Both articles were extremely interesting and hit home for me. I found it intriguing that in both articles there were subgroups/minorities which envisioned themselves as less than most; or perceived themselves as possibly not having a “voice”.
In Noll’s article of the two American Indians students and the perception of the teachers about their students’ lack of skills in reading and writing is despondent, but true. Unfortunately there are teachers who look at students’ economic situation, and/or their cultural backgrounds, and they make judgments about the students’ abilities to perform. Sometimes, it isn’t the student’s lack. Sometimes it is the teacher’s lack of knowledge of the student’s culture/heritage. I found it sad that the U.S. Dept. of Commerce reports “that American Indian students score an average of 57 points lower than White American students on the verbal SAT, and that only 66% of American Indian students graduate from high school nationwide”. Knowing statistics like these are shocking and we all, educators and concerned citizens alike, should be alarmed and willing to do whatever it takes to close this gap. Low level remediation of these students isn’t the answer. Not only do we as educators need to use their dual linguistic skills to our advantage. We also need to learn more about their culture and way of life and let the students make connections through their music, dance and art. With these literary devices all ready in place, and we are all working together for one common goal, we can definitely close that gap.
I thought Henry’s data was innovative and interesting. It’s true…we either look over the black female in our classrooms, or we define who she is by her social calendar or how mature her body has developed. Regardless if you agree or disagree with the previous statements made, we all have been guilty of this in one form or another. I applaud Henry’s ability to collect the data (and understand this group is being over looked and sometimes under-served in our classrooms); establish these particular young girls in a group, get them talking and trusting her, and ultimately get the girls reading and writing. During Henry’s research/out-search I think she did learn a lot about herself, the students she studied, and how to conduct research. I think we as educator can take a listen to the way she listened to these girls and got them to talk out and speak up…I believe these girls found their VOICE!
Toni Wheeler
Comments (5)
I too found it shocking what the educational statistics were for Native American students. That is so sad! I agree with you that it is very important for us as teachers to become aware of these cultures in our classrooms and embrace them as much as possible. We need to do this in order to help these minority students make relevant connections.
Posted by Erica Spicer | June 16, 2009 4:32 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 16:32
I concur with your sentiments regarding the statistics of minorities in the educational system; there are positives, though. Ultimately, the students must come to value an education, must want an education, and must endeavor to achieve. If you think I valued Physics when I was in 10th grade, or Geometry, Trigonometry, Chemistry I & II, you can bet that I did not. I struggled to make good grades. I sat up at night, studying Barron's books and practicing balancing chemical equations. I pushed the pencil until word problems were a dime a dozen. I worked hard. (Did it really get me anywhere?) Minority students cannot cry foul on teachers and the education system in place if they don't avail themselves of every opportunity. Opportunities are out there. Just look at the Sudanese students who got a free ride. Man, if someone had offered me a free ride to college, I'd have been all over that! But they didn't, and I didn't get a college degree until I was 48. Don't misread me. We need to engage students, to draw them in, and yes, cater our lessons to all of them. But education is a two way street.
Posted by Annie Croon | June 16, 2009 6:52 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 18:52
I am not a statistics person! I don't even look at my cums until I get to know my kids. I don't want to pre-judge my students or their abilities by someone elses ruler. I can have honest conversations to connect and discern each individuals potential as the year goes along. Education is a two way street but some children don't know what direction to turn, that is where we come in. These girls as well as the Native Americans have lessons they could teach us, if we would listen.
Posted by Grandma Cunningham | June 16, 2009 7:46 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 19:46
Fabulous post, Toni. I really love how you integrated all of the main themes!
Posted by Alecia Jackson | June 16, 2009 8:15 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 20:15
It is sadly shocking to read the educational statistics about American Indians. I have litle experience working with American Indian students. I have had a handful over the past decade of teaching. Their families were all very supportive, but many cam from families like Zonnie's who had a parent who was gone for much of a child's life -- either for work, or in prison, some children had even lost a parent to alcoholism and drug addiction.
American Indians have a long history of storytelling. Their stories are beautiful and tell the history of their people and of our country.
The different American Indian groups in our country
I have had a few students who came from Caribbean countries. I have argued wth cafeteria ladies that, "No that little black girl doesn't speak English. I know you think that she looks like she wouldn't speak ____ language but she does."
It is amazing the stereotypes people havbe about what people who look a certain way should be able to do.
Posted by Caroline Walker | June 19, 2009 11:03 AM
Posted on June 19, 2009 11:03