The No Child Left Behind Act and student apathy are challenges facing Athens children today, said Clarke County educators Wednesday.

“I believe that (the No Child Left Behind Act) is based on standardized test scores, and I believe that is wrong,” Maxine Easom, principal of Clarke Central High School, said at the “Educating Black Youth in Athens” lecture, sponsored by African-American Studies, African Studies and the African-American Cultural Center.

Tests could make schools seem underachieving, even if they have made progress in other areas, Easom said.

“I don’t believe in the public flogging of schools. We don’t publicly embarrass students,” she said.

Performance assessments, which evaluate areas other than core subjects, better measure students’ strengths, she said.

Robbie Hooker, principal of Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School in Athens, said standardized tests take away from other teaching methods.

“Because we have to focus on test-taking strategies, it’s taking away creativity from kids,” he said.

If they want to change the educational system, Hooker said teachers and parents must vote in the 2008 election. He also said parental involvement is important to the success of the youth.

Athens children also face widespread apathy, Easom said.

“I think it comes from a lack of hope, especially with kids from families in poverty,” she said. “Our kids find themselves giving up easily, but we try to do what we can do. The playing field may not be level, but we try to emphasize they can make it.”

Easom said the graduation rate for Clarke Central High School was 64 percent but said this wasn’t enough.

Easom and Hooker said schoolchildren, especially boys, need black male role models.

Hooker said a challenge centers around goals young black males have. Many base goals on athletics, not academics, and these goals could prevent the boys from acquiring skills they need for graduation, college and jobs.

Mentors who emphasize college and graduation are important to students, Hooker said.

Hooker mentioned the program at his middle school called “Adopt a Class,” in which local businesses visit different grades and emphasize elements, such as the importance of staying in school and the career opportunities in the Athens area. Twenty-seven businesses have taken part in the program, Hooker said.

“We have a tremendous opportunity,” Easom said.