Quote 1- "Speaking of the nicely refined torture a man can experience from having been created and defeated by the same circumstances, Baldwin wrote, the best that one can say is that they are in an impossible position and that those who are motivated by genuine concern maintain this position with heartbreaking dignity."(Kozol, p. 198)
It is sad to hear that people can be "created and defeated all by the same circumstances." I thought this quote was very powerful. It made me think deeper of how this torture and defeat could happen to a person of color. It made sense when I put it into the real world. I, not only, put it into context today, but also related this quote to the past and apartheid. A lot is expected of black leaders whether they lived in the past or present day. A lot is expected of them when they come; too little is accorded to them when they leave." This statement says it perfectly not only in the past, but even to those in power present day.
Quote 2- "There are hundreds of principals in our urban schools who are authentic heroes, few of whom would emulate the posturing and bluster of Joe Clark and most of whom do not receive the notice and support that they deserve. But there is a difference between recognizing the accomplishments of able school officials and the marketing of individuals as saviors of persistently unequal systems."(Kozol, p.200)
I liked this quote because there are several hundred principals out in our urban school systems that don't receive that support and get noticed as great leaders. Some of these principals are given close to nothing for their amazing accomplishments and may not receive any recognition. These individuals need to be given recognition for their accomplishments. The poor principals of rich suburban schools still get more support than those amazing heroes in urban settings, where money is a big issue. I think these principals should switch schools for a day to see what it is like and to compare it to how they have it at their own school. Hopefully, this will help the under-achieving principals realize how much easier they have it and will help them do a better job.
Quote 3- "Strict demands for proof of adequate yearly progress in all public schools and penalties, such as the loss of federal funds, for schools that did not meet their goals, as measured by their students' scores on standardized exams."(Kozol, p. 202-203)
Again, we see the issue of standardized testing and the funding that goes along with them. If these schools do not meet their AYP then they can have the penalty of losing all their funding. Without this funding schools are pretty much on their own for getting their scores up for the next time around. Not only do they have to try and get these scores up, but they have to suffer with less money from the government. I feel like this can make or break a school and determine the outcome of what happens in the lives of the children. A lot lies on the shoulders of these exams and it is all how well the teachers prepare the students to ready them for these high stakes exams.
Quote 4- "If the president had used his leadership to advocate for transfers not only within school districts, but between them, the transfer option might have had real meaning and, indeed, if earnestly enforced, it might have opened up the possibilities for mightily expanded racial integration in suburban schools surrounding our core cities."(Kozol, p. 203-204)
I really thought this quote had great insight to how our presidents should have acted in the past in order to help diversify our school systems. It could even work in todays day and age, but in order for this to happen, there needs to be a big change! I grew up in a suburban town, where our high school had students bused in from Hartford. This opportunity for them to learn was much better than in their own community, but also this opportunity gave us the chance to learn from them and understand their culture. I feel like having a diverse school district is very important not only for the equality for all, but also for the opportunity for everyone to coexist and learn from one another.
Quote 5- "Playing games of musical chairs with children's lives, when half the chairs are broken and the best chairs are reserved primarily for people of his class and race, is cynical behavior in a president."(Kozol, p. 204)
I really liked this quote and the analogy of musical chairs to race and class of the president. It was a aspiring quote and a strike to all the presidents and how they cannot find out how to create equality for all. They have been saying they will for the longest time, but instead do what they think will make them look good. Will the problem of inequality ever be solved? I think there needs to be a drastic change in our world or politics to allow for equality. I hope it will happen in my lifetime, but I don't think there is much hope for that to happen.
Quote 6- "Highly implausible test-score fluctuations in the Houston schools have awakened suspicions of cheating on the part of principals who had apparently been pressured by administrators to do anything they could to boost the scores."(Kozol, p. 206)
Ha ha. How could this be true, cheating on the part of a principal? This quote makes me laugh to see that someone could cheat to get his/her school to pass the standardized tests. I understand that there is a lot of pressure on people high up to get their school to succeed the first time at these tests, but isn't cheating just setting up your students to fail in life. By promoting cheating, students will think it is okay to do throughout their schooling career. Cheating doesn't allow for any learning and these students are set up for failure. If I were these principals, I would feel bad for the failure of the students I was responsible for!
