Ira Shor, Empowering Education-'Reflection'

    While reading this article, I immediately thought of our last article by K. She begins, right from the start, to quote a man named Bettelheim.This man does not believe that the three R'S concept as the answer, or main goal of the school systems. He is a true believer in the overall concept of socialization. Socialization has many different areas that creates an impact on our lives, in schools, and the social day to day life. I looked up the definition of socialization, and posted it. Right away, it states 'a continuing process'. It is a life time learning experience for all of our community, children or adult. The rest of the definition is what I believe Shor is tring to explain in this article. Our parents, our families, and our teachers, all help us for an 'identity' during our lives. They are all forms of social activity that creates our values and social positions.

 

so·cial·i·za·tion

[soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn] Show IPA –noun

1.a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.

 /ˌsoʊʃələˈzeɪʃən/   I agreed with Shor when it comes to the democracy that is held in our school systems. I feel that the comparison of the schools 'chain of command', and the future long term employments for these children, are quite similar in comparison. The future of the students, must be included in the curriculum to instill a brighter future for tomorrow. We must look ahead in all things that we do in our lives. In my own words, I feel that Shor was trying to explain the similarities when it comes to this topic. Our schools have the top employee, the Principal, which then stems down to the teacher, and last but not least, the children. In a work place in the future, this is still the concept that will follow these student for the rest of their lives.There is the owner of the business, the Manager that follows the owners rules, and then the regular employees. We need to look at all of the needs of each individual 'step in the chain', and make in harmony, where they all benefit. 

    In class, I am curious to know exactly who creates the curriculum for the schools in the first place. Who decides what our Children should learn, and shouldn't learn in their education?

http://www.suite101.com/content/questioning-techniques-for-teachers-a85919

Christopher Kliewer, Citizenship in School:Reconceptualizing Dowm Syndrome-Reflection

   While reading the book by Christopher Kliewer, I began to see the reasoning behind his writing on behave of the children with some sort of learning disability. He gives examples of different teachers in the classroom, using unique ways to teach a concept that they can all learn. If we, as Educators, use many forms of teaching methods in our classroom, we can help all the children learn and understand the techniques. Just because a child has a disability, does not mean that they can not function or learn a lesson in their school. I think that he may be against the use of tracking in the Schools. He seems to focus his writing on having the children work together, and not separating them from one another because of their abilities.

   He discusses, in great length about Howard Gardner, and his views on this topic. Gardner has come up with the three R's that should be integrated into our styles of teaching. They include, Problems, Challenges, projects, and opportunities. He has focused his Field of study on school-based literacy, and Mathematics instruction. I found it relative to our class when I was reading about his idea of culture, and how it is important to include in our classrooms. Diversity is important, and we, as Educators, need to change with the times that we are living and teaching in.

  I sat down, after reading this article, and thought about what I should write, and what it means to me. I have ADD, and was not diagnosed until eighth grade. Why was it not known to my teachers or parents until such a late age? the reason why, and I realize it now, is because I had learned to deal with it, and hide it from my peers and Educators. I did not want to be labeled, and taken out of the classroom that consisted of all of my friends. The children that were pulled out, and called to some kind of resource were made fun of by the other student. So, I learned how to get through my grades, and not ask for the extra help that I did need. This is upsetting and depressing to me now as an Adult looking back at this situation. These student should not be labeled, or considered different or be casted out from their peers. This is still a problem in schools, and in the lives of these children that are affected by this daily. If we are aware of the issue and problems that are associated with it, why is it not a key note that we address.

I found this website interesting, a great connection to the lesson for this week in class. I think that in class, we should talk about ways that we can help create a positive atmosphere in our classrooms, for all of the different disabilities that our students face daily.
http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/position9.php

Gender Stereotyping of Women in the Media

The AXE Effect - Women - Billions

Nissan commercial

Promising Practices Conference

 
  I really had a great experience at my first Promising Practices Conference. It was reassuring to see my fellow classmates sitting at a table together. It made any stress or confusion dim away from the start. I was glad that I had preregistered because it made it so easy to just grab my folder, and get ready for the day.
     My first session was called Horton: Digitally Organizing Your Ideas, taught by Connie Horton. This was held in a computer lab, where we took our test last week. Mrs. Horton was a very enthusiastic Teacher from the moment that we all walked in. The program that was taught to us was about the method of using Concept Maps in our classrooms, or as a guide for our personal organization. She had explained perfectly, which made it easy for me to grasp the procedure. You make a list, or steps that you want to turn into a time-line. After you are done organising your thought, you press this button, which automatically turns it into a time-line.You can cange the colors for the text, shapes, or even add an imagine in the words place. I found the program to be a wonderful tool for children that need to write a report.I may even use it for my own next project! It will keep me organised, and help me visually see the steps that I need to take. We all created a 'Sunday' page, and the things that we needed to do that day. It was fun to play with the images, and change the colors of my list. I do recommend this Session for those people that enjoy working on the computer.

