As much as I liked Urbtobia, I am 100% behind Pangea.
Took me awhile to feel it, but.. I can now say, with my head high, that I am
a proud Pangean!
Maymester is over.
49 weeks to go!
I am glad that I made it through and thankful for my new found friends.
We are in this together. I had a rough time getting back in the school mode.
It’s been a long time!
And for this well needed break, I will enjoy spending time with my family.
See you guys soon
Binet’s introduction on the IQ test in the early 1900’s was
eye opening. As I am sure everyone in class knows, I seriously
considered giving my 10 yr old an IQ test this year. Went back
and forth with it. Like Binet, I wanted to do it to find out if Jordan
had a learning disability. Frustrated with everything else. After our
class discussion, I now am leaning against the IQ test. I do
believe the results could help me rule out or rule in any disabilities, but
fear that the results could “label” my son in school in a negative manner.
Class discussion today was interesting. The idea of book censorship has been a topic that has been frequently discussed within my circle of friends. Some agree with total censorship within the schools, other’s don’t. Personally, I believe that parents should have the authority over what their children are exposed to in school, but feel as though schools
should have age appropriate books of all kinds.
I am updated my blogs and just realized that I never blogged about our trip to the King Center. So… am doing so today.
I have visited the King Center on many occassions, but the visit with class really opened my eyes. I guess on prior visits I was so busy chasing kids around and explaining the history to them that I never really had the opportunity to sit, listen and learn. This visit
made me realize how greatful and priveledged I am to be able to live today. Yes, we are
still fighting racial and class discrimination, but how far we have come.
I really enjoyed our visit to Idlewood.
I have been really nervous about teaching.
I guess it is the unknown factor.
Idlewood and the kids help with this.
I felt comfortable in the class and now have a different level of confidence.
I was intrigued by the kids questions and answers with Michaels ”game”
Esp. from Glen, my student.
He was happy that it was the last day of school, but was also sad because
he said he was going to miss hi teacher and the other students.
It was refreshing to hear that from an 8 yr old.
Idlewood also helped my stereotypical views of what an urban minority school
would looked like.
I was impressed. There were alot of things that were different and lacking, but
all in all it was pleasant.
This experience was encouraging and has made me want to fast forward to next year.
I was totally surprised and outdone by the school to prison articles and discussions.
I guess it was always a thought, but I never realized the impact that administrators had
on the subject.
It is truly survival of the fittest.
It is scary to think that educators stereotypical views determine many of the lives of minority children.
It saddens me and makes me deteremined as a future educator to change the sickening stereotypes that are still prominant in schools today.
—— re: class
The 45 minute discussions we had among our fellow students was enlightening.
Opening up about feelings,thought and words spoken during previous classes.
Personally I knew there were things said that were misunderstood and it was good to
have them aired. It was insightful and will help with our future instilled feelings of others.
What affects do our views have on children? We need to make a conscious effort to help all children, regardless of race,culture or sexual orientation to feel like they are accepted. Prejudice remarks start at an early age. Children need to value theirr own feelings and their own beliefs.
Today’s class re: sexual orientation made me question my own beliefs. The beliefs that I strongly stood by.
Another noted observation was that todays fight by the LGBT mirrored the fight that the civil rights movement fought years ago.
This made me realize how greatful I am to have the opportunity to teach and help change the perception that todays children have.
Michael and Jessie’s lecture re:gentrification helped with my personal thoughts about transitional areas. As a soon to be educator I realize that I need to be conscious of the role I play with gentrification. We all need to realize that communities are a great part of education. In gentrification areas it is the children that are clearly at the front end of this transition and we need to help shield them from any other issues that arise. It is not conicidental that when transitional areas arrise that the minority poor residents are pushed out. People make decision to let it happen
Today’s intense discussion re: Ruby Payne and Paul Gorski’s writings and research put a definite spin on my chunking from last night. Many of the views that I positively expressed with Ruby Payne’s research were definitely questioned. I still do believe that many of her points will help with certain issues, but it is obvious that the gathering of her facts are scewed and are solely from stereotypical views.
Paul Gorski’s research challenges stereotypes. Personally, he made me think about my own stereotypical feelings. What is real and what is a stereotype esp when referring to “poor” minorities.
The 10% experiment in class was eye opening. It was shocking to know that 90% of America fell beneath the working class status. As teachers it is important to understand not only the “class” of our students but also understand the influence that the 10%, wealthy have on our students and their education.
I believe that it is important to take what we have learned and weed out relevant helpful experiments and tasks. There will be many issues that are going to directly affect our students. We need to learn how to help them understand why?
The discussions in class today really hit me hard. Brought back alot of hurtful memories with my family. Esp the class experience on the first floor. I have a tendency to “stuff” hurtful experiences and have tried to live daily as though they never happened. I recently came to the conclusion that ”stuffing” wasn’t a healthy way to function. Talking and listening helps not only the individual hurt but may help another who is afraid to open up and express their feelings.
