Camden’s School District doesn’t understand its own test score data

There are a myriad of changes being made to the Camden School District, and a host of both positive and negative responses being written. But one theme runs through all of these choices. The District simply doesn’t understand that test score data is more reflective of a student’s background and special education status than a … Continue reading Camden’s School District doesn’t understand its own test score data

Camden County says, “It was a good arrest.”

Yesterday, Rutgers-Camden PhD candidate Chris Wheeler wrote about the rumors that the Camden police were crossing lines in their treatment of Camden residents. The Camden County Communications office (Dan Keashen) reached out to me to refute Chris’ take. I want to share those emails, and my analysis of the rumors surrounding police brutality.  First, here … Continue reading Camden County says, “It was a good arrest.”

Camden Chatter: Metro Police – Menace or Asset?

“Camden Chatter” is a series of blog posts by Rutgers-Camden Ph.D. Candidate Christopher Wheeler on the “chatter” on social media about Camden. Here are his thoughts on the past week’s top stories:  (Editor’s Note: Chris mentioned that much of the discussion was in response to this video of an ugly encounter for more on that, see … Continue reading Camden Chatter: Metro Police – Menace or Asset?

Student Voice: Poignant Parallels: Conceptions of a Culture of Poverty and Their Damaging Implications

Guest post by Rutgers-Camden PhD Candidate Rasheda Simpson: Throughout my short time in Camden, New Jersey I have observed poignant parallels between conceptions of it and my home, the Bronx, NY. These conceptions are often negative, demeaning, and misinformed. They range from residents being lazy and thus the cause of their own poverty to impoverished … Continue reading Student Voice: Poignant Parallels: Conceptions of a Culture of Poverty and Their Damaging Implications

Camden Slashes School District

Last night’s news about the slashing of staff at the Camden School District was expected, but still shocking. Already, frustration is boiling over. At the district budget meeting, a resident’s comment was cut off for going over three minutes, and security nearly ended up escorting him out. For that resident, and anyone skeptical of these … Continue reading Camden Slashes School District