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In an effort to improve Dorsey’s chances of survival, the school has shifted its
focus to improving tests scores. The school now holds “School-Wide Wednesdays,”
which are dedicated to practice testing and preparation.
But even the attempt at improvement has been subject to trial and error. In 2008,
administration became concerned that African-American students’ test scores were the
lowest in the school. Dr. Butler, along with a committee of other African-American
faculty, organized a series of special “Heart to Heart” assemblies, which were open solely
to African-American students and faculty.
The program was met with opposition. Latino students complained about being
left out and teachers criticized the assembly’s exclusivity. But Butler said it was a
necessary step to make students comfortable in discussing their performance and the
expectations faculty had for them to improve.
“At the dinner table there are some things you wouldn’t talk about with strangers
from the outside present. That was the rationale for having that assembly so that a very
hard conversation could be had,” said Butler.
Latino students questioned why they did not have an assembly of their own. Soon,
the news about the test scores was viral. Santos, the English as Second Language teacher,
said this created a rift between some African-American and Latino students who saw test
scores as an opportunity to be “better” than the other side.
“It became this competitive kind of thing. Competitive in the wrong way,” said
Santos.