|
Blog: FCAR
Speakout
|
Support open, broad-based assessment of learning --
contribute to FCAR.
|
| |
In Memoriam
Steve Orel, a student advocate and
anti-high-stakes-testing activist from Birmingham, AL, died at his home early
today [July 7, 2007], after a two-year battle with cancer. Steve was fired from
his job as an adult education instructor in June of 2000, after he blew the
whistle on Birmingham City Schools for pushing out--involuntarily
withdrawing--522 high school students a few weeks before state tests were given,
when the school system was under threat of take-over by the state due to low
test scores.
In partnership with a Catholic lay order, the Salesians, Steve opened the World
of Opportunity, "a civil rights, social justice, educational, and job readiness
program" in the Gate City area of Birmingham. Many of the pushed-out students
enrolled at the WOO, which is now independent of the Salesians and continues to
serve as a haven for the community. As a member of Advocates of Children and
Teachers National Organizing Workshop (ACT-NOW), F-TREND co-editor Gloria Pipkin
joined activists from around the country in honoring Steve Orel and the World of
Opportunity with the Courage in Education Award in 2003, at a conference held at
the WOO.
Steve Orel's account of the pushouts, titled "Left Behind in Birmingham: 522
Pushed-out Students," is featured in Silent No More: Voices of Courage in
American Schools (Heinemann, 2003). Donations to the WOO in Steve's memory
may be made to the following address:
World of Opportunity
7429 Georgia Road
Birmingham, AL 35212-2921
Steve often signed email with these lines from a United Mine Workers song, and
they exemplify his philosophy, which we might also apply to our struggles
against the most pernicious aspects of the FCAT:
Step by step the longest march, can be won, can be won.
Many stones can form an arch, singly none, singly none.
And by union what we will, can be accomplished still.
Drops of water turn a mill, singly none, singly none.
Rest in peace, Steve.
|
