A Consideration of Power

The K-12 system of education is a complex organization that has historically denied students of low socio-economic status the opportunity for political engagement through the exercise of power. This statement is in response to a series of questions presented by members of my Academic Advisory Committee respectively as a Qualifying Exam for doctoral candidacy in Urban Education Studies. The addressed concern has developed from graduate studies in sociology and education in addition to experience as a teacher of students in grades 7 through post-secondary levels. The K-12 system of education is a complex organization that has historically denied students of low socio-economic status which in turn has maintained an Achievement Opportunity Deficit that includes all forms of ‘learning’ in the classroom environment including political engagement through the exercise of power.