Me
Touring a city in Spain
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Excluding Beauty- Jonathan Kozol Chapter 7
Quote 1- "I see old alfurbet letter hanging on one nail on the wall. I see a dirty fire exit I see a old closet with supplys for the class. I see pigeons flying all over the school. I see old freght trains throgh the fence of the school yard. I see pictures of contryies hanging on the wall and I see desks with wrighting all over the top of the desks and insited of the desk."(Kozol, p. 162)
This was a quote that Kozol read from the assignment that he assigned when teaching in a school in Boston. It amazed me to see the spelling that the student lacked as well as the picture it left in my mind of the school. This chapter focused a lot on the resources in schools as well as the physical outlook of the school. I couldn't imagine being in a school that looked like this. It seems like life would be very tough at this school. Also, it seems as though the students aren't getting a great education based on the fact that the students that were assigned to this activity were in fourth grade and they are having trouble spelling at grade level. I wonder what teachers were like in this school? Also, I wonder what these teachers think of the school as well as what they expect from their students?
Quote 2- "You have to do what children do and breathe the air children breathe. I don't think that there is any other way to find out what the lives that children lead in school are really like."(Kozol, p. 163)
I enjoyed reading this quote because it is so true! As teachers, we need to follow our students through their educating journey and understand each individual. We need to know their needs and abilities in order to help them succeed. Children need to learn according to their strengths and focus hard on their weaknesses. I just loved how Kozol said the first sentence of the quote about breathing the air children breathe. It seems like it fits to perfect. Many teachers these days find ways to get their students to succeed in school, but do they get to know them and help them succeed to their fullest potential? I will strive as a teacher to get to know my students and help them in every possible way!
Quote 3- "He told me that the high-stakes standardized exams his students had to take were starting to control the teaching-much more than I'd like. There was, as a consequence, no recess at the school."(Kozol, p. 165)
Here, we revisit the whole standardized testing discussion. I think schools need to do a better job balancing the testing aspect with the fun and learning portion. These tests are very important, but they shouldn't control a classroom or take away certain activities, such as recess in this example. Standardized testing helps fund these schools and if they do well they will benefit greatly. If they don't excel to their fullest potential, they shouldn't be punished and further worry them for the next time around. This creates so many boundaries for learning and can possibly lead to the failure of students, as well as further bringing the school into disrepair.
Quote 4- "Standardized tests in language arts and mathematics started in the first grade at the school, the principal reported. A first grade teacher had ten pages of enumerated standards, correlated with the items to be tested, posted on her wall."(Kozol, p. 170)
This quote arises a new aspect of standardized testing. The standards a teacher is supposed to memorize and learn in order to teach their students can be very tedious and hard to understand. If you don't understand what the students are supposed to know, how are you supposed to teach them? I feel like the teacher learning what to be taught in order to pass these standardized tests can correlate to a college student cramming for an exam. There is so much to be learned and taught not only by the teacher, but by the students as well. They need to complete this task before they can move on and take the actual test. I believe that there needs to be a better well-rounded curriculum set in place in order to help the teacher out and maximize learning and readiness for these tests.
Quote 5- "When we have to assign their kids to summer semesters and to portables while three miles down the road they can see schools with traditional calendars and with sufficient space, I can understand it when they ask, why are our children no important?"(Kozol, p. 171)
This brings up the whole topic of unequal schools and the privileges some schools have over others. It's sad to see this quote and know that schools exist like this. One school with so little and not enough resources and another school three miles away with so much. Also, this quote talks about the insufficient space in schools and overcrowding that exists. Why can't we just bus these children to the school down the street? Would it be fair to the others at the school three miles back down the road? Maybe we can zone the schools better and upgrade the school with little space and less resources to even out both schools. This might create an equal opportunity for all, but would these parents in the "nicer" school allow this to happen?
Quote 6- "Why is it, she asked, that students who do not need what we need get so much more? And we who need it so much more get so much less?"(Kozol, p. 183)
This is a perfectly respectable question to ask. Why is that? I think that people don't like to share and like to show off all the resources they have. Even if the fact is that they don't even use half of what they have available to them. Is there any program out there that connects schools with less resources with those that have a ample amount? If not, maybe I will start one. It is sad to see such great resources go to waste and collect dust, while other schools can't even afford to provide a pencil for a student. Schools should have a checklist of stuff they really need and the extras can be shared through a system of give and take amongst schools. Programs like these would greatly benefit the schools in need. This will also show the students that we as a society need to help our peers in need. Maybe it could lead to equality for all, but that is a stretch.
