Local Knowledge

What I’m Reading: Other People’s Pathologies

The issue of poverty and culture comes up over and over again in my classes. I’ve increasingly found myself referencing this piece by Ta-Nehisi Coates (which is part of a larger debate with Jonathan Chait) to anyone who will listen. So I thought I’d share it with you. Here’s a powerful excerpt, but please read … Continue reading What I’m Reading: Other People’s Pathologies…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Local Knowledge, Worth a Reread.

Student Voice: Camden Is Called Home by Young, Visiting Service Leaders

This guest post was submitted by Rutgers-Camden student Marcus Biddle. You can find Marcus on twitter (@Biddle_Marcus):   Ten young, motivated AmeriCorps volunteers are making the ultimate commitment to leave their homes for ten months of community service in cities around the nation. Their latest stop is here in Camden for eight weeks.  Before visiting … Continue reading Student Voice: Camden Is Called Home by Young, Visiting Service Leaders…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Guest Post, Local Knowledge, Student Voice.

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?…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Camden, Camden Chatter, Community Voice, Local Knowledge.

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…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Camden, Local Knowledge.

Mastery, Uncommon and the “No Excuses” philosophy

We’ve already had pep rallies for our new “No Excuses” schools here in Camden. But do we really understand the philosophy behind these schools? This week, national scrutiny has been brought to the aggressive, controlling techniques used in “No Excuses” schools. These techniques are being critiqued as rote learning and even child abuse. This is … Continue reading Mastery, Uncommon and the “No Excuses” philosophy…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Camden, Local Knowledge.