Good Fortune in the Classroom

Every Educational DVD package we send comes with a small request: “We’d love to know how you heard of our film, if you feel like dropping a note.” We’re proud to post this one sent from Wisconsin’s Eau Claire Area School District:

Several months ago I watched Good Fortune on Wisconsin Public Television.  Our school district is working to identify, discuss, and develop cultural competence strategies to increase the academic achievement of all of our students, especially students of color.  Part of this effort is a concentrated examination of the role and presence of “whiteness.”  Cultural conditioning, socio-political group dominance, and systemic racism are integral to this process.  Our staff is primarily white, with too many not understanding the reality of multiple-perspective and multiple-experience.   

Two years ago I shared the following Chinese fable with our district staff:  

“Once upon a time a monkey and a fish were caught up in a great flood.  The monkey, agile and experienced, had the good fortune to scramble up a tree to safety.  As he looked down into the raging waters, he saw a fish struggling against the swift current.  Filled with a humanitarian desire to help his less fortunate fellow, he reached down and scooped the fish from the water.  To the monkey’s surprise, the fish was not grateful for this aid.”  

And then I watched, and watched again, your documentary.  Interestingly enough entitled “Good Fortune.”   

Thank you for sending the discussion and educator guides.  Your work will be used to further our cause.   

Tim Leibham

Executive Director of Administration

Eau Claire Area School District