     My favorite Session was definitely the second one. I walked in and just felt so comfortable with the Student teaching this class. The name of the Session was called David: Bringing Media Literacy Into the Classroom. This was the perfect conference to attend because it went right along with our class discussions, and I learned some new things too! It introduces the topic of Gender Inequality in the classroom, and in the Media. Kayla David was teaching this topic, and  is actually a Student at RIC. She was excited and nervous at the same time, and truly passionate about this lesson. She began with letting use take ten minutes, in a group, and writing down the difference between a female and a male! I knew a bit more then the rest of group because of our class and the reading, but I waited and then put down my answers. She explained the difference between sex and gender, which brought to mind the reading by Linda Christensen. The 'Teacher did not mention an author in her presentation, but gave a over-view of the issue in the Media. Christensen taught use about the problem that arises in our daily life, and the 'Hidden Curriculum' that is taught to use daily. Miss David also touched on the ideas and ideology's that are in our society. She did not use Disney Films in her presentation like Linda Christensen had in her article, but brought our attention to the media.We all wrote our ideas on the girl and boy drawings that she had put on the board. Then she showed use some commercials that use females as a 'sex object', and inferior to the male race. I posted a couple that she played, and some that I found on YouTube! It's awful to read the comments some 'Men' left under the videos!!

   I am not quite sure how to sum up the Keynote speaker, Dr.Dennis Shirley. I tried to understand what he was addressing in his speech, but found myself con fussed throughout the discussion. I think that if I did read his book, I would remember bits and pieces from the speech, and maybe 'get it'. He seems like a well educated man, that has many experiences to share with his listeners, but I was confused. I think he jumped around most of the time, and I did feel aggravated because I was excited to learn something new about Mindfulness!

Oaks and Finn 'Reflection'

    The article that was written by Jeannie Oaks brought some good points and ideas that I found interesting. This is an article about the use of tracking in our children's education. Is it a positive aspect or a negative system that is another part of stereotyping. There are two different views that people feel toward the subject. One is that the students that are advanced, should be in a higher, separate class then the average and below children. On the other hand, some people feel that tracking is an important part of their education. The above average students need to be separated from the others, because they need room to excel in their education.

    I feel that after reading this article, that they do have some valid points in each standpoint.I am a person that feels each child deserves the same opportunities as the next. If we do not give these children a fighting chance, then how do we know they can not achieve the same outcome in life.  I do not agree with the idea that intelligence is only developed at an early age. That the outcome for success is not a probable factor. This is a form of stereotyping in our schools. Learning is a life journey, life, not just elementary school. I am not totally against some form of higher education for some students. Maybe a class once a day, or a after school group. This would still keep some parents with excelled children happy to some extent.

      When my son was in Middle School, they divided the children into four groups. My son said it was the smart kids, the good kids, the ok kids, and the dumb kids. The named the groups after animals. He was in the 'good kids group', that's what he said. I was disturbed that they did this type of stereotyping in his school. The children in the lower groups must feel awful about their 'lack of achievement', so why would they have any inspiration to really care and try for their success in education. I actually brought it up in a meeting I had to go to, and asked his teachers why they do this. They said it was not their idea, but a standard that they are made to go by. I was not fulfilled at all with their answers, but I am only one parent who does not agree.

      I found the article written by Patrick J. Finn to be a bit difficult to understand in the beginning of the reading. While I read on, I began to figure out what he was trying to express to his readers. The difference in a persons success in life is determined on the type of education that they receive, the level of literacy. If a child is given a 'higher literacy education', then they are more than likely to have a rich, powerful. ans successful life. If they have a 'low form' of literacy and education, then they will be a part of the  middle class, or poor society.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASDzcvyatgw
He is a teacher that tries to provide a strong foundation in education to all of his students. He feels that this will help in the future of all of their life goal;s in life. I found it interesting to see that he had included Jon Kozol's book in his writing.  He made great connections to the idea of inequality being a huge part of the problem that faces these children's education. He also reminded me of Lisa Delpit because he has a strict teaching style. He lets the students know and understand that this is how he wants things done, no questions asked.
    I feel the both of these articles made excellent points, both discussing the stereotyping that is done in our schools, and everyday life. If we challenge these obstacles, maybe we can make a difference in this issue.
    I think that in class we should discuss the ways that we can prevent this stereotyping working in our own classrooms. If we have a good understanding of the problem, we could become the impact on our children's lives. It begins with the parents and Educators!!!