This was a quote that Kozol read from the assignment that he assigned when teaching in a school in Boston. It amazed me to see the spelling that the student lacked as well as the picture it left in my mind of the school. This chapter focused a lot on the resources in schools as well as the physical outlook of the school. I couldn't imagine being in a school that looked like this. It seems like life would be very tough at this school. Also, it seems as though the students aren't getting a great education based on the fact that the students that were assigned to this activity were in fourth grade and they are having trouble spelling at grade level. I wonder what teachers were like in this school? Also, I wonder what these teachers think of the school as well as what they expect from their students?
Quote 2- "You have to do what children do and breathe the air children breathe. I don't think that there is any other way to find out what the lives that children lead in school are really like."(Kozol, p. 163)
I enjoyed reading this quote because it is so true! As teachers, we need to follow our students through their educating journey and understand each individual. We need to know their needs and abilities in order to help them succeed. Children need to learn according to their strengths and focus hard on their weaknesses. I just loved how Kozol said the first sentence of the quote about breathing the air children breathe. It seems like it fits to perfect. Many teachers these days find ways to get their students to succeed in school, but do they get to know them and help them succeed to their fullest potential? I will strive as a teacher to get to know my students and help them in every possible way!
Quote 3- "He told me that the high-stakes standardized exams his students had to take were starting to control the teaching-much more than I'd like. There was, as a consequence, no recess at the school."(Kozol, p. 165)
Here, we revisit the whole standardized testing discussion. I think schools need to do a better job balancing the testing aspect with the fun and learning portion. These tests are very important, but they shouldn't control a classroom or take away certain activities, such as recess in this example. Standardized testing helps fund these schools and if they do well they will benefit greatly. If they don't excel to their fullest potential, they shouldn't be punished and further worry them for the next time around. This creates so many boundaries for learning and can possibly lead to the failure of students, as well as further bringing the school into disrepair.
Quote 4- "Standardized tests in language arts and mathematics started in the first grade at the school, the principal reported. A first grade teacher had ten pages of enumerated standards, correlated with the items to be tested, posted on her wall."(Kozol, p. 170)
This quote arises a new aspect of standardized testing. The standards a teacher is supposed to memorize and learn in order to teach their students can be very tedious and hard to understand. If you don't understand what the students are supposed to know, how are you supposed to teach them? I feel like the teacher learning what to be taught in order to pass these standardized tests can correlate to a college student cramming for an exam. There is so much to be learned and taught not only by the teacher, but by the students as well. They need to complete this task before they can move on and take the actual test. I believe that there needs to be a better well-rounded curriculum set in place in order to help the teacher out and maximize learning and readiness for these tests.
Quote 5- "When we have to assign their kids to summer semesters and to portables while three miles down the road they can see schools with traditional calendars and with sufficient space, I can understand it when they ask, why are our children no important?"(Kozol, p. 171)
This brings up the whole topic of unequal schools and the privileges some schools have over others. It's sad to see this quote and know that schools exist like this. One school with so little and not enough resources and another school three miles away with so much. Also, this quote talks about the insufficient space in schools and overcrowding that exists. Why can't we just bus these children to the school down the street? Would it be fair to the others at the school three miles back down the road? Maybe we can zone the schools better and upgrade the school with little space and less resources to even out both schools. This might create an equal opportunity for all, but would these parents in the "nicer" school allow this to happen?
