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

michael porter

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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?

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 1,1998

This edition

Format
96 pages, Paperback
Published
March 1, 1998 by African American Images
ISBN
9780913543542
ASIN
0913543543
Language
English

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About the author

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michael porter

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Rating(3.6 / 5.0, 8 votes)
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8 reviews All reviews
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TheHentaiKing
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I can't believe I actually read this book in its entirety.

However, I was compelled to finish it because the author is so outlandish.

I feel this author is a racist and only wants to blame others, instead of offering rational solutions to the problem.

The few solutions he did provide would only perpetuate segregation in our country.

The last chapter of the book did offer a few key pieces of advice to parents that as an educator myself do support.

They include: visiting the school your child attends, making sure homework is completed daily, cutting back on television, talking with your child about respect, sex, drugs, etc., and teaching them about money.

All key pieces of advice to parents when raising ANY child (not just African American).

It is important to note that while some of the advice in the last chapter may be useful, the overall tone and message of the book are highly concerning.

Racism and blaming others are not acceptable ways to address social issues.

We need to look for more inclusive and collaborative solutions that bring people together rather than driving them apart.

As an educator, I will continue to work towards promoting equality and respect in the classroom and beyond.
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arionwolff
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I've read reviews discussing whether this book leans more towards being opinion-based rather than factual. However, regardless of whether the information is supported by empirical studies or not, it represents an unfortunate truth for numerous African American boys within the education system.

Porter has brought to light many crucial issues related to the U.S. education system and its part in systemic racism and segregation within schools. He also refers to the different kinds of white female teachers (in a Behavior Disorder classroom context) that impede the academic progress of African American boys.

Many individuals might believe that teachers truly desire to assist, and that could be the case in specific situations. Nevertheless, a white person cannot and will never be able to teach a black person about their own hardships and experiences. Having said that, Porter stresses the necessity for African American teachers who can not only assist white teachers in educating young black students but also hold these positions themselves. It is of great significance for children to be taught by someone they can identify with.

The overall conclusion I drew from this book is that the misdiagnoses of African American boys in school settings have been employed to hinder their social mobility, including their access to equal education.
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bergars
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Though I initially thought that this book could have been more firmly rooted in facts rather than being overly opinion based, I must admit that it was still a highly helpful book and a relatively quick read!

The author has managed to present a plethora of great ideas within its pages. These ideas really made me stop and think, leaving me with a great deal to ponder and consider.

Moreover, this book serves as an excellent starting point for anyone who is engaged in research or is attempting to create their own African centered curriculum and/or school. It provides valuable insights and perspectives that can guide and inspire those on this particular educational journey.

Overall, despite its minor drawback in terms of the balance between facts and opinions, I would still recommend this book to anyone with an interest in African centered education or related fields.
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gubbl3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Very good points were made in the discussion. However, it must be noted that some of the points were really extreme. I can understand the frustration that exists regarding the school systems for African Americans. Growing up in an urban area where public schools are often regarded as the worst possible place for people of color, this book truly hits home on a great many themes that I myself have witnessed. I do agree with some of the author's points on how to improve the educational experience for African American students. In particular, the idea of teaching history about our people from the mother land before the era of slavery was introduced is a very important one. It is essential that students have a comprehensive understanding of their roots and heritage in order to develop a strong sense of identity and pride. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on their academic performance and overall well-being.

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superdivinidad
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I really wanted to have a favorable impression of this book. I do concur with a significant number of Porter's fundamental arguments. For instance, it is an undeniable fact that African - American boys are frequently and disproportionately labeled as having "ADHD" or are simply anticipated to fail.

However, I was left disappointed by Porter's choice of rhetoric. Referring to Special Ed teachers and white middle-class female teachers as "vampires" and "assassins" who "suck the life blood" out of African - American boys is rather extreme. This is partly because I wished he would have dedicated more time to elaborating on why he holds such views. I am truly curious about how his own experiences as an educator have led him to arrive at these conclusions. Additionally, I felt that some of his assertions were just careless and offensive. Such as the statement "White people, as a whole, have a fondness for drugs...."

Admittedly, I am not the intended audience for Porter's book. It was extremely challenging to separate my personal identity, as one of the white female middle-class educators that he vilifies, from my professional analysis of his work. But in the end, I firmly believe that there are far superior books out there that strive to offer criticism, stimulate thought and conversation, and present concrete steps that educators can take to enhance the way we challenge and engage all children.
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Nil_uwu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The author is clearly and definitely personally invested in this topic. It is evident that they have a deep connection and understanding of the subject matter.

Moreover, the author presents some arguments that simply cannot be ignored. These arguments are thought-provoking and offer valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by parents of sons of African descent who are raising them in the US.

This article is a must-read for such parents. It provides them with a platform to reflect on their own parenting strategies and offers suggestions and perspectives that can help them navigate the complex and often difficult terrain of raising African American sons in a society that still grapples with issues of race and inequality.

By reading this article, parents can gain a better understanding of the unique pressures and expectations that their sons may face and can take steps to ensure that they are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed and thrive.
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wiww
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July 15,2025
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Great information for parents as we try to navigate this public school system.


In today's complex educational landscape, it is crucial for parents to have access to valuable and relevant information.


The public school system can often seem overwhelming, with its various policies, procedures, and educational requirements.


This article aims to provide parents with the necessary knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions about their children's education.


From understanding the curriculum and assessment methods to knowing how to communicate effectively with teachers and school administrators, parents will find a wealth of useful tips and advice here.


By arming themselves with this information, parents can better support their children's learning and development, and ensure that they have a positive and fulfilling educational experience.


Whether you are a new parent or have been through the public school system before, this article is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of public education.

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abdul_funny
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July 15,2025
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The question that I have always had regarding the desegregation of the school system is as follows. Why would Blacks entrust the future of their nation and the most vulnerable segment of their race into the hands and under the care of their supposed enemy? Their actions seemed equivalent to enrolling their children in a daycare run by a convicted pedophile and child murderer. Did they truly believe that racist White people would encourage Black children to pursue any career other than that of janitors, maids, butlers, or laundry workers? Surely, they couldn't have believed that racist Whites would encourage their children to become physicians, attorneys, surgeons, scientists, or business owners, etc. Those racist White teachers made it certain that Black students knew they were nothing more than a derogatory byword.

YES, the school should have remained segregated. The onus of the Black schools should have been on the Black community. Our children would have received proper discipline, education, and achieved success. Because Black teachers would have demanded superior accountability and held higher expectations. Our children would have had greater self-esteem, self-respect, and self-awareness. Failure would have never been an option for them.

It is important to note that this view is a minority and does not represent the consensus. Desegregation was a significant step towards equality and justice in the United States, and it has brought many positive changes and opportunities for Black students and the entire society. We should strive to understand and appreciate the historical context and the importance of desegregation in building a more inclusive and equitable future.
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