I found this link that relates to Finns article about the socioeconomic gap and how it effects education. I tried to link but it didn't work. Its a UK publication. I guess the problem is world wide.
http://www.cpag.org.uk/info/Poverty123/gap.htm
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Finn - School is Cool vs. School Sucks
Up to this point, I have yet to agree with our authors, Johnson or Delpit. I found them to be "way off". I wasn't sure if we were going to encounter an individual who actually knew what was happening in the schools or in the education world. That was until I read Patrick Finns assessment on the division of education in this country. Did I know it existed, yes, I didn't put a label on the schools but I had a feeling that it was "different strokes for different folks". Finn writes that in the US we have 2 types of education. First, there is the empowering education which inevitably leads to power, authority and great financial stability. Second, there is the domesticating education, which makes a person productive members of society in that they are not troublesome but know how to follow orders. (Pg.2) "We don't worry about a literate working class because the kind of literacy they get doesn't make them dangerous". Talk about derogatory. The Culture of Power at work, keeping people down, suggesting everyone has their place in society, don't rock the boat. Finn places the blame equally among the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of the poor just as much as those of the elite.
Finn states some minorities feel they have bee wronged by society and have developed what is called "oppositional identity" to education and what is being taught. I do believe this to be accurate and find it ridiculous. Can't they see they are only hurting themselves and that if you don't help yourself there are many people and institutions out there that would gladly like to keep you down and out of the Culture of Power. Finn also suggests there are degrees of "oppositional identity" even among whites, particularly working class.
Reading Finn left me disheartened but aware. Aware of myself and my teaching practices and the realization that I too pigeon holed my students just like he describes later in the article. I can't believe I'm one of them.
This statement by Finn really makes you think where we're headed "the fear was that literacy would make the rabble aware of the injustices they suffered, and they would attempt to overthrow the ruling class violently and take its place-same roles, same rules, only a switch in actors in the roles"(pg2) This sounds like The USSR or North Korea or China, fear of losing the power. What they don't know won't hurt "us". This is the US, where there is or should be "hope" of a better future. Work hard and you'll be rewarded, for education is power, but Finn also suggests that there are certain socioeconomic groups that are not given the necessary tools to succeed. Not only that but there are those that don't want the power. Finn writes about one teacher, Mrs. Kennedy who schooled her students to take orders, to replace their parents at the bottom of the economic heap. Is that what we're doing? Preparing most of our students to remain at the bottom.? I realized the chain of command will never change, it will stay in the hands of the well educated and privileged who have been "handed" the best opportunities available. Only the reinforcements will change, children and grandchildren of the working class who have been taught that this is a good life, honest work and to not question.
The best part of the article was Finns suggestion that there are 4 different types of schools: the executive elite whose incomes were in the top 1 percent, affluent professional whose incomes were in the top10 percent, middle class whose incomes were better than average but below the top 10 percent, and working class about half were unskilled and about 15 percent were unemployed. It was interesting to see how in these schools the same subject matter was taught so differently. Giving the upper hand to the executives and affluent because they can handle the rigorous lessons and since they will be our future leaders of capitalism they should know how to think critically and creatively. Higher order thinking can only be done by the affluent because they are the only ones given the necessary tools to achieve the highest standards. While the middle and working class were taught how to follow orders and routines, that there was only 1 right answer to everything and not to question the teacher. Good lessons to have when working for someone.
Our education system is not about hope and possibility, but survival of the fittest, only the strong will survive and know your place. Not only do schools have to change but the attitudes and stereotypes of society must also change. After reading Finn I am empathetic to the plight of some of my students and don't want them to adopt the feeling of "why bother to work hard, you're future is already mapped out for you"
Finn states some minorities feel they have bee wronged by society and have developed what is called "oppositional identity" to education and what is being taught. I do believe this to be accurate and find it ridiculous. Can't they see they are only hurting themselves and that if you don't help yourself there are many people and institutions out there that would gladly like to keep you down and out of the Culture of Power. Finn also suggests there are degrees of "oppositional identity" even among whites, particularly working class.
