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JULY 2005

The Lesson I Learned from Dr. Kenneth Clark

By CSA President Jill Levy

Dr. Kenneth Clark, noted psychologist, educator and member of the NYS Board of Regents in the 1970s passed away last month. When I saw the notice about his passing, it was the day after I spoke about my only personal encounter with him.

During one of those rare and enjoyable afternoons with friends, this time with Bernie and Nancy Zemsky formerly of UFT fame, the conversation turned to the politics of education. In spite of the unspoken intention not to EVER talk about NYC’s educational plight, it took us from gazpacho to dessert to gingerly broach the topic. (Okay, so it wasn’t “gingerly!”) Questions about special education, the direction of the reorganization, new contracts were on the table. I was reminded of my encounter with Dr. Clark.

It was in the late 70s when NYS was on a tear to return students from out-of-state schools serving children with special needs. One school in Pennsylvania became a target of the NYS Regents and its Deputy Commissioner Louis Grumet. NYS parents whose children were thriving in the school were invited to attend a special meeting of the Regents and to present their case.

One parent, an attorney, was the designated spokesperson and presented a cogent and intelligent argument for the services, culture and credibility of the school. Dr. Clark looked up and said, “Now that we have heard from an attorney, I believe we should hear from a parent.”

Looking from one to another, the parents who were not prepared to speak before this august body, leveled their gaze on me. Before I knew what was happening, I was standing before the Regents and the Deputy Commissioner trying to control my shaking knees and quivering voice. Remembering that the only good story is one the storyteller knows intimately, I began speaking about my child and our relationship with the school, its unique culture and environment, and the future without such an opportunity for our children. When I finished, there was question after question, comment after comment, “curiouser and curiouser” as Alice would say and I thought that all was not lost.

After the applause, we were asked to leave the chamber and it was then that Dr. Clark taught me the best and most breathtaking lesson about education and politics.

While I was glowing in the aftermath of an adrenaline high and being heartily congratulated by parents and Regents, Dr. Clark stepped into the group, whisked me aside and said, “Mrs. Levy, in spite of your singular presentation, this decision will be a political decision. Nothing else will ultimately matter. Do you understand what I am saying to you?” I simply nodded as the adrenaline left my body and my mind absorbed the impending reality. We shook hands and I thanked him for honesty and concern for the human element. He was after all, a renowned sociologist.

Later, in the coffee shop, the parents wanted to know what Dr. Clark said to me. “He told me we will lose the fight,” I said. I did not explain except to tell them that we were heard, our arguments were respected, and Dr. Clark thanked us for our efforts. The lesson: In the end, it’s not the merit of the argument, but the politics that will always rule. #

Jill Levy is the President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.

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