    
   

Gender and Education Information

      Gender and Education that exist in 2010

    I found so many different websites about this topic. In a whole, I feel that most believe that some things have been done to help. but much more is still needed to be accomplished. We have begun to 'tap the glass in some areas of equality, but it is a problem educationally, and socially in our society.

    I was thinking about how the female children are raised for their early childhood. They are taught to play with dolls, which includes changing their cloths, combing their hair, feeding them with bottles, and even changing their diapers! Plastic cleaning sets, doll houses, and easy bake ovens are the toys that are gifted year after year to these children. Is this what makes a girl a girl??? They are taught at a young age that they are support to take care of the children, cook, and clean. This is such a stereotype in my own personal opinion. So, I feel that from the beginning, it is getting drilled into females heads that this is what they are support to do, their job in life. I liked GI Joe's when I was little, and my Mother hated it. She felt I was weird, and boyish like. Well, I got my knees dirty, feel down playing football and got cuts, and even broke my finger playing basketball! I loved all the "boyish" stuff as I grew up. Does that make me any different then my sister, who played with Barbie dolls, and cooking sets????? I linked this website because it shows all different statistics when it comes to many topics of gender inequality. I found it interesting and educational.

http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/indwm/

  Young Boys are gifted with the usual toys, such as building blocks, toy guns, plastic tools, and sport equipment. Does this set a clear image on   their place in our society.

   In Education, their are many gender gaps that still do exist in our schools.In the recent tests, I was reading an article that suggested  girls were, in fact, scoring higher then the boys are. The artlcal did mention that it depended on the subject that was being tested. This is a study done in the United States, other countries have different sinerios when it comes to gender inequality. This was one of three studies that I found on different websites. I linked this article because I found it to be interesting. I thought that the 'glass ceiling' phrase fit in perfect with our class.

     In class, I would like to share the information that I found interesting with the class. I am also interested in the other students, and that facts that they found.

http://socialissues.wiseto.com/Topics/WorkingWomen/ 

Man vs Women

Brown V. Board of Education, Tim Wise Video

          I found that this was an interesting discussion to listen to. I feel that Tim Wise brings up so many excellent points that still need to be addressed. The website is a time line on the occurrence's of the 'change ' that was made in our constitution for the equal opportunity of education, disregarding race. This was accomplished on May 17, 1954, with hard work from the community which made this all possible. Tim Wise addresses the topics that did make a great deal of impact in the past, but still views that as a problem in our society.

                                             
           Tim Wise discussed the topic of a black president for our country, and his views about this. Wise feels it is a 'tap on the glass', but it remains to be a problem. He feels that Obama's electio9n was a great start, but racism is far from being resolved. He feels that we have made progress in the past years, but the stereotyping is an on going battle. He feels that the reason Obama was elected was because he is not the 'typical blackman', but an educated one that is very intelligent, and well dressed. He explains that if a black man was to have a poor education, and dress in a different manner then the 'norm', he would have not been elected. This means that we still value people on their appearance, weather race, apparel, music we listen to, school we went to or still go to, or the neighborhoods that we reside in.

    I think that Tim Wise is triing to open our eyes to 'perseption'
   Would Obama become president if this was the circumstances?

                                                            Does image matter????????

      I found it interesting to hear him bring up a point that was made also by Johnson, regarding able-bodiness. Are we still hiring people because of their race, gender, religion, straightness, Americanism, and maleness. Tim Wise feels that we do in fact still use racism in our current daily values. He feels that black people are perceved as less intellegent, higher criminal backgrounds, less patriotic, and less hardworking then the white people in America. This is a terrible thought to come into mind, but the problem is still steriotypoed everyday in America. Tim Wise is triing to open our eyes to the issue, and his cause is worth fighting for to create a better America for our  tomorrow.