Reading Finn left me disheartened but aware. Aware of myself and my teaching practices and the realization that I too pigeon holed my students just like he describes later in the article. I can't believe I'm one of them.
This statement by Finn really makes you think where we're headed "the fear was that literacy would make the rabble aware of the injustices they suffered, and they would attempt to overthrow the ruling class violently and take its place-same roles, same rules, only a switch in actors in the roles"(pg2) This sounds like The USSR or North Korea or China, fear of losing the power. What they don't know won't hurt "us". This is the US, where there is or should be "hope" of a better future. Work hard and you'll be rewarded, for education is power, but Finn also suggests that there are certain socioeconomic groups that are not given the necessary tools to succeed. Not only that but there are those that don't want the power. Finn writes about one teacher, Mrs. Kennedy who schooled her students to take orders, to replace their parents at the bottom of the economic heap. Is that what we're doing? Preparing most of our students to remain at the bottom.? I realized the chain of command will never change, it will stay in the hands of the well educated and privileged who have been "handed" the best opportunities available. Only the reinforcements will change, children and grandchildren of the working class who have been taught that this is a good life, honest work and to not question.
The best part of the article was Finns suggestion that there are 4 different types of schools: the executive elite whose incomes were in the top 1 percent, affluent professional whose incomes were in the top10 percent, middle class whose incomes were better than average but below the top 10 percent, and working class about half were unskilled and about 15 percent were unemployed. It was interesting to see how in these schools the same subject matter was taught so differently. Giving the upper hand to the executives and affluent because they can handle the rigorous lessons and since they will be our future leaders of capitalism they should know how to think critically and creatively. Higher order thinking can only be done by the affluent because they are the only ones given the necessary tools to achieve the highest standards. While the middle and working class were taught how to follow orders and routines, that there was only 1 right answer to everything and not to question the teacher. Good lessons to have when working for someone.
Our education system is not about hope and possibility, but survival of the fittest, only the strong will survive and know your place. Not only do schools have to change but the attitudes and stereotypes of society must also change. After reading Finn I am empathetic to the plight of some of my students and don't want them to adopt the feeling of "why bother to work hard, you're future is already mapped out for you"
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Other Peoples Children by Lisa Delpit
I found this reading to be a bit tedious and wasn't sure I got the right message until reading the posts of others. I'm torn as to whether I agree or not. Why should education have different rules for different groups. The main goal is to succeed and do well. Delpit suggests that kids are failing, because they don't understand the cultural codes? I educate my students how I want my daughter to be educated. I expect the same thing from all of them regardless of race, or position in society. Wouldn't every parent want that? (Pg21) They just don't listen well. No, they listen, but they don't hear. This was stated by a black woman teacher discussing with her white fellow teachers about how to best organize reading instruction to best serve students of color. My question is, if we continue to separate them, by color and upbringing, aren't we continuing to perpetuate the problem of inequality and lack of power. I understand that Delpit is pointing out some cultural patterns in speech, language and style that are quite different across races and classes. And I understand that they have a stong impact on teaching and learing in the classroom, but students, all students, should be taught and given, the skills to be successful in this world, regardless of where a child comes from.
It seems like Delpit spoke with only angry black men and women. Maybe I can't see the problem, but stating that (not Delpit) pg. 22, "and when I get black kids, I just try to undo the damage they did (white teachers This is absurd, this is part of the problem. You can't keep the races apart, and you can't teach them differently. Isn't that disempowering them. Making them feel different, having them know that they can't learn like the white kids. This only flames the fires of injustice and prejudice. If one is that passionate about the subject don't stop fighting, don't silence the dialogue.
Pg.25. 3rd aspect of power - The rules of the culture of power are a reflection of the rules of the culture of those who have power.- This means that success in instituitions- schools, work places and so on- is predicatged upon acquisition of the culture of those who are in power. Children from middle-class homes tend to do better in school than those from non middle=class homes because the culture of the school is based on the culture of the upper and middle classes- of those in power. But isn't every teacher taught at an early stage in their careers that "every child can learn". According to Gist this is true, so why should it matter. Children who are not from the culture of power can't succeed in this world? Can students who are from the culture of power, the middle class, succeed in an inner city school, with a different code of power? I just feel there is too much blame being passed around today, too many excuses. How about we teach our students to succceed in life, provide them all with the necessary skills they need to do well and advance to the next level, regardless of the culture of power.