Quote 6- "Why is it, she asked, that students who do not need what we need get so much more? And we who need it so much more get so much less?"(Kozol, p. 183)
This is a perfectly respectable question to ask. Why is that? I think that people don't like to share and like to show off all the resources they have. Even if the fact is that they don't even use half of what they have available to them. Is there any program out there that connects schools with less resources with those that have a ample amount? If not, maybe I will start one. It is sad to see such great resources go to waste and collect dust, while other schools can't even afford to provide a pencil for a student. Schools should have a checklist of stuff they really need and the extras can be shared through a system of give and take amongst schools. Programs like these would greatly benefit the schools in need. This will also show the students that we as a society need to help our peers in need. Maybe it could lead to equality for all, but that is a stretch.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Inequality in Schools: Kozol Ch. 6, Anthology Ch.7&16, Spring Ch. 2
Quote 1- "Some go further and fake an address, as she reveals, ideally in an upscale catchment area that has an excellent zoned school (she names a few examples in primarily white neighborhoods) and then they prep their kids for IQ tests and interviews. If they want to boost their child's chances even more, they pay for consulting services from private agencies that give them counseling on how to get their children into schools or programs for the talented and gifted." (Kozol, p.137)
This doesn't seem to surprise me one bit. I can see many parents doing this just to get their child in a better school system. I might even do the same as a parent, but only to a certain extent. I feel that our children should get the best education possible and if a school cannot provide that for my child why send them to that school? If there are teachers there that are well-educated then they can provide a great education for your child. As far as prepping for IQ tests and interviews, I don't think that children should be pushed so hard in order to get into a better school, just to see parents satisfied. Go to the local school nearest your home, maybe that school can benefit from your talents and gifts.
Quote 2- "Some people blame these racial differences primarily upon the values systems of black children and their parents. The inequalities in educational provision that we give, or do not give, these children from the starting-gate are given less attention."(Kozol, p. 141)
Just hearing this quote about children of different backgrounds are given less attention from the starting-gate. How can this be, that students are given an equal opportunity based on their race? Maybe it is because of the school they go to and the opportunities at these schools aren't there for each child compared to other districts. Just because one family may have different values from other families, does that mean they should be discriminated against, especially if a parents values aren't even the child's? One should not base where a child should start educationally based upon their value systems.
Quote 3- "By the time they enter schools like these, the results of all their prior years of educational denial are not easily reversed. Overcrowding and distasteful physical surroundings and large class size have their obvious effects as well. Violence, when it breaks out from time to time, is hardly a surprise." (Kozol, p. 142)
It is sad to hear that these kinds of schools actually exist, but as upsetting as it is, it is true. These schools really exist and are serious issues in our educational world. How can a child learn if there are overcrowded classrooms and buildings? Let alone there being physical distractions, such as water leaking into a classroom or broken desks. It's sad to see other schools getting brand new computers while other schools can't even afford to have students sit at a desk. I understand this book was written a couple years ago and some of the stories in the book are a little older than that, but it doesn't change some of the things still happening in our nations schools today. We need to come together as a society and help these schools, in order to create a equal educational opportunity for all.
Quote 4- "Thirteen of the 15 teachers were provisionals, which meant they were not fully certified to teach. Supplies were scarce. Three of my classes don't have textbooks, said the principal. I have to fight and scratch for everything we get." (Kozol, p. 143)
Wow! How can this many teachers in one school building not be certified to teach? I just can't even understand how this can happen. How can a school district be so poor that they can only heir teachers that aren't even qualified for the job? It makes you wonder if these kids are getting a education at all or maybe it is the opposite end of the spectrum and they may not be certified, but they are extremely "qualified." It's sad to see that classes can't even afford the resources they need while other schools are given everything to them. Why can't we spread the wealth and as I like to say, "share the love!"
Quote 5- "You see," he said with a slight stammer in his voice, "I don't have the least idea of where my life is heading, and these questions that you're asking make me scared." (Kozol, p. 147)
This was a quote that struck me. It was when Kozol was talking to a group of boys about their future careers when a fight broke out right in front of them. They weren't phased a bit, but rather continued the conversation. Many of these students hadn't even thought of college or a career. When I read the quote above of what one student told Kozol, it made me upset. How can a student, so late in his educational career, not have options or at least be ready for the next step, such as college. This just goes to show that there is much inequality in our world. Students aren't given the same options or led in the right direction as others. We, as teachers, need to help our students open their minds to the future and provide guidance in their travels.