"Connections" on Tim Wise, Whites Swim in Racial Preference

       As I was reading this article by Tim Wise, I immediately began to reference his piece to Johnson's concept of S.C.W.A.A.M.P. Johnson goes into such great detail on the affect of the 'commom ideology', that is an underlining problem in our society.Johnson's views on the concept of "whiteness", fits perfectly with the thought process of Tim Wise. Johnson feels that white people have a privilege in our society, and we need to recognise this using our conscience thought process. Tim Wise also feels that white people do, and have had a 'one-up' on the black people in the community. Johnson discusses the affect that it has for the white people, and the gains they are granted due to their race, gender, sexuality, able-bodiness, and property. Johnson feels that white citizens have a advantage on their Education, housing, banking, business, and salary. Tim Wise also feels that this is true, and post some percentages in his writing. Wise discussed the University of Michigan, and the advantages that they give the pupils, based on their past history of their childhood. He feels that it is an unfair system because some of the students come from a poor, urban society, and could not afford to attend fancy, higher end schools in the past. Wise expresses his thought on the inequality that this University is portraying.

     Tim Wise discuses the advantages that white people have, even in the present day. He feels that white people do not even see this because they are so use to it, that it's just not thought about or even realized. Tim Wise used a great example in his piece about a fish. "Ask a fish what water is and you'll get no answer. Even if fish were capable of speech, they would likely have no explanation for the element they swim in every minute of every day of their lives. Water simply is. Fish take it for granted." He used this example to compare the thought process of white people and that white people do not even realise the 'priviolage' that they receive through their lives. He compares the  'water to fish concept', to the 'Privlidge of the white citizen', to help the reader understand the concept that he trying to get across. This brought to mind the reading by MacIntosh. MacIntosh feels that the white individuals are not taught to recognize the ways that they benefit from their race.That white people just do not choose to recognize this concept, to just pretend that it does not even exist. I feel that Wise and MacIntosh have the same types of views about race, and the 'bedsheet' that is hung over the citizens eyes!
This article talks about Chris Rock, Tim Wise, and Dave Matthews, and there feelings on the topic of White Privilege.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2629192&page=1

      I just wanted to state that I do not totally agree with this blog entry. I feel that some people are aware of the 'White Privilege' concept, and the problem that it causes in our society. Many people, white or black, make an effort to help open peoples eyes to this issue. I feel our class has opened my eyes to different things that I had overlooked in the past. I try to keep a clear head and an open mind for my future endeavors!

In Class:
    I feel that we need to discuss ways that we can help in the change of this problem. Sometimes just discussing issues with other people can open their eyes, and may help in the realization of this reality we face.

What should we discuss in class....

I feel that we should talk about the different types of Service Learning, and see which approach is the most affective!

'Reflection"In The Service Of What? The Politics of Service Learning, By Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer

 

     The article by Kahne and Westtheimer made me really think about the classrooms that I have worked in, and the class that I am working in at the present time. This article is about service learning, how we go about doing it, who's responsible for the education that is taught, and different ways that we can go about teaching the process.  While reading the example that is given by this article about Mr. Johnson's class, I related to the students, and the parents. They explain that the school that the students are going to be working in are in a poor neighborhood. The students that are doing this service learning project are from a middle-class area.Some of the parents were upset, and worried for their child's safety. The students were beginning this project, with stereotypes already at play in their minds.
     I related to the parents for a number of reasons. Myself, as a parent, worry about my child in all that he is doing, daily. If he told me that he was involved in this assignment, would I be upset and concerned, I say probably yes! I think that the parents that were really against this should have done their research on the school and the area before coming to a conclusion. I feel that the phrase, "You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover", relates to this topic. They could have even visited the school to check it out, and then make a decision.
      I can relate to the students in the same sense that I felt when I began my VIPS assignment. It is in an urban, low income neighborhood. I was not quite sue what to expect. I worried that some of the children would not want to give me a chance and try to expand their knowledge in Music, because they may not care about school at all. I also worried about their behavior, and how that would affect my interaction with them during class time. The students from this article came to a realization that they were wrong about their assumption on the School, and the children they were working with. They found the pupils to be very polite and interested in them and the learning that the student teachers had planned to teach them. There pre-notion of the environment was entirely wrong, and they realized that. I found this to be true in the VIPS, service learning program that I have been working in. The children are sweet, well mannered, and love having me come to their class. I came to the conclusion that for now on, I will try my best not to stereotype a situation, before I have the 'hard facts' to which I would be dealing with. Diversity is not a problem, it is a just a different environment that I was not use to. It has been a great experience for me this far, and I have become much more open mind to new adventures.
    This is a great example of the article in the discussing of 'Charity vs Change'. We need to realize that we have to be open minded, and not pity the youth that we work with, but try to help and understand were they are coming from.We need to help in the 'change' of their lives, and realize the positive things we can do to help improve and fulfill their lives. Sometimes change is a great thing in our lives, or that's what my Grandmother always tell me. some people have a difficult time with change, in any form of the word, myself included. How can we move forward and better ourselves if we do not evolve. I think that is what the authors of this article are trying to express.
     Which is a better way to provide service learning in a meaningful way? In the examples given in this article, I feel that each student took some form of knowledge with them after the project, just in different ways. They discuss  "Serving Those In Need", which the student worked in a community service project. This project was for a government class, and they state that it was surrounding democracy and citizenship. They help out in different areas of the community, to provide a 'service' that would help people.
     The other example was a form of service learning program 'Homeless Here and Elsewhere", which the authors describe the form of social, legal, and political standpoint. These students did a great amount of research while in fact helping those who are in need. They actually investigated, write articles, and really try do understand the cause, not just use a "band-aid', as we read about in Jon Kozol Article. I really feel that this is a wonderful form of helping out the community. I also feel that any act in any form that a person provides to help and care about others is spectacular! I found myself wanting to volunteer and help an organization, to better them , and better myself. I have helped out in the cause for the fight for leukemia for children in the past years. Did I visually see an impact, no, but I knew that I was a 'dent in the glass of the foundation.