It seems like Delpit spoke with only angry black men and women. Maybe I can't see the problem, but stating that (not Delpit) pg. 22, "and when I get black kids, I just try to undo the damage they did (white teachers This is absurd, this is part of the problem. You can't keep the races apart, and you can't teach them differently. Isn't that disempowering them. Making them feel different, having them know that they can't learn like the white kids. This only flames the fires of injustice and prejudice. If one is that passionate about the subject don't stop fighting, don't silence the dialogue.
Pg.25. 3rd aspect of power - The rules of the culture of power are a reflection of the rules of the culture of those who have power.- This means that success in instituitions- schools, work places and so on- is predicatged upon acquisition of the culture of those who are in power. Children from middle-class homes tend to do better in school than those from non middle=class homes because the culture of the school is based on the culture of the upper and middle classes- of those in power. But isn't every teacher taught at an early stage in their careers that "every child can learn". According to Gist this is true, so why should it matter. Children who are not from the culture of power can't succeed in this world? Can students who are from the culture of power, the middle class, succeed in an inner city school, with a different code of power? I just feel there is too much blame being passed around today, too many excuses. How about we teach our students to succceed in life, provide them all with the necessary skills they need to do well and advance to the next level, regardless of the culture of power.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan G Johnson
After posting my blog I began reading a few of my classmates responses. I find it amazing that one article can garner so may different views and approaches to the subject matter. One interesting point that I read was in Dianas blog, that the book was written prior to 9/11, which unfortunatley has forced US citizens into having a completely altered view or perspective on "different" people. I think perhaps had this been written now, maybe he would have a different take or maybe it would have driven him further into an abyss of pure doom and gloom. Another great point she made was that its not necessarily the priviledge of being born male, white and hetrosexual that guarantees you priviledge and power, but Money. If you have it you are the group with the best "label". You are afforded the best opportunites that money can buy, or not buy pbut just handed to you on a silver platter, just for being born into that luxury. I think the author should have included that powerful denominator when factoring in who is priviledged and who isnt.
Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan G Johnson
The author writes "we are, both individually and collectively, stuck in a kind of paralysis that perpetuates the trouble and its human consequences."(intro vii). Well that is an awful lot to deal with, the weight of mankinds problems lay heavely on my shoulders and we as a society contribute daily to the plights of others. The article and the author for the matter, did not sit well with me at first, but I wanted to read the entire article before judgement. I can honestly say that I don't agree. I got the sense that he was apologizing for how he was born or what he was born into, white, male, hetrosexual, middle class. The whole article seemed to me to have this sense of "I'm so sorry that I'm privledged, and you're not". Why should one apologize, unless you are overtly prejudiced or flaunting your priviledge. We all know that priviledge exists, its' what makes us "us". It exists in the majority of societies, from democracy, to commuism to socialism. And I'm not saying that its right or fair, I'm merely stating that I won't apologize or fell guilty for being born to 2 incredibly hard working, white, hetrosexual, middle class parents. Or that now I'm a label, white, hetrosexual, middle class female.
"Can't we all just get along" (Rodney King, pg.1) Simply put, no. Since the beginning of time their has been a heirarchy with more priviledge and power than the majority of the society. How can we change something that has been around since the time of the cavemen. Do I believe things should change and be more fair, have more opportunities open up for the less priviledged, yes I do. And I hope in my small way (in the scheme of the universe) that I'm perputuating change and equality. The author, writing about African Americans "but they soon discovered, and they learn anew every day, that nothing seems to protect them from their vulnerability to white racism". I disagree. I think society has come a long way and the divide is much narrower. Their are many many successful African Americans who have succeeded, and who can "measure up" to whites. This world we live in was created and has been ruled by rich, white, upper class men since the beginning of time. Or in the case where white men don't exist, upper class, powerful men. I at times feel we as a society have become too politically correct. That we go overboard to help those who we perceive cannot help themselves. I can attest that when my grandfather came over from Italy, not knowing how to read and write, no only handed him anything. He scraped and worked his but off to get almost nothing in return. He was part of the hated class. "no wop need apply", but he survived and prospered. He managed in time when no wanted to get to know him or help him out. So this notion that we are perputating the problems of society is way over the top.