Quote 6- "Schools find meaningful relationships with businesses, universities, youth organizations, service agencies, and faith-based organizations." (Anthology, p. 165)
I found this quote to be reassuring in a way because schools are finding these partnerships to help them. These partnerships help the schools with keeping children in schools and giving them other opportunities outside of the classroom. These relationships are so powerful in the success of our schools and each individual child as well. They provide funding, after school programs, and open several other opportunities for our children. I know that CCSU is partnered with several schools in helping promote a positive education. Students from CCSU are helping out in various ways in these schools. It is a great way to benefit the helper as well as everyone in the school community. I feel that all school districts should have these meaningful relationships with surrounding places of interest.
This doesn't seem to surprise me one bit. I can see many parents doing this just to get their child in a better school system. I might even do the same as a parent, but only to a certain extent. I feel that our children should get the best education possible and if a school cannot provide that for my child why send them to that school? If there are teachers there that are well-educated then they can provide a great education for your child. As far as prepping for IQ tests and interviews, I don't think that children should be pushed so hard in order to get into a better school, just to see parents satisfied. Go to the local school nearest your home, maybe that school can benefit from your talents and gifts.
Quote 2- "Some people blame these racial differences primarily upon the values systems of black children and their parents. The inequalities in educational provision that we give, or do not give, these children from the starting-gate are given less attention."(Kozol, p. 141)
Just hearing this quote about children of different backgrounds are given less attention from the starting-gate. How can this be, that students are given an equal opportunity based on their race? Maybe it is because of the school they go to and the opportunities at these schools aren't there for each child compared to other districts. Just because one family may have different values from other families, does that mean they should be discriminated against, especially if a parents values aren't even the child's? One should not base where a child should start educationally based upon their value systems.
Quote 3- "By the time they enter schools like these, the results of all their prior years of educational denial are not easily reversed. Overcrowding and distasteful physical surroundings and large class size have their obvious effects as well. Violence, when it breaks out from time to time, is hardly a surprise." (Kozol, p. 142)
It is sad to hear that these kinds of schools actually exist, but as upsetting as it is, it is true. These schools really exist and are serious issues in our educational world. How can a child learn if there are overcrowded classrooms and buildings? Let alone there being physical distractions, such as water leaking into a classroom or broken desks. It's sad to see other schools getting brand new computers while other schools can't even afford to have students sit at a desk. I understand this book was written a couple years ago and some of the stories in the book are a little older than that, but it doesn't change some of the things still happening in our nations schools today. We need to come together as a society and help these schools, in order to create a equal educational opportunity for all.
Quote 4- "Thirteen of the 15 teachers were provisionals, which meant they were not fully certified to teach. Supplies were scarce. Three of my classes don't have textbooks, said the principal. I have to fight and scratch for everything we get." (Kozol, p. 143)
Wow! How can this many teachers in one school building not be certified to teach? I just can't even understand how this can happen. How can a school district be so poor that they can only heir teachers that aren't even qualified for the job? It makes you wonder if these kids are getting a education at all or maybe it is the opposite end of the spectrum and they may not be certified, but they are extremely "qualified." It's sad to see that classes can't even afford the resources they need while other schools are given everything to them. Why can't we spread the wealth and as I like to say, "share the love!"
Quote 5- "You see," he said with a slight stammer in his voice, "I don't have the least idea of where my life is heading, and these questions that you're asking make me scared." (Kozol, p. 147)
This was a quote that struck me. It was when Kozol was talking to a group of boys about their future careers when a fight broke out right in front of them. They weren't phased a bit, but rather continued the conversation. Many of these students hadn't even thought of college or a career. When I read the quote above of what one student told Kozol, it made me upset. How can a student, so late in his educational career, not have options or at least be ready for the next step, such as college. This just goes to show that there is much inequality in our world. Students aren't given the same options or led in the right direction as others. We, as teachers, need to help our students open their minds to the future and provide guidance in their travels.