    I found this article that has a teacher discussing  how she feels about the service learning student that she has to encounter. I found it interesting to think about it from a Teachers standpoint, because I will have to do the same in the future.

    

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/education/edlife/03service-t.html
 

Youtube Video, Democratic Debate on 'Should English be declared our official language?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmngww_Go-Q&feature=related

Christensen, "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us" Extended Comments-Giana's Blog

    As I was reading Giana's blog, I felt that she brought up many points that I was feeling and thinking while I read the piece by Linda Christensen. I loved how Giana brought up the point that these Disney movie stereotype how a woman should look, what is expected of a woman. It is a truth that can not be denied, that Disney movies, along with all of the media of our society, create a massive problem. As the children watch these films, they see that all the main characters are tall, slim and very beautiful in their appearance. I thought that Gianas title on her blog was an excellent choice, "What is really pretty?". A question that has it's own answer in each person's individual view. If our youth is watching these films, most likely numerous times, the message of what their appearance is 'suppost to be', is subliminally forming in their minds. As Giana discussed, these children may end up with some form of an eating disorder, never feeling that they are the 'perfect looking' individual. As I wandered around the web, I took notice of certain things that I had never really thought about. Most of the main characters, man or woman, had the appearance of what a super model should look like. Giana feels that it is not just the outside of a person, but also the inside that counts. I feel that way in my everyday life. I am not judgmental when I visibly see a person for the first time, I need to get to know them to be able to decide how I feel for myself.

   Giana also brings up a great point when she discussed the portray of overweight people in our society. I love how she gave examples of the movies that do not use skinny flawless people as their main characters. Each person has something unique about them. Something that distinguishes them from the other people of this judgmental world. I think that this talent, this quality is not to be judged by a persons appearance. In the movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this movie is teaching our children that if you are different, you must hide away, where no person can see you. It teaches that if you are different in physical ways, you are not welcome in our society.

   Giana finalizes her blog entry with the outcome of the study that Linda Christensen did with her students. All of the students that broke down these movies, feel that they will never look at them with the same thought process again. I would love to know what the outcomes where from their studies. I looked up some articles, but they were all very vague when describing what exactly they were. They showed frames of some of the hidden messages, but I still did not feel fulfilled with the research. Most of the pictures that I could find were of a sexual nature.  I included some pictures that had 'hidden messages' in them.

   In class, I would like to discuss the  Disney movies that we all have seen, and different points of view from the students on the content, the subliminal messages.

Weblink to Anti-Gay Bullying, what our Educators will do/should do

Thought I would add this due to our weeks discussion on this issue!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101009/ap_on_re_us/us_anti_gay_bullying1st_ld_writethru_1

This is an artical by Alfie Kohn

This is an artical about the parents of today, and how they are not raising their child in the 'right way'
I found it interesting.
What do you think?
Do we coddle our children and give them what they want to avoid any problems?
Should we be authoritative and set standards right away like Delpit suggests?

 http://www.alfiekohn.org/miscellaneous/spoiling.htm

Missing Children Alert.....

http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/oct/05/amber-alert-out-2-children-ar-249865/?referer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fturnto10.com%2Far%2F249865%2F&h=9b57c&shorturl=http://turnto10.com/ar/249865/

What should we discuss in class.....

