Who we ARe
The Coalition of The Silence© is a community based organization that operates at the intersection of law and policy to end the achievement and discipline gaps that persist between racial and ethnic subgroups in affluent public school districts – like Fairfax County.
OUR APPROACH
Since our launch on January 12, 2012, COTS has sought to be a new kind of advocate for children who are left out and left behind in the Fairfax County Public School System. COTS is about ACTION, not empty words or promises. In just one amazing and exhausting year, COTS has acted and it has made a real difference. The paradigm has shifted!
“THE SILENCE”
“We must listen to The Silence.” These words were frequently repeated during the tenure of long time school board member Robert “Bob” Frye. The Coalition of The Silence© is a tribute to Bob’s courage and leadership on behalf of “The Silence.” The Silence is comprised of those communities that are rarely seen or heard at school board meetings but whose children make up over one-third of FCPS’ student body. These children are overrepresented in school discipline proceedings and underrepresented at the highest level of academic achievement in FCPS. Economically disadvantaged students, Black and Latino students, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities — all are at the heart of the Coalition of The Silence©.