Quote 6- "Schools find meaningful relationships with businesses, universities, youth organizations, service agencies, and faith-based organizations." (Anthology, p. 165)
I found this quote to be reassuring in a way because schools are finding these partnerships to help them. These partnerships help the schools with keeping children in schools and giving them other opportunities outside of the classroom. These relationships are so powerful in the success of our schools and each individual child as well. They provide funding, after school programs, and open several other opportunities for our children. I know that CCSU is partnered with several schools in helping promote a positive education. Students from CCSU are helping out in various ways in these schools. It is a great way to benefit the helper as well as everyone in the school community. I feel that all school districts should have these meaningful relationships with surrounding places of interest.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Quotes taken from Kozol Ch. 5, Spring Ch. 5, and Anthology Ch. 5&6
Quote 1- "So long as knowledge is considered something like a dot upon a map and learning is considered an assault upon that knowledge (invasion of the subject matter, followed by its capture), then it's hard to quarrel with the model that the CEO had used."(Kozol, p. 111)
This quote referred to the title of the chapter, The Road to Rome, an used a military metaphor to show how students need to be drilled rapidly in order to force the march of students to "Rome," or success/learning. I found this quote to be quite disturbing. I understand they are explaining the drilling of standardized testing to the path of success, but I feel offended that they need to use a military metaphor to explain the plan for teaching. It doesn't seem right to me and the education process. I understand we need to push hard with practicing for these standardized tests in order for students to succeed, but not through "military training."
Quote 2- "The children were told, she said, that "it's not just 'important' that they pass," but that "passing this-the test- is actually the only thing that is important. One of her students "was throwing up and crying, so she couldn't take her test, because she was afraid she'd never be allowed to leave the school because she'd never pass the state exam."(Kozol, p. 113)
Talk about making a child so nervous that he/she is set up to fail. Students shouldn't be scared to death about a standardized test, but rather should be encouraged to practice and try their best. Scaring a child about a test and telling them that it is the most important thing in their life makes them even more nervous. I remember growing up, there being plenty of practice before actually taking the test. This gave children some experience and practice for the certain test they are taking. We must give our students some warm up and even a taste of what the test is going to be like, in order to give them the possibility for success.
Quote 3- "One of the distorting consequences that is taking an especially high toll on children of minorities, she notes, is the increasing practice of compelling children to repeat a grade or several grades over the course of years solely on the basis of their test results and, in some districts, almost wholly independent of the judgement of their principals and teachers." (Kozol, p. 117)
How can one test, one teacher, or one principal singly decide the success of a child? If a child doesn't pass the test they shouldn't be held back. I feel as if some school districts jump quickly to having a child stay back because of the fact that they didn't pass a standardized test. I understand that standardized testing is important to schools and districts, but must they decide if a child moves on or not. Maybe one of these children had a bad day or was under the weather, should this decide if they fail?
Quote 4- "We are giving kids less and calling it more," "limiting what we teach" to what " we can easily measure," pushing our students "to focus on memorizing information, then regurgitating fact," The student's job, he said, should not be only "to absorb information, but to make connections, find new patterns, imagine new possibilities..." But imagination and inquiry are "not a big item" in the testing and accountability agenda, he went on. "Choosing the right answer to someone else's question is what counts." (Kozol, p. 131)
Wow! I loved the fact that this quote was included in Kozol's novel. This quote still seems so true in some districts even though it was stated by Dr. Sobol in the mid 90's. Many districts are still having students memorize information and having them regurgitate it word for word. How can we expect students to do this and actually enjoy what they are learning and encourage them to keep coming to school? I loved the three words in the middle of the quote, "imagine the possibilities..." Amazing is all I have to say. Let students imagine the possibilities and dream big. Have them make connections and find new patterns. Make sure they are thinking critically and using real world situations. This will make your children want to come to school as well as maximizing their learning.
Quote 5- "An important understanding in multicultural education is that people can be bicultural in knowing and viewing the world. This is particularly important for understanding the learning processes of students who have recently arrived in the United States." (Spring, p. 120)
I enjoyed reading this quote because it told us how important it is to understand multicultural education and how people are bicultural in knowing and viewing the rest of the world. As a society we need to be open to others' views and lives. This quote makes me relate it to ELL and how they need support when they first arrive in the U.S.. Especially in the education system, we need to be supportive and open to their diversity. At the same time, we must help them adapt to our society, the way of life, and in the classroom.
Quote 6- "Anti-Bias Curriculum Tools for Empowering Young Children. This curriculum and related methods of instruction are designed to reduce prejudice among young children regarding race, language, gender, and physical ability differences." (Spring, p. 129)
I was very informed by this quote and portion of the chapter on teaching about racism. I liked seeing that there exists curriculums that help children learn about these prejudices and how to reduce the bias against others. We need to teach children that everyone should be treated equally, no matter who they are or what they look like. Everyone is different in their own way and these differences should be celebrated rather than judged!