I think we should discuss Kevin's story that he wrote about. I am shocked. I feel awful. The fact that people can do this kind of thing and sleep at night really disturbs me!

Dennis Carlson, 'Gayness, Muliticultural Education, and Community' Argument

"This Author, Dennis Carlson, argues that schools use their power of influence to keep gayness 'hidden', 'in it's place', and not to be part of the 'normal' that is accepted in our society. He feels that it is a major problem for these children that are in fact homosexual, to go through school feeling they need to hide or stay 'in the closet' to be a 'regular part' of their educational journey. It begins in the schools, and remains in the eyes of the society, especially in the earlier years, to be socially wrong and unacceptable.

    Carlson has a big problem with the way that our school systems have made it so that the 'normal' individual is characterized by a specific race, gender, ethnic background, and sexuality. He is not totally blaming this problem on just the school, but he feels that they play a huge role in the turbulence that surrounds us as early as our youth, and continues on through our lives.

   The schools try to keep the fact that a teacher is homosexual so hidden from view, that it is not discussed, but 'hidden' from their fellow faculty. In the earlier years, if a teacher was found to be gay, they were fired and treated like an outcast. Homosexuality was just not allowed, they were like the so called 'witches'of the past, treated like they had a plague or disease. A teacher just would not even be able to get a job if anyone knew they were gay. This caused many of the homosexual community to stay away from the teaching career, which hurt us because some of these people would have been great educators, and in the end, we lost out. They were just  thought of as ineffective educators. Our schools did not think of any of the positive aspects  that these people as individuals could 'bring to the table of education'.

Carlson argues that there are  three main ways that our schools contribute to the 'invisible presence' of homosexuality.

1-the erasure of gayness in the curriculum
2-the "closeting" and "witch hunting" of gay teachers
3-verbal and physical intimidation of gay teachers and students


   Carlson feels that the 'normalizing' of our community is a problem. That we have our traditions in our community, and that is what is expected, and all that will be accepted. This causes a mask for any other particular thing that may be different than the tradition to be a sort of 'outcast', and not viewed as acceptable.
This causes people to be unable to feel and become an individual. It makes them feel unable to express who they truly are in life.


   I attached a website that has books that can be incorporated into the classroom to help open children's eyes to the fact that we are all different. This includes race, gender, sexuality and even our minds thoughts and beliefs.
http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000154901

  Even today, unless a child is in health class, and discussing the topic of aids, it is barely ever spoken about or discussed. It was only in the recent years that they were able to 'come out of the closet' in the media. It is not as big as a problem as the past, but we are still not at the point of 'social acceptance'. It is still considered 'odd' and not in the normal range of our society. He discusses that in some high schools, in the recent years, have formed their own groups of homosexuality clubs, where they can be open with their sexuality. There are many social groups now that stand for the rights of the gay community. One is called "Children of the Rainbow". This group fought  for a curriculum that will include lessons in of racial, sexual, ethnic, and religious diversity.

  I would just like to add in my own words, that I feel we all should open our eyes to all the differences in the people of the world. We all have something to bring, some talent that each may learn from. I myself attend 'Gay Bingo" every third Thursday of the month to support the gay rights. I also really enjoy going. I am in-fact a heterosexual woman, but what does that matter. I find 'difference' enlightening in all aspects of the world.



I also added a list of celebrities that have in fact 'come out of the closet', and stand strong to their individualism. 


http://gaylife.about.com/od/gaycelebrityprofiles/ig/Gay-Celebrity-Profiles/index.06.htm

Was Johnny Appleseed a real person, discussion in class

Was Johnny Appleseed a real person.......
I looked it up.
This a cute website that has some fall activities that some of you can do with your placements!
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/school/usa/people/Appleseedindex.shtml

Todays discussion in class....

I was thinking about the discussion we had in class today about the reading by Jon Kozol. I think it was a strong reading in the sense that it really described in ways that struck me in so many different areas. I also learned that Kozol feels it is the 'society as a whole' fault for all of the issues that they are having in New York. I never would have looked at the help that the community there has as a 'band-aid". I loved that description that she used. It helped to make me understand Kozol better. There has to be a better way to help our society with there problems. Band-aids will eventually fall off....Right!?!

