TAL, Herbert, and Brown vs. Board of Education

Quotes:

These three reading question the idea of integration and what that would mean for poorer, minority driven, communities. 

Herbert says in his article "Separate and Unequal": 
 "Breaking up these toxic concentrations of poverty would seem to be a logical and worthy goal. Long years of evidence show that poor kids of all ethnic backgrounds do better academically when they go to school with their more affluent — that is, middle class — peers." 
Although integration was difficult and unappreciated when it was first implemented, studies showed that the black children that were mixed into white schools performed better and achieved more closely to the white children. 

In this American Life, the difference between minority driven schools and white based schools is discussed. Nikole and Ira spend time discussing why integration works for both types of children. They mention how the achievement gap was cut by almost half. Nikole states, " I think it's important to point out that it is not that something magical happens when black kids sit in a classroom next to white kids. It's not that suddenly a switch turns on and they get intelligence or wanting the desire to learn when they're with white kids. What integration does is it gets black kids in the same facilities as white kids, and therefore it gets them access to the same things that those kids get-- quality teachers and quality instruction." 
In order for minority children to have a better chance at success they need access to the same type of education that white students have. Integration provided that for them and it would be interesting to see the results if it had been continuously implemented up to now. 

The Brown vs Board of Education case inspired different groups of people to come forward and protest for what they believe in. The idea that separate is not equal was widely spread and forced the government to look the treatment of (mainly) African Americans. One quote written states, " 
Today, thanks in part to the victorious struggle in the Brown case, most Americans believe that a racially integrated, ethnically diverse society and educational system is a worthy goal, though they may disagree deeply about how to achieve it."

Many things have changed over the years since Brown vs Board of Education. Integration is more widely discussed and considered now. Although it would prove to be difficult I think that the data should not be ignored. Children that are integrated perform better in the classrooms. If integration isn't a viable solution to the problems at hand then another option would be getting these kids better resources and a quality education.