Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms Paperback – March 1, 1998

A “must read” especially parents of children going to school.

"Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms" offers a compelling and eye-opening examination of a crucial issue in education. Through meticulous research and poignant personal narratives, the author sheds light on the pervasive biases and systemic failures that disproportionately affect African American boys. This book serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to confront the harsh realities of racial discrimination within educational systems. By delving into the complexities of misdiagnosis and its devastating consequences, it prompts crucial conversations and advocates for much-needed reform. An essential read for educators, parents, and policymakers alike, "Kill Them Before They Grow" is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and meaningful change.

What an excellent book to read! As a doctoral student working on a PhD, I focus on educational administration and policies. I have focused a large amount of my research on the overrepresentation of Black children in special education. Mr. Micheal porter focused alot on this very topic and did a great job of it.I am highly impressed with Mr. Micheal porter experience and research. I am just now finishing this short but powerful read dealing the (mis)education of "African" children in inner-city public schools. The book illustrates and illuminates majority of the ills and systemic racial bias that African children, especially Black Boys face. The book is very succinct and candid. Mr. Michael Porter doesn't attempt to tip-toe through the tullips, nor walk on egg shells when addressing the racism in our public school that is disadvantageous to African children.Not only does Mr. Michael Porter deliver the problems in education right to your front porch, he provides solutions and strategies for African-American families to counter the educational genocide that is being perpetuated in and throughout public schools. I find his solutions to very feasible and appropriate for implementation. In conclusion, the book pack a strong punch for such a brief book. The book can easily be a 1 day read but worth years of studying.

I decided to start a family book club as a means of getting my kids in the habit of reading on a daily basis outside of school. This was done for 3 reasons. First, this allows me to judge how well my kids are reading. Second, I'm helping my kids know and understand the importance of reading by doing this and helping them to start their own personal libraries. Third, it's my belief that being African American there are many factors at work against our kids and I want to be aware and make them aware as well.The book "Kill Them Before They Grow" has been profound and engaging on many levels. It has given my kids an understanding of the many things they see on a daily basis in school. With my wife being a teacher in an E.D. class this book has truly opened her eyes to what is really being planned for these kids. She now knows how to help the kids she teaches and not go along with the program of destruction of our African American children.Kudos to Michael Porter.We will be reading his other books as well!

This is a book that is well understood and I feel everyone should have it in their possession. We all need to know what this book is about. The Author done a great job when he wrote it.

This was and excellent, short, yet powerfully impacting read. As a single mother,In 2008-09 I had the privilege of being exposed to the very scenario described in Mr. Porter's Book, with regard of the School Administration going to the extreme to diagnose my son with ADHD( a therapist even said based on his " evaluation" my son was Homicidal, though my son was only 7 year if age at the time). The school even went so far as to send the recommendation to me that I take my son to the Emergency Room of a mental hospital, have him admitted and after a doctor has considered him "mentally stabilized", then I could return my son back to school. I am so glad that I refused to sign on the dotted line to put my son in the hands of the system. And this book only but validates my suspicions, and concerns of a school system structured to fail/insult Black children and their innate intelligence. Thank you Mr. Porter.

A must read to simply enter into the debate. In grades 1-5, I was the first African American my Caucasian teachers ever taught. I was socialized differently than other students. Any of my infractions received harsher criticism than my Causasian classmates. My family relocated to a large city. Middle School and High School were populated predominantly African American students and teachers. It was the first time the "reigns" were taken off and allowed me to develop creatively. During my service in the military I was "always" asked by Caucasians why I read so many books? My superiors "always" tried to suppress my attempts to work on a degree while in the military. This book is valid. To refute Porter's premise, suggests that you live in a vacuum. Give this read the acid test. Research on your own. You will be surprised by your findings. Begin in "inner city schools."

I mentor to young men and I try to read every "good" book or piece of information that will give me some real and informative information on what's going on with our young black men today. This book really hits the mark on what I am seeing and experiencing with the young men I mentor to everyday in the public school system. Everyone who is interested in the future of young African American boys should read this book and see for yourself whether it applies to what you are observing as you mentor to these young men.