Teachable Moments

There are times and opportunities that cross our path everyday when we all can become teachers. I call these opportunities "teachable moments." These are times when we see children acting in a certain way, maybe exhibiting some poor decision-making, and we can intervene to help them see a wider perspective of what they are doing. They might also be moments when we can highlight them for doing something positive or where we can give them a chance to use something they have learned in school in the real world. We cannot afford to pass up these teachable moments with our children. In 2011, 57 years after “Brown vs. Board of Education” and 70 years after “Separate But Equal” in urban school districts, we struggle to graduate an average of 60% of our African-American students.

As I reflect on my childhood, I can recall many teachable moments that
adults, even those other than my parents, provided for me. Today teachable moments are more important than ever before. In America only 37% African-American children live in two-parent homes. That leaves over 60% of children lacking some portion of positive guidance, encouragement, and correction which must then come from extended family, schools, churches, mentors and other community outreach.

Children are exposed to many images that show them the fantasies of life (the lavish lifestyles of celebrities, athletes, actors, rappers, etc.) and not the preparation, effort, opportunity, and hard work it took to get there. In his book “A Letter to a Young Brother” actor Hill Harper writes about the F.E.A.R Factor (False Evidence Appearing Real). Many of our children are caught up in superficial things that only a few people with extreme talent and rare opportunities can afford. I am certain that teachable moments used by successful people in life will allow children to see that effort and preparation will yield opportunities. More importantly, it will expand their motivation for learning.

Many times adults will shy away from teachable moments because they fear being ignored, cursed or sometimes attacked. However, in my 37 years in education, I have always taken advantage of guiding children wherever the opportunity arises. You must approach them from a place of respect and in a manner that they will listen to. Children must hear from us every time an opportunity for encouragement, motivation and correction is available. Hearing praise for success will cause them to seek more success. As adults, we should share our experiences that relate to their situation and about our own good and poor decisions.

Children must see that we care about them and that we take ownership of the responsibilities of teaching that will provide them hope, skills and understanding to rise above their circumstances, whatever those may be.


James Q. Bacchus

Measures of Success

There is a famous line from a movie that says "If you build it, they will come." That line totally speaks to high expectations. In HPSD, we believe in and support student engagement opportunities that include high expectations. We believe in providing meaningful opportunities that allow students to excel in ways that channel their talents and abilities. We have a Forensics Team that is the premier program in the state, and that continues to win in the state and across the country. Our band and auxiliary groups supported by the band are competitive and perform at a high level in competition. Our athletic programs reflect pride and respect, and they compete to win. Our high school girls volleyball team is regional champ for the third year in a row!  We have one of the few orchestra programs in the state that engages students in grades 5-12. They perform in competitions and events around the sate and country. Just recently the Chamber Orchestra performed at the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children State Conference. Click here to see video from that performance.

Douglas Reeves, a well-known researcher in education, stated that the true measure for accountability with school and student success is student engagement. Many times our students do not see the importance of a quality education or the purpose for learning. Involvement in programs like those above can help provide the connection for learning and purpose for our students. Additionally, engagement enhances their confidence and gives them the vision to forecast what they can become. High student engagement is also a factor in their academic success as well as promoting attendance. I challenge the schools, faith-based organization, and our community to seek ways to engage children to increase their motivation and to sustain their confidence. Our students' success will be measured not only in test scores, but by the growth and success of our community and our world for generations to come.

"There's no greater insight into the future than recognizing that when
we save our children, we save ourselves." - Margaret Mead


James Q. Bacchus