this "Progressive Genocide" in the school system. We can no longer afford to be complacent! I pray that you recieve the message this book has to offer. It is time we "Rose" to the occassion!

Unpleasant Truths

2000-02-01
After working more than seven years as a child and family counselor, and, later, five years as an Emotional Behavior Disorders Teacher in a public middle school, I reached certain startling conclusions: A diabolical marriage has taken place between America's educational system and pharmaceutical companies. Schools are rapidly becoming laboratories for the dispensing of psychostimulants and the students are the guinea pigs of choice. And, as always, African Americans and the poor comprise the greatest number of victims. Further complicating matters is the zero value placed on African American boys. African American and Latino boys are the most feared and despised student populations in America. This ugly reality leads to the parents of these boys being conned ( Chap. 2 The Conning of African American Parents) by school employees into targeting, testing, labeling, and medicating their children. Avenues and methods other than labeling and medicating are very seldom sought or employed. The toxic effects of a Eurocentric curriculum on nonwhite minds is ignored by educational professionals, medical professionals, and politicians (Chap. 6 A Curriculum of Genocide). Also, there is much apprehension in examining the relationship between African American boys and White female teachers (Chap. 5). Kill Them Before They Grow takes a hard look at how educational policies (Chap. 1 Public Law 94-142 and the Creation of Black Monsters) can be misused; and how misuse can spiral out of control. Child-victims cannot speak for themselves. African American boys, more than any other child, need caring adults to expose and discuss an ugly reality that, in one way or another, effects everyone.