The Background The Henderson Elementary School is located in a large Texas city, where racial and economic problems have plagued the neighborhood for years. Previously, the school had been low performing, but with the arrival of new principal, Ms. Perez, four years ago, test scores began to improve. In fact, most of the parents were very pleased to have a principal who understood the needs of the children, particularly the bilingual ones. The school, for several years, has been about 60% Hispanic and 40% Black. There was, however, some suspicion on the part of the Black parents that Ms. Perez was "tilting" the school in favor of the Hispanic students. Historically, the district has been a very political one, with constituents sharply divided according to race.

A Challenge for Ms. Perez This year Ms. Perez finds herself under severe pressure to raise the test scores of all of her students. In the past couple of years, the scores in grades 3, 4 and 5 had been much lower than those in the early primary grades. The district has made it very clear that if the scores in grades 3 to 5 do not improve, Ms. Perez’ job will be in jeopardy.

A Proposal Two young and energetic male teachers have proposed an alternative plan to better educate about half of the school’s fifth-graders. They recommended an extended day and Saturday morning program for those selected to participate. The two teachers promise to raise the test scores of the children. They have very high expectations of the students, the parents and themselves. They emphasize that students will be selected by teacher recommendations and parental interviews.

The Dilemma Begins Ms. Perez accepted the proposal and the class list was developed. It turned out that virtually all of the students admitted to the program were bilingual Hispanics. Based on the selection criteria and previous test scores, it was felt that this was the group neediest of improvement and that a raising of test scores of this group would dramatically increase the overall performance of the school.

The program met with initial success. The students began to perform well and their parents were pleased. In addition, the program received favorable media attention and the district superintendent even went so far as to send a letter of recognition to Ms. Perez. The two teachers in charge of the program received several grants to advance their work, which facilitated the purchase of additional supplies and materials.

Suddenly, the only two Black students were kicked out of the program for fighting. The two teachers who run the program made this decision without the consent of the administration. Letters were sent home informing the parents of this decision. The parents were irate. They accused Ms. Perez of being a racist.

However, a new problem began to arise with the remainder of the faculty. They believed that the two teachers and their program were receiving special treatment and further felt that the special program was draining the school’s best resources. Substantial tension and internal pressure was rapidly mounting.

The Dilemma Comes to a Head The internal problem, however, was minor compared to a more serious one which was rapidly developing. The parents of the Black students, who had previously been quite supportive of the school had now turned and had begun to rebel most vociferously. Recognizing that there were now no Black children being given the opportunity to participate in the enrichment program, the Black parents felt that Hispanic students were being given an advantage; thus eliminating opportunities for the educational advancement of the black students. The Black parents, under the leadership of a highly vocal cadre, threatened to take action against Ms. Perez with the district superintendent and, if necessary, the courts.

Ms. Perez faces a dilemma.

1. Should she abandon a highly successful program (which has indeed helped the students most in need) because of pressure from another racial group whose children are, in effect, being denied an opportunity to excel?
2. What approach should Ms. Perez take?