Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms

by Michael Porter

Examining how African American males end up in dead-end classes, this book explores what must be done to change this trend, asking such questions as What happens to these boys in special education? and How can educators and communities reduce the number of African American boys receiving Ritalin and ultimately dropping out?

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Michael Porter is a licensed counselor providing services for families, couples, sex abuse victims and juvenile sex offenders.


Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I agree with many of Porter's basic arguments, like the fact that African-American boys are often disproportionately labeled "ADHD" or just expected to fail. But I was disappointed with Porter's rhetoric (like referring to Special Ed teachers and white middle class female teachers as "vampires" and "assassins" who "suck the life blood" out of African-American boys), partially because I wanted him to spend more time explaining why he feels this way (I'm curious about how his own experiences as an educator have led him to these conclusions) and partially because I thought some of his assertions were just sloppy and offensive. ("White people, as a whole, have a fondness for drugs....") Granted, I am not Porter's intended audience, and it was hard to separate my personal identity (as one of the white female middle-class educators Porter vilifies) from my professional read on his book. But ultimately I think there are much better books that aim to criticize, spark thought and conversation, and offer concrete steps educators can take to improve the way we challenge and engage all kids.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe I actually read this book in its entirety, however I was compelled to finish it because the author is so outlandish. I feel this author is a racist and only wants to blame others, instead of offering rational solutions to the problem. The few solutions he did provide would only perpetuate segregation in our country.

The last chapter of the book did offer a few key pieces of advice to parents that as an educator myself do support. They include: visiting the school your child attends, making sure homework is completed daily, cutting back on television, talking with your child about respect, sex, drugs, etc., and teaching them about money. All key pieces of advice to parents when raising ANY child (not just African American).

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read reviews regarding whether this book is more opinion-based than factual, however, regardless of whether or not the information is backed by empirical studies... it is an unfortunate reality for many African American boys in the education system. Porter has highlighted many important issues surrounding the U.S. education system and its role in systemic racism and segregation within schools. He also mentions the different types of white female teachers (in a Behavior Disorder classroom setting) that hinders the academic growth of African American boys. Many people may believe that teachers genuinely want to help and that may be the case in certain circumstances, however a white person cannot and will never able to teach a black person their own struggles/experiences. With that being said, Porter emphasizes the need for African American teachers that can not only help aid white teachers in teaching young black bodies, but serve in these positions as well - as it is important for children to be taught by someone they can identify with. The overall takeaway I got from this book was that misdiagnoses of African American boys in school settings has been used to deter their social mobility including their access to equal education.

[Angela Denson]

The question I have always had concerning desegregation of the school system is this. Why, would Blacks put the future of their nation and the most vulnerable demographic of their race into the hands and under the care of their enemy? Their actions were equivalent to enrolling their children into a daycare owned by a convicted pedophile & child murderer. Did they really believe Racist White people would encourage Black children to have any career other than janitors, maids, butlers &/or laundry workers? Surely, they didn’t believe Racist Whites would encourage their children to be physicians, attorneys, surgeons, scientists or business owners, etc… Those Racist White teachers made sure Black students knew. They were nothing more than a derogatory byword (a ni??er).
YES, the school should have stayed segregated. The responsibility of the Black schools should have been on the Black community. Our children would have been disciplined, educated & successful. Because, Black teachers would have required superior accountability & expectations. Our children would have had higher self-esteem, self-respect & self-awareness. Their Failure would have Never Been an Option…

[Shawnae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good points. However, some points were really extreme. I get the frustration regarding the school systems for African Americans. Growing up in a urban area were public schools are seen as the worst possible place for people of color this book hits home on a lot of themes I witnessed. I agree with some of the author’s points on how to make school better for African American students. Especially, teaching history about our people from the mother land before the era of slavery was introduce.

[Ednisha Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great information for parents as we try to navigate this public school system

[Teana S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I found this book could have been more fact and not opinion based it was a helpful book and a quick read! The author presents a lot of great ideas, and it left me with a lot to ponder. It's a good start for anyone who is research or trying to create their own African centered curriculum and/or school.

[Darwin Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's definitely personally invested in the topic but he offers some arguments which cannot be ignored. A must read for parents of sons of African descent raising them in the US.