Testimonials

"The message you sent the Seaford Middle School staff was loud and clear. We have seen a decrease of four percent in the disparity between minority and majority academic achievement because of your clear delivery, establishment of objectives, and supercharged presentation.”

Chad C. Carmack
Principal
Seaford School District

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“I attended your presentation and then I passed the information on to my superintendent, Dr. Kinlaw. When I checked in at the school the other day, I saw that our principal had put a copy of your book in every teacher’s box.”

Robin Gibson
Northside Middle School
 

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“My name is Barry Saddler and I am the Superintendent of the Eufaula City Schools, which is a small school district of 2900 students in southeast Alabama. I am starting my first year here. I moved from a smaller school district in northeast Alabama (Piedmont) where I ordered your book Understanding and Educating African American Children. During the move I misplaced your book and so far in my unpacking I have not been able to find it. I have been telling my staff (central office administrators and principals) of this book I want us to read together to help us address the achievement gap. I was excited to read your literature today. I plan to order several copies of your book for study groups but the reason I am writing this email is to request more information about your workshops. I am looking forward to hearing from you.”

Barry Saddler
Superintendent
Eufaula City School District

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“Laura: Thank you for sharing William Jenkins' book with me. It is excellent! I understand he will be at the Behavior Institute and I regret I will be unable to hear him. His book, Understanding and Educating African American Children: From Excuse to Excellence does one of the best jobs I have seen in explaining the factors that cause the incompatibility of white schools and the education of black children. These are some of my favorite lines from his book: A child is more a child than he or she is a color. Poor people have the same educational goals for their children as do wealthy people. Black children do not need to have materials watered down for them. They are just as intelligent as other children. Black children do not need pity; they need teaching. People can only have high expectations for those whom they believe can live up to those expectations. Black children need teachers who believe that they can learn and who have a noble vision for them. Periodic honest and open discussions about race are very helpful, but endless talk about such things at the expense of the curriculum is detrimental to black children. Again, thanks for sharing.”

Johnnie Grissom
Associate Commissioner
The Kentucky Dept. of Education

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“Mr. William Jenkins, after having read your book, Understanding and Educating African-American Children, I knew we were on the right track to invite you to speak to Knox County Schools’ administrators. Originally the staff development activity was set up for middle school principals and assistant principals and teachers. We later invited guidance counselors, school psychologist, and subject area supervisors. However, when the high school coordinator learned of the program, she invited the high school principals and assistants. I must say that they, (high school administrators), came with a bit of resistance but left with excitement and great satisfaction. It was interesting to note that the high school administrators purchased several of your other books following your presentation. Your presentation was well received by all (well over 1000 people) that attended! I have had several requests to have you back for the full day workshop for classroom teachers. When I can work out the arrangements with my system I'll contact you. I will also like to tell you that I would be glad to recommend you to anyone who has questions about you books or presentation. All educators (and parents) need to hear what you have to say! Keep up the good work that you do!”

Bobby Gratz
Coordinator of Middle Schools
Knox County Schools
 

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“Mr. Jenkins, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we have received our disaggregated data from last years MAP test. In 13 of the 14 tests our black students scores improved significantly. In 10 of the 14 tests we made improvements overall. Once again, I want to thank you for your presentation and look forward to working with you again."

Joe Scott
Director of Curriculum & Instruction A+ Coordinator
Malden R-1 Schools

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“I think everybody who works with black children should read Understanding and Educating African American Children and hear one of William Jenkins’ presentations.  I go back to his book time and time again, each time finding new insight.  I have heard several of his presentations, and each time I hear Jenkins I learn something new, exciting, and helpful about the education of black children.”

J. E. Wright
Administrator
Columbia, SC