A Call to Action: Addressing the Real Crisis in St. Louis Public Schools
Community Response to SLPS Literacy Crisis
Source: YouTube
Date: September 15, 2023
Summary: A video capturing community members and activists discussing the literacy challenges faced by St. Louis Public Schools and the steps being taken to address these issues.
Watch Now
As we approach the start of a new school year, the challenges facing St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) are front and center. Recent transportation setbacks have captured headlines, but as someone deeply invested in the well-being of our children, I must say: we are missing the bigger picture.
Transportation Troubles: A Symptom of a Larger Problem
The recent announcement that one of SLPS’s transportation vendors cannot meet their commitments is disheartening. Over 1,000 students across 23 schools will face delays, while adjustments from other providers add to the chaos, affecting nearly 2,800 more. Understandably, this causes stress for parents juggling work, family, and now the uncertainty of getting their kids to school.
Yet, as disruptive as these transportation woes are, they are only the tip of the iceberg. While a delayed bus might inconvenience a family for 30 minutes, the real crisis lies within the school walls during the 8 hours students spend in classrooms.
The Education Crisis: The Numbers Don’t Lie
The statistics are stark and heartbreaking: only 13% of Black students in SLPS are reading at grade level. Think about what that means. It’s not just a statistic; it’s the future of thousands of children at stake. When students cannot read or write proficiently, their ability to succeed academically, professionally, and personally is severely hindered.
Transportation issues may delay learning, but what about the quality of learning that happens when students finally make it to class? Are they being equipped with the skills they need to break cycles of poverty and inequality?
What Must Change?
Reinvest in Literacy Programs:
Literacy is foundational. Without it, students struggle in all other subjects. We need targeted programs prioritizing early intervention and sustained support for struggling readers.Accountability in Leadership:
The repeated crises in SLPS point to systemic failures in governance. We need proactive, transparent leaders committed to prioritizing students' needs over bureaucratic inefficiencies.Community Support:
This is not a problem SLPS can solve alone. Parents, local businesses, non-profits, and advocacy groups must come together to support students through tutoring programs, after-school activities, or transportation alternatives.Shift the Narrative:
While transportation issues are urgent, they should not overshadow the critical need to address educational inequities. Our focus must be on building a system where all students, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, can access quality education.
A Vision for the Future
Our children deserve better than a failing system. As the founder of the Coalition With STL Kids, I urge parents, educators, and community leaders to push beyond temporary fixes and demand systemic change. Let’s address not only the issues of today—like transportation—but also the root causes that perpetuate educational disparities.
Together, we can create a future where every child in St. Louis has the tools and opportunities to succeed. Transportation is important, but ensuring our children are learning, growing, and thriving is the true priority.
Let’s focus not just on getting students to school but on giving them a reason to succeed once they arrive. The real journey starts with literacy, leadership, and love for our kids.
