i actually began my career as a teacher 28 years ago as horaceman, a special ed teacher. i was keenly aware of the predictive power of demographics. i had a special education classroom disproportionately full of young men of color and i spent the next 20 years in the classroom trying to advance my teaching practice and become the kind of teacher that can make a true difference. i won't say anything more other than to tell you that i don't believe that the specific allegations that you have been hearing have merit despite numerous in

i actually began my career as a teacher 28 years ago as horaceman, a special ed teacher. i was keenly aware of the predictive power of demographics. i had a special education classroom disproportionately full of young men of color and i spent the next 20 years in the classroom trying to advance my teaching practice and become the kind of teacher that can make a true difference. i won't say anything more other than to tell you that i don't believe that the specific allegations that you have been hearing have merit despite numerous investigations, they have been unfounded. however, however, i absolutely believe that the feelings, the parents' feelings behind these allegations have real merit. i have taken their feelings deeply to heart. it is clear to me that some parents have not felt valued and included in our school and i'm working very hard to do a better job of reaching out to families and letting them know that their voice and partnership is essential to the success of our children. thank you. president mendoza: thank you. [applause] >> hi, my name is patty. >> one mi