[St. Louis Beacon] The view from here: In the classroom, then and now, race plays a role in learning

Readers of the St. Louis Beacon share their own personal experiences with race and education -- and show how they learned more than just their ABCs and times tables. Their stories help demonstrate that things can look different, depending on where you stand. -->

[St. Louis Beacon] Students discuss solutions to closing the achievement gap between blacks, whites

Parents and educators have plenty to say about the achievement gap between black and white students, but seldom are students asked about it. When they are, though, they have plenty to say -- from everything from parental encouragement to individual hard work to more relevant reading lists. -->

[St. Louis Beacon] Facing up to racism: Training program for educators focuses on straight talk

Facing up to racism in the schools, especially among teachers and administrators, is no easy task. That may be why Educational Equity Consultants, which has worked with a number of local school districts, prefers blunt honesty. It trains educators not just to be aware of racial issues in the schools but how to address them head-on. -->

[St. Louis Beacon] The color of acceptance: Wildwood family 'adopts' deseg student from city

David and Alice Grainger weren't trying to change the world when they invited Antonio Evans, a child from the city of St. Louis who was participating in the "deseg" program, to spend the night at their suburban home several years ago. In time, Evans would become a permanent member of the Grainger household, living with the family from grades 7 through 12. -->

[St. Louis Beacon] Separate tables: Why black and white high schoolers sit apart in the cafeteria

Walk into any high school cafeteria, and you're likely to see the white students and black students sitting at separate tables. Does this separation tell us anything about race relations and education -- and the lack of social interactions across racial lines? Or is it more innocent, a case of kids wanting to be with people like themselves? -->

[St. Louis Beacon] Stirring up the melting pot: Students speak out on race

Schools are, and have long been, a melting pot for assimilating children into mainstream America. As schools become more diverse, they've also placed more emphasis on social responsibilities: encouraging fair play and respect for all students. The following stories from students taking part in the Cultural Leadership program explain why teaching tolerance continues to be an important mission for every school. -->