As I was reading the article I was thinking we only have one American Indian at our school ( to my knowledge). However as I continued to mull over my thoughts, would many of these same concepts and misconceptions not carry over to other cultures? Do we assume that because a child does not turn in an assigment that they are lazy? Do we assume because a child does not excel reading there are no books, or materials to read at home? Or that their parents do not promote literacy in the home? Do these students not have an interest in learning? These are assumptions that someone (meaning me) could come to if Daniel and Zonnie had been in my classroom. However this case study showed just the opposite to be true. Daniel and Zonnie both had an interest in learning, just not in their current course offerings. Hopefully when they got to high school they could find something that would interest them. Yet therein lies one of the major problems, why is that students have to wait unitl high school to choose their own course of study? For many students it is too late, they have given up and quit school or have zoned out and do the minimum amout to get out. I try to give my students choices whenever possible. For example we are doing biographies now, and for their project they can either dress up as that person and give a "first person" account, create a newspaper about that person including ads or create a poster and timeline of their person. And of course students were able to chose thier own books. I realize this is just one thing, but I try to include choice whenever possible.
My heart broke for Daniel when the teacher passed his paper and chose not read it. This was an assignment he obviously worked hard on and was proud of. The next time an assignment was given he was probably thinking "Why bother? She won't read it anyway." The reading of that one paper could have been a turning point for Daniel and the teacher, in reguards to that particular class. How many times have I made the same mistake. Passed over a students paper because I didn't think it was good enough to read to the class.
Zonnie was an avid writer. I imagine if she had a poetry class she would have excelled. I think how many "good" readers and writers don't like poetry and Zonnie loved it. For many students poetry is a struggle yet not for Zonnie. I found it enlightening to hear what Zonnie's teacher thought of her. As a mediocre student because of her "C" average. Do we base everything on grades and test scores? Why? When the obvious is right in front of us, we need to reach every child... find a way, so they will succeed. I need to broaden my definition of success, I need to find ways to reach every child.
SuSu Watson
Comments (6)
I love that you give your kids so many options when working on a project. You are allowing them to truly use all types of literacy by broadening their options, as well as allowing them to show off their talents. I would bet that your students are more confident when presenting to the class because they are able to choose how they presented.
As for grades even though I know that they are just a number I know that when I see my sons report card or test grades I am quick to question him about a grade that I feel like he could have done better on. However, I have found that most times he interrupted the question differently than was intended or what he took from the reading was different than the test question anticipated. It is unfortunate that many times with the EOG's that this could be the case, however we are unable to make adjustments for this.
Amy Spade
Posted by Amy Spade | March 1, 2009 7:57 PM
Posted on March 1, 2009 19:57
You make a good point at the beginning of your post...I'm sure that we have many times "passed over" a student because we thought they were too lazy. Really, there is probably something else below the surface that we don't realize is going on, whether it be cultural or more of a home environment type of thing.
I also hated to read about Daniel's paper being passed over. Honestly, I hate when teachers do that. You may not realize it as the teacher, but that is such a negative thing to do to a kid--clearly! Look how it affected Daniel! I remember that happening to me in school, whether it was an essay, poem, whatever. And it was such a deflating experience when my name was passed over. This is another area where teachers really need to examine their intentions and think about the consequences.
Posted by Christy Rivers | March 2, 2009 9:46 AM
Posted on March 2, 2009 09:46
Hi Su Su. I agree that a lot of children are lost and turned off to school by the time the reach high school. That's why I think it is so important for elementary and middle schools to offer electives, or clubs to nurture students' interests. It is unfortunate that our curriculum must be so centered around testing that trying to fit in unique and interesting units is so difficult. I think if there was more time to expand into different areas we would be able to keep more of these students around for graduation.
Posted by whitney gilbert | March 2, 2009 5:05 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 17:05
I completely agree that we should give children options. Not only does this provide them an opportunity to study multiple forms of literature, but it also addresses that age old question of "differentiated intruction." By giving kids options when it comes to projects, we are giving them the opportunity to learn in a method that feels most comfortable to them and their abilities.
I also agree that it is important to provide kids with electives/clubs in middle school. This gives them the chance to explore areas that they are interested in. However, with the current economic state, districts across the state are cutting positions, and, chances are, the first ones to go will be elective teachers.
Posted by Heather Coe | March 2, 2009 6:42 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 18:42
SuSu,
Unfortunately, I think we are forced to base our opinions of our students on their grades and test scores. We are such a data driven society. Fortunately, data doesn't have to prove a person's success. When I think about how we write "C" average children off, I always deflect back to my high school salutatorian and his "C" average best friend. The Salutatorian got a full scholarship to State and his best friend attended community college. One would think that their fates were sealed and the salutatorian would be better off in life than the "c" averager. Well, in this case the "c" averager has his own very successful business and is still best friends with the salutatorian who happens to work for him!!!! Who would've ever thought. This is a perfect example that students should not be thrown away based on grades/test scores.
Posted by Cherrita Hayden-McMillan | March 2, 2009 10:12 PM
Posted on March 2, 2009 22:12
Susu,
I think you are right in that this research article has tranferability. That is, we can apply some of the findings to other students in schools who have other literacy strengths. I'm glad you made that point!
(Please remember to give a title to your post.)
Posted by Alecia Jackson | March 18, 2009 8:49 PM
Posted on March 18, 2009 20:49