What would I like to discuss in class about the reading 'Aria'

I would like to discuss ways that may make it easier to teach children that are bilingual. I would like to learn ways that would be more effective to help in my own classroom setting. Some students in the class may have some tips that I could use in the future. Maybe an experience that they had that seemed to work better when teaching a child that is bilingual.

Aria - Richard Rodriguez - Quote Breakdown

'The nun would persist, 'Richard, stand up. Don't look at the floor. Speak up. Speak to the entire class, not just to me!' But I couldn't believe that the English language was mine to use.(In part, I did not want to believe it) I continued to mumble, I resisted the teachers demands.Did I somehow suspect that once I learned public language my pleasing family life would changed?)

This part of the book really made me realize that the pride that parents instill in their children in their home environment, plays a part in their everyday life, weather  inside of outside of the home. Richard was so frightened to "stray away" from his own culture, that he was unwilling to even participate in the classroom events. I think that the approach of the Nun to the child was a way that Delpit was suggesting in her book. It was direct and assertive and left no question on what she was  expecting him to do. In this case, due to the fact that Richard was so confused on the whole "English/culture" difference, that he did not understand what he should do. Should he go against all that he has known and loved in his household, all that he has ever known to be true and real and have meaning to his life.The fear that he was experiencing in the classroom was a response to a change in the culture around him. Should he conform to the schools idea of 'culture', or should he conflict, and stick to his own idea if his culture.

"At last, seven years old, I came to believe what had been technically true since my birth: I was an American citizen."

When reading this line, I was thinking that Richard has finally accepted his fate and reality. That he finally seen that it was alright to be bilingual. It does not change the love that you have in your home-life. It does not mean that you are a "traitor". It just proves that he was adapting to the life of an American citizen. It does not change the culture of your family. It is more like a way to broaden your horizons.In the beginning of the book, Richard feels a sort of betrayal towards his family because of the English that was used in his school. I think that in the past years, before the seventies, , before bilingual was a concept, it must have been very difficult for the children to start school. There was only English that was acknowledged, and the other children that spoke another language had to learn to adapt. He states that it was in the seventies that the "Melting Pot" began to form and start to take place. When our educators realized that it may be better to educate if we "adapt" to the population of the different culture that had become our America.

"But the bilingualists simplisticallt scorn the value and necessity of assimilation. They do not seem to realize that there are two ways a person is individual. So they do not realize that while one suffers a diminished sense of private individuality by becoming assimilated into public society, such assimilation makes possible the achievement of public individuality."

I will break this down in a simpler way that I can explain in my own words. Richard is trying to explain that there is not only one way to do things. There is not only one way that is the right way. A person can have an identity for themselves which can include two different types of learning and background. Richard is trying to explain that we can assimilate, and form a unity, a larger national family. The way we can do this is to change our way of thinking, and find a unity in the middle. He feels that this has helped him to form his "private individuality". If we all accept that bilingual is "Ok" and we all try to work together on this, we will form a tighter unity as a stronger community. I think it gave Richard a positive attitude, which in-turn advanced his intellegence because he opened up and gave it a chance. It did;t wreak his family ties, love or culture. It just expanded their horizons.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3439561/ESL-Bilingual-Resource-Guide-for-Mainstream-Teachers-LANGUAGE-ACQUISITION-CHART

Jon Kozol ' What I would like to discuss in class'

I think we should discuss the future of these children, and the impact that the way they live will have on them.
What kind of adults that they will grow to be. The things that they go through in their childhood will impact the rest of their lives. Is there anything that we can do, maybe not for these children, but for the ones that  we will encounter in our own classrooms, to make their lives more fulfilling!?!

My first day in my placement!!!!!

I started my placement today! I am working with a Music teacher at Bridgham Junior High School. It was a fun morning, meeting the teacher and some of the children. They had so many questions for me to answer! The teacher is awesome, and I felt very comfortable being there! I look forward to going back next week!

Utube video relating to Jon Kozol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP4lCdUWw3E

I picked this video because Jon Kozol talks to many children that live in such a poor neighborhood. The levels of poverty all across America was shocking to me. All of the children that Kozol talks to live in poor areas with at least drug use, prostitution and violence. The amount of violence that these children witness is heartbreaking. This reading really hit me in a sad and discouraging way. I was thinking that I would like to adopt these kids and take care of them myself! Do something that could help them out in anyway possible.