This quote referred to the title of the chapter, The Road to Rome, an used a military metaphor to show how students need to be drilled rapidly in order to force the march of students to "Rome," or success/learning. I found this quote to be quite disturbing. I understand they are explaining the drilling of standardized testing to the path of success, but I feel offended that they need to use a military metaphor to explain the plan for teaching. It doesn't seem right to me and the education process. I understand we need to push hard with practicing for these standardized tests in order for students to succeed, but not through "military training."
Quote 2- "The children were told, she said, that "it's not just 'important' that they pass," but that "passing this-the test- is actually the only thing that is important. One of her students "was throwing up and crying, so she couldn't take her test, because she was afraid she'd never be allowed to leave the school because she'd never pass the state exam."(Kozol, p. 113)
Talk about making a child so nervous that he/she is set up to fail. Students shouldn't be scared to death about a standardized test, but rather should be encouraged to practice and try their best. Scaring a child about a test and telling them that it is the most important thing in their life makes them even more nervous. I remember growing up, there being plenty of practice before actually taking the test. This gave children some experience and practice for the certain test they are taking. We must give our students some warm up and even a taste of what the test is going to be like, in order to give them the possibility for success.
Quote 3- "One of the distorting consequences that is taking an especially high toll on children of minorities, she notes, is the increasing practice of compelling children to repeat a grade or several grades over the course of years solely on the basis of their test results and, in some districts, almost wholly independent of the judgement of their principals and teachers." (Kozol, p. 117)
How can one test, one teacher, or one principal singly decide the success of a child? If a child doesn't pass the test they shouldn't be held back. I feel as if some school districts jump quickly to having a child stay back because of the fact that they didn't pass a standardized test. I understand that standardized testing is important to schools and districts, but must they decide if a child moves on or not. Maybe one of these children had a bad day or was under the weather, should this decide if they fail?
Quote 4- "We are giving kids less and calling it more," "limiting what we teach" to what " we can easily measure," pushing our students "to focus on memorizing information, then regurgitating fact," The student's job, he said, should not be only "to absorb information, but to make connections, find new patterns, imagine new possibilities..." But imagination and inquiry are "not a big item" in the testing and accountability agenda, he went on. "Choosing the right answer to someone else's question is what counts." (Kozol, p. 131)
Wow! I loved the fact that this quote was included in Kozol's novel. This quote still seems so true in some districts even though it was stated by Dr. Sobol in the mid 90's. Many districts are still having students memorize information and having them regurgitate it word for word. How can we expect students to do this and actually enjoy what they are learning and encourage them to keep coming to school? I loved the three words in the middle of the quote, "imagine the possibilities..." Amazing is all I have to say. Let students imagine the possibilities and dream big. Have them make connections and find new patterns. Make sure they are thinking critically and using real world situations. This will make your children want to come to school as well as maximizing their learning.
Quote 5- "An important understanding in multicultural education is that people can be bicultural in knowing and viewing the world. This is particularly important for understanding the learning processes of students who have recently arrived in the United States." (Spring, p. 120)
I enjoyed reading this quote because it told us how important it is to understand multicultural education and how people are bicultural in knowing and viewing the rest of the world. As a society we need to be open to others' views and lives. This quote makes me relate it to ELL and how they need support when they first arrive in the U.S.. Especially in the education system, we need to be supportive and open to their diversity. At the same time, we must help them adapt to our society, the way of life, and in the classroom.
Quote 6- "Anti-Bias Curriculum Tools for Empowering Young Children. This curriculum and related methods of instruction are designed to reduce prejudice among young children regarding race, language, gender, and physical ability differences." (Spring, p. 129)
I was very informed by this quote and portion of the chapter on teaching about racism. I liked seeing that there exists curriculums that help children learn about these prejudices and how to reduce the bias against others. We need to teach children that everyone should be treated equally, no matter who they are or what they look like. Everyone is different in their own way and these differences should be celebrated rather than judged!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Joel Spring- American Education Chapter 4
Quote 12
"Those Mexican children who did attend school faced segregation and an education designed to rid them of their native language and customs." (Spring p. 91)
This made me very upset to read! How could a human being try to rid someone of their own customs? Students were forced to conform to the language and customs of others. That shows how horrible our country was in our history. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn without being forced to change as an individual. We need to provide these students with translators that can help them learn as well as having them learn the English language without feeling any regret to their own language and culture.
