Rhee, Ackerman and 'cultural competence' in urban reform
This post was written by Helen Gym, a founder of Parents United for Public Education in Philadelphia, a citywide parent group focused on school budgets and funding to improve achievement and accountability in the public schools. She is also a board member at Asian Americans United, a community organization active in education and other issues. She was named the Philadelphia Inquirer's "Citizen of the Year" in December 2007 for her work in education, immigration and community activism. This post appeared on the The Notebook blog. Gym discusses cultural sensitivities in urban educational leadership, an issue faced by former Washington D.C. Chancellor Michelle Rhee, a Korean American, as she led the public schools in the predominantly African-American city. By Helen Gym Recently, Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman sat down for an interview with Inquirer columnist Annette John-Hall. Ackerman, who had been avoiding local media for months, emerged none-too-shy about her opinions. Her