Black America's real albatross: the schooling gap: ... a cautionary yet encouraging tale.(student behavior and academic performance)

One of last year's true academic heroes is Scott Phelps, a science teacher at John Muir High School in Pasadena, California. He wrote what is now referred to as "The Letter." In it, he stated frankly that the students with the poorest academic performance at his racially mixed school--as well as most of those who are unruly and undisciplined--are black. (Evidence from studies demonstrates that this is a national problem, not one limited to Muir High; see BIRD'S EYE, pages 4-7.)

Initially, Phelps disseminated his letter in an Internet chat room devoted to criticism of the school administration. Afterward, he distributed copies to colleagues. Predictably, there were complaints. Then he was placed on administrative leave.

"I notice that our African-American students score right around the 30th percentile" said Phelps after his dismissal. "Our white kids score near the 70th percentile. Now am I a racist because I notice this, and have the audacity to also notice the vastly different behaviors of these two groups?"

School district spokesman Erik Nasarenko warned that "the school district will ... make a determination to what other action might be necessary, or whether Mr. Phelps should return to the classroom." The writing was on the blackboard. Or so it appeared.

For forthrightly describing the elephant in the living room--which most people in public life simply pretend isn't there--Phelps seemed likely to become another victim of the usual dreary scenario of political correctness. But then his story took an unusual turn. After two weeks of suspension, he was allowed to return to the classroom.

Unexpectedly, his letter unleashed some strong sympathy in the local black community. Of course, there were the usual charges of racism. But there was also much reflection and soul searching. Many black parents accepted the truth of his charges, and asserted that they needed to take more responsibility for the conduct of their children.

Phelps acknowledged in his letter that there are black students at his school who are well-behaved. Then he weighed in on those who are not. "The students whose behavior makes the hallways deafening, who yell out for the teacher and demand immediate attention in class, who cannot seem to stop chatting and are fascinated by each other and relationships but not with academics ... are African American. Eventually, someone in power will have to have the courage to say this publicly."