INMATES’ WRITINGS SPEAK VOLUMES
Published Wednesday, December 6, 2006 (read excerpt below)
By JESSIE-LYNNE KERR
The Times-Union
The Times-Union
School Superintendent Joseph Wise said he wants Burney’s book made a part of the curriculum for eighth- and ninth-graders “because they are the ones facing a slippery slope” in their development. “It starts with being late for school, then skipping school, then failing in school and turning to crime,” Wise said. He called the book a powerful tool to keep students “on the high rise” in their lives.When Burney began her mentoring program at the jail, she got the offenders to write letters to students who were truants, telling how they got into trouble and painting a true picture of what life was like behind bars.
The most common advice given by the offenders was “listen to your parents,” Burney said.
“This is all about empowerment,” Burney said, “to help kids make better choices.”
Leave a Reply 
Betty Seabrook Burney is the founder of the Education Star Corporation, Inc., a education consulting firm based in Florida. In November 2004 she joined the Duval County School Board and represents District 5. She is a Raines High School graduate, holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. Currently, Mrs. Burney is an education consultant for TPG, Inc., and Seabrook & Associates. She is also a dedicated member of the NAACP Education Committee, Wayman Chapel AME Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. 
Discuss "If These Chains Could Talk"
Education Alternatives- Nine Things Successful People Do Differently February 6, 2012
- Do You Write with Your Students? February 6, 2012
- Head in the Clouds: The Benefits of Celestial Storage February 4, 2012
© Betty Burney, "If These Chains Could Talk"- All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Wordpress & Blacksonville