These children live with psychological disorders that may adults suffer from. As discussed in Kozol's reading, they feel depressed, anxiety, fear, and unsettled living arrangements. When he talks about them criing and not even knowing why, it broke my heart. Children should be able to be just that, "a child".

The living conditions are appalling. The weather condition, the roaches, the rats, I can' even imagine what they go through everyday! They live in the slums of their state, and do not even have a choose because they are just children.

43 Million Americans live under the poverty line all across America. I was surprised to learn this. Jon Kozol really opened my eyes to the effects of poverty in the lives of the children in those areas in New York.

On a more positive note, I went through multiple videos about foundations that help children and their families all across our country. One web sight was called  "Bread For The World". It touch's on ways we can help, things that are tring to be done, and ways of nutrition for our families. I added the link if you would like to check it out!
http://www.bread.org/hunger/us-poverty-solutions/

Touching on the artical "Knowledge of Aids factors in South Bronx minority college students"

I choose this article to share with you for these reasons. First, it adds on to Jonathan Kozol discussion about Aids, and its abundance in the NY area that he did his research. He talks about the children born with this disease, and I feel it is important to educate all of the people, so maybe we can help prevent it. Kozol talks to a child that sees Aids, drug use,  as an everyday thing that just happens in his world. I included this because we discuss diversity and minority in our class, and this is another issue that we need to really face and deal with, even if we do not see it for ourselves!

Hyperlink in reference to Jonathan Kozol's discussion on aids

Knowledge of AIDS risk factors in South Bronx minority college students

Article Abstract:

A high percentage of the individuals who have AIDS are from minority groups. Eighteen percent of all persons with AIDS in the United States are black or Hispanic. However, blacks and Hispanics account for 70 percent of all cases in heterosexual men, 70 percent of cases in women, 75 percent of cases in children under the age of 13, and 40 percent of the cases which have been reported since July 1988. A survey about knowledge of the risk factors that are involved in the transmission of AIDS was conducted in 1,869 minority students who attended Hostos Community College in the South Bronx. This college is bilingual and its student population is 84 percent Hispanic and 12 percent black. The South Bronx is considered an epicenter of the AIDS epidemic; the rate of intravenous drug use among those living there is among the highest in the country. Only 69 percent of the students recognized that sexual intercourse without the use of a condom is a risk factor. Sixty-one percent recognized the risk of having sexual intercourse with a partner who used intravenous drugs five years ago. Fifty-eight percent recognized the risk of having sexual intercourse with a partner who had a male homosexual relationship five years ago and 55 percent realized that there was a risk to an unborn infant if the mother had a sexual relationship with a partner who used intravenous drugs five years ago. The understanding of the risk factors was not related to the individual's age, ability to speak English, length of time in college, or length of time living in the United States. This lack of knowledge among college students living in the South Bronx, who would be most likely to be informed, indicates the potential for the spread of AIDS through heterosexual and maternal relationships. Prevention programs have not been successful in reaching a large group of minorities in the South Bronx, and additional effort in terms of public education is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

author: Lesnick, Henry, Pace, Bella

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, WK Health
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1990

Evaluation, New York, New York, Disease transmission, Health education

Read more: http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Health/Knowledge-of-AIDS-risk-factors-in-South-Bronx-minority-college-students.html#ixzz0ztwgD3Rg

Hyperlinks about Jonathan Kozol, Amazing Grace

This reading was a very well written piece about New York City's poverty, drug problems and health issues that are faced daily in the community. It was insightful and I was shocked to learn about the families and the children living conditions. The knowledge of these children, freely discussing drugs, shootings, murders, prostitution, aids,  was overwhelming to me. It is a real eye opener to read because most of us do not see these types of things in our lifetimes, hopefully, and need to realize that this is a awful problem that thousands deal with everyday!
In recent studies, one in seven Americans live on or below poverty level line.

Just A Heads Up

September is Hunger Action month. It is a month dedicated by many to help support the hunger in the US.
There are foodbanks in every city if you feel you would like to help out!

Hello everyone!!!! Let me give you a quick introduction of myself.  I am a junior at RIC. I have been a resident of RI for all of my life. I have a fourteen year old son named Joey. He is a handsome football player at Pilgrim High School. I have a 2 year old 3.6 pound Yorkie!!!! She is my little baby. I took some time off from school to raise my son, but Im back and ready to complete my degree. Oh, I am in the Early Education Program. I am also a lover of music. It is my passion I guess. I play piano, sing, and im not so bad at the drums! Thats a wrap for now.I will be writing to you soon....