"Those Mexican children who did attend school faced segregation and an education designed to rid them of their native language and customs." (Spring p. 91)
This made me very upset to read! How could a human being try to rid someone of their own customs? Students were forced to conform to the language and customs of others. That shows how horrible our country was in our history. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn without being forced to change as an individual. We need to provide these students with translators that can help them learn as well as having them learn the English language without feeling any regret to their own language and culture.
Joel Spring- American Education Chapter 4
Quote 11
"Two methods by which education can be used as a method of social control. One is to deny a population the knowledge necessary to protect its political and economic rights and to economically advance in society; the other is segregation." (Spring p.90)
Why would someone in their right mind ever want to socially control someone through the use of education. No one should be denied the knowledge necessary to protect its political and economic rights. These children will go no where in life, if they do, they will have to work twice as hard just to get by. Segregation was the main way in which education was a method of social control "back in the day." they used segregation as a way to make children feel different from others, educationally, socially, and economically. I can't believe this actually happened in the history of our country. I'm glad we have grown, but not completely. I feel like some students are still socially controlled because they can't choose which school they wish to attend or their parents can't afford to send them to school.
"Two methods by which education can be used as a method of social control. One is to deny a population the knowledge necessary to protect its political and economic rights and to economically advance in society; the other is segregation." (Spring p.90)
Why would someone in their right mind ever want to socially control someone through the use of education. No one should be denied the knowledge necessary to protect its political and economic rights. These children will go no where in life, if they do, they will have to work twice as hard just to get by. Segregation was the main way in which education was a method of social control "back in the day." they used segregation as a way to make children feel different from others, educationally, socially, and economically. I can't believe this actually happened in the history of our country. I'm glad we have grown, but not completely. I feel like some students are still socially controlled because they can't choose which school they wish to attend or their parents can't afford to send them to school.
Joel Spring- American Education Chapter 4
Quote 10
"In California, Mexican Americans were classified as Caucasian until 1930 when California's Attorney General Webb categorized them as Indians. He argued, "The greater portion of the population of Mexico are Indians." Therefore, according to the California school code, Mexican Americans were segregated based on the provision the "governing board of school district shall have power to establish separate schools for Indian children, expecting children of Indians...who are the descendants of the original American Indians of the U.S.." Mexican Americans were not considered "the original American Indians of the U.S.."(Spring p.89)
Just because one culture looks similar in some ways to another, doesn't mean that they should be deemed the same ethnic name. Every individual is their own person and should be treated that way. We are all free in America and shouldn't be given a name based on the population of a certain country. In this quote I chose I thought it was wrong for the Attorney General to make this opinion on the basis that "the greater portion of the population of Mexico are Indians." How can someone make a judgement based on this information? Every ethnic background has their own name and culture, so we cannot begin to say people are the same because they look alike or because the majority of their population is of a different ethnic background. This is like saying all Americans are black because the majority of the population is black. That's not right!
"In California, Mexican Americans were classified as Caucasian until 1930 when California's Attorney General Webb categorized them as Indians. He argued, "The greater portion of the population of Mexico are Indians." Therefore, according to the California school code, Mexican Americans were segregated based on the provision the "governing board of school district shall have power to establish separate schools for Indian children, expecting children of Indians...who are the descendants of the original American Indians of the U.S.." Mexican Americans were not considered "the original American Indians of the U.S.."(Spring p.89)
Just because one culture looks similar in some ways to another, doesn't mean that they should be deemed the same ethnic name. Every individual is their own person and should be treated that way. We are all free in America and shouldn't be given a name based on the population of a certain country. In this quote I chose I thought it was wrong for the Attorney General to make this opinion on the basis that "the greater portion of the population of Mexico are Indians." How can someone make a judgement based on this information? Every ethnic background has their own name and culture, so we cannot begin to say people are the same because they look alike or because the majority of their population is of a different ethnic background. This is like saying all Americans are black because the majority of the population is black. That's not right!
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