Both of the readings from Henry and Staples was a little hard to follow. I had to stop a few times and come back to it so that I could let the information sink in. The title "Speaking Up" and "Speaking Out" are very fitting for both readings! Once reading both researchers findings I really liked how they implemented their design studies. I agreed with both and would like to corporate them into my own classroom. But I have a hard time relating with some of the things said because I am white and have not experienced the same things. My main focus will be on Henry.
While reading Henry's research findings I agreed and disagreed with some points. I agree with encouraging young African Caribbean girls to speak out. I believe that getting this group was essential for these young girls growth. "When I use the term voice, I am thinking of a strong sense of identity within an individual, an ability to express a personal point of view, and a sense of personal wellbeing that allows a student to respond to and become engaged with the material being studied by the other students in the classroom, and the teacher. Voice is identity, a sense of self, a sense of relationship to others, and a sense of purpose. Voice is power--power to express.." I really like this quote from the reading because voice is power, the power that encourages those who are scared to express themselves and their inner-beings.
While reading Henry and reading the text in the girls native language, it made me reflect to when I went to Jamaica last summer. I heard some that spoke better "Standard English" and other I heard speak in their native language. The ones who spoke the Standard English were the ones that worked at the resort. Those out in the community spoke their native language. I LOVED listening to this group of people talk. It was beautiful. I liked how Henry connected reading to writing, along with incorporating peer groups, drama, and journaling. The key to this group being a success was the researcher gaining the girls trust and discussing life experiences.
The girl that struck me most interesting was Kay. Reading her comments on how she thought O.J was given a fair trial and how she thought his "white" wife could have hired a hit man to kill her or even her family could have plotted her murder threw me! Honestly, I don't remember much of that trial but I just don't see the wife planning her murder. Today I feel that there are just as many good and bad people from each race/ethnicity/gender.
"Particularly, I am concerned with how schools may shortchange Black girls." I do agree but yet I disagree with this statement. I don't feel that only Black girls are being short changed. I believe many others are as well, like white girls and boys, Mexican-Americans, Native Americans, etc. The way it seems today if you are poor and or live in a "bad" community you almost don't stand a chance. Many times parents don't even care how you turn out. Don't get me wrong, I am glad Henry is taking a stand for this group of women, but I feel there are other groups being looked over. But I am sure if I were to research this more I would be able to find someone fighting for each of those groups just as Henry has.
Staples really caught my attention while incorporating all the different types of literature. I really like how the foundation was built around student interest and not the teacher. It was great how multimedia was brought into play. Today it is so crucial for teachers to capture student interest and engage them in those things. We as educators are required to figure this out on own; this is part of our job. We only have ourselves to blame at times.
Candace Barnes
Comments (4)
Candace, your point about many minority and social class groups being short-changed hit home for me. The school I have worked at for all 10 of my teaching years is mainly hispanic, low SES, and has 2 public housing facilities feeding us students. My entire career I have listened to negativity from the surrounding communities about the neighborhood my school serves. I have even had family members concerned about my own safety. I have fought these misconceptions numerous times, trying to convince others about the success we have seen in our school. While yes there may be a few bad apples in the community, the majority are fine, well rounded, hardworking individuals wanting to provide their children with the best education possible. Yet we as a school will always seem to fight this negative societal view of our community no matter how successful we are or the top-notch scores we have produced for years.
Posted by Nikki Leggins | June 14, 2010 11:58 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 23:58
All kids somewhere in this world will be short changed at some point in life. I feel that is life and it's something we teach. Life isn't fair. Our job is to teach these kids how to function and survive when they get there on their own. Even families with both parents, living in a "nice" community, the family has money and so on, in some way is short changing their kids of something. Yes, of course more are than others, but we need to remember that no matter who the student is, what their race, they have the same and equal opportunity to learn as anyone else has. It's all about attitude. I believe that these African American males and African Carribean females all have a chance to be successful having the right attitude. As teachers it is our job to help students become the best they can be in all subject areas no matter what the cost. These teachers put their time in after school to get these kids to love reading and writing in different ways. My question is, why couldn't this be done during the day with all students? Is there any reason why? Classes too big? Teachers put in long hours and all their time and energy into their students because they love their job. The teachers in this article who called them "mediocre and not motivated" obviously do not love their job, and should quit. It's these people who damper our kids' dreams and futures.
Posted by Abby Boughton | June 15, 2010 7:31 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 19:31
Your blog made me question myself. Am I out of touch with society because I am white and I teach in a predominantly white community? It is my job to get back in touch as my students are more diverse every year.
The really great thing about research is that you don't have to agreee with it to learn from it. In these articles there were a couple of points I was not a fan of. I don't think your material needs to be controversial and I don't think text needs to be overlooked in favor of film, but I did learn from the articles. Research has opened my mind to situations and possibilities I might not otherwise be introduced to. That is a good thing! I loved your comment that voice is the power to express. I get that. Your point about good and bad in every race/gender/ethnicity is true too.
Posted by Carol Sherrill | June 15, 2010 9:35 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 21:35
Abby,
"Our job is to teach these kids how to function and survive when they get there on their own." You know this should be every teachers philosophy; not matter what status they hold in their community. When proposing your questions above about why didn't this take place during school, etc...I wondered the same exact thing. Maybe they didn't want both genders/race/ethnicity taking part in this? But, as a teacher I know I would do whatever it takes in helping my students succeed, whereas it is obvious that the ones mentioned in the article didn't care.
Carol,
I think controversial text should only be used to a certain degree which would mostly depend on the age. But, being an EC teacher I know how vital it is to cater to the needs of diverse learners and so I liked the idea of films. But this of course is my own personal preference.
Carol,
Posted by Candace B Heffinger | June 15, 2010 10:34 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 22:34