"We are prisoners to something, but its closer to our own making than we realize. And we, therefore, are far from helpless to change it and ourselves"(pg.4) Prisoners to something - we are enslaved to something we don't even know. People are afraid of the truth as the author suggests, we don't know how to talk about the issuses (again too "pc"), too sensitive. Does this change need to start from the top down, because if it does, the change that we need to make to ensure that our future won't be worse, will never happen. The "priviledged" don't want to lose their status or "label". Thats what the US has become, several different labels, some very expensive, and some discount. Its not our inability as a race or society to change things, its our fear. The author is striking fear in people when he writes "it is a trouble that shows up everywhere and touches every life in one way or another"(p.9) There is no escape, however thick the denial. With that attitude, no one will venture to change. Discrimination permeates every crevice of society, should something be done, yes. Time has changed some levels of this discrimination and in time hopefully more and more people can join and enjoy the priviledged group, but it will take time. Maybe it starts within our classrooms, or at home, but it is a very long and difficult process that we all need to be a part of
"Can't we all just get along" (Rodney King, pg.1) Simply put, no. Since the beginning of time their has been a heirarchy with more priviledge and power than the majority of the society. How can we change something that has been around since the time of the cavemen. Do I believe things should change and be more fair, have more opportunities open up for the less priviledged, yes I do. And I hope in my small way (in the scheme of the universe) that I'm perputuating change and equality. The author, writing about African Americans "but they soon discovered, and they learn anew every day, that nothing seems to protect them from their vulnerability to white racism". I disagree. I think society has come a long way and the divide is much narrower. Their are many many successful African Americans who have succeeded, and who can "measure up" to whites. This world we live in was created and has been ruled by rich, white, upper class men since the beginning of time. Or in the case where white men don't exist, upper class, powerful men. I at times feel we as a society have become too politically correct. That we go overboard to help those who we perceive cannot help themselves. I can attest that when my grandfather came over from Italy, not knowing how to read and write, no only handed him anything. He scraped and worked his but off to get almost nothing in return. He was part of the hated class. "no wop need apply", but he survived and prospered. He managed in time when no wanted to get to know him or help him out. So this notion that we are perputating the problems of society is way over the top.
"We are prisoners to something, but its closer to our own making than we realize. And we, therefore, are far from helpless to change it and ourselves"(pg.4) Prisoners to something - we are enslaved to something we don't even know. People are afraid of the truth as the author suggests, we don't know how to talk about the issuses (again too "pc"), too sensitive. Does this change need to start from the top down, because if it does, the change that we need to make to ensure that our future won't be worse, will never happen. The "priviledged" don't want to lose their status or "label". Thats what the US has become, several different labels, some very expensive, and some discount. Its not our inability as a race or society to change things, its our fear. The author is striking fear in people when he writes "it is a trouble that shows up everywhere and touches every life in one way or another"(p.9) There is no escape, however thick the denial. With that attitude, no one will venture to change. Discrimination permeates every crevice of society, should something be done, yes. Time has changed some levels of this discrimination and in time hopefully more and more people can join and enjoy the priviledged group, but it will take time. Maybe it starts within our classrooms, or at home, but it is a very long and difficult process that we all need to be a part of
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
1st Class- Survival
Just had my first class toningt at RIC tonight. Just think, in 2 short years I'll have a Masters Degree from RIC, not too shabby. We did a short group assessment of our survival skills, needless to say I would not last long on the open waters of the Pacific. I had a good time and enjoyed meeting and working with the people on my group. I'm looking forward to meeting each week with these people, very insiteful and fun. Well enjoy and I'll be blogging soon.
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