RES 5535: Race, Class, and Gender in Literacy Research (summer 2010)

Trish,

You talked about two African American children always on the go that attend your school and are performing below grade level. I see where this could have a valid case in some people’s eyes, but in mine I think that the parents and students are both the blame. I will use my family for an example. Both my sister and I participated in 3 to 4 sports all 13 years in school along with dance and gymnastics most of our elementary school years. As well as being a part of Interact, Beta, Student Council, and various other clubs. Our parents instilled in us the importance of education and the fact that school came first and that our grades and attitudes determined our participation in the extracurricular activities. If we didn't make the grades we weren't allowed to participate. We would never miss school unless we were sick, and we were never late. We had to come straight home from school and do our homework before participating in anything even if it meant playing outside. In high school, I can remember doing homework on the way to games and with the car light driving home late at night, because my parents drilled into us that education was the key to the future, not sports or friends or clubs. These African American parents may not have a clear vision of the importance of an education and feel as if it's okay their children don't make an effort to do their assignments. Like a lot of parents, some of students I have taught, believe that their child's ticket out of the line of poverty is through sports, but I don't think many realize that if you can't read and you break your leg you have nothing to fall back upon. Teachers can only do so much in the short day with 20 other children in the classroom. Parents and children must step up and take some responsibility in their choices and actions.

Meredith

That is a very good point you have made. I have found this happens in my class too. I have a little boy who is new to the school this year. He is behind in reading, but not by too much. He is involved in swimming and baseball. Swimming is year round but baseball is somewhat seasonal- they do travel ball and rec ball. He is constantly giving up on books after the first chapter, even though I have went to the library and selected books on his level with his interests in mind. He rarely ever reads at night and spends any free time in class rushing through his homework. I asked him one night after being fed up with lack of reading done, to tell me about his evening last night. He said that his swim practice started at 3 oclock and mom got him at 5. They went through the dtive thru and got dinner, then he went to ball practice from 6 to 8, went home got a shower and went to bed at 9. I asked how often this happens. He said almost everynight. If that is the case no wander he is behind. I have talked with the parents and they don't see sports as a henderence to his education. At this point what can I do but encourage reading by suggesting books and allowing time to read in class. I think that sometimes a child's interest, like in the case of Daniel's, can make them side tracked in school.
Amy Reep

I wonder if Daniel and Zonnie are afraid of losing their culture, or are they afraid they won't be accepted if they do? I teach middle school and I know most middle schoolers just want to fit in and be like everyone else. I think that maybe Zonnie and Daniel just feel they are so different and that no matter how hard they try, they are just not going to be like everyone else. I do agree that Daniel is conflicted. He is so proud of his heritage and does lots of things to preserve and promote it. On the other hand, he would like to be "just one of the guys". I think his dad may have had the same issues growing up. The research said he is a full-blooded Souix who is very active in the community when it comes to his culture, but he married a white woman. I would think it would have been important to him to marry someone from his own tribe. Also, Daniel's father tried to follow the proper channels when it came to dealing with Daniel's bullying issues and only relented to retaliation after all other avenues were exhausted. Could this indicate that Daniel's father understands that culture is valuable and important, but so is assimilating into the outside world. I think Daniel's father is a great example of to do both. He could be an invaluable resource to the school when it comes to building a relationship with the Native American community; if only he were given an opportunity to do so.

Trish,

I agree with you in that Daniel and Zonnie want to fit in, while also not giving up on their culture. I'm sure it is a hard balance to do what the average American student does, while also learning and participating in cultural activities. I think that Daniel and Zonnie would feel as if they fit in better if teachers gave them a chance to celebrate their culture in class. I think they should be given an opportunity to share their cultural beliefs with the other students in their classroom. That way, the other students would develop a greater understanding of why Daniel and Zonnie act a little differently than typical middle school students (for example, Daniel having long hair). I think their parents need to encourage the extra-curricular cultural activities, but also really emphasize the importance of school. Without an education, Daniel and Zonnie's culture will not get them far.
~Jamie Brackett

Trish, I have students in my class who fit the same mold; one student in particular comes to mind. However, the difference is this student is white. He seems to come from a lower socio-economic class. He is frequently late, leaves early, and has 41 absences for the year. He nearly missed the equivalent of a nine week grading period. His problem is his mother's lack of concern for his education. I am not sure his problem is being too busy.

Another cause for not turning in work is lack of organization. I have had students do the homework and then not be able to find it the next day. Sometimes it will turn up weeks later in the bottom of the locker or bookbag. Perhaps a class in organization should be required in upper elementary or middle school.
Karen Chester

I do not believe race or economics plays a part in the being late, leaving early and getting assignements completed. I believe it has more to do with the value the family places on education.

In the case of Daniel and Zonnie, I believe they would perform better in school if the could feel accepted by the teachers and students. I am not sure I would perform well if I was not happy in the environment. If we lived in a perfect world, they would be accepted for who they are not who society wants them to be.

I also believe we need to do a better job of incorporating our students' cultures into our classrooms. I think this not only helps these students feel a sense of belonging, but it also helps others gain a form of respect for that culture.

As I read the article I didn't pay much attention to the fact that Daniel has a lot going on outside of school that could be prohibiting him from success in school. After listening to your story about the two African-American students in your room, I think this is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed with parents. I also have a student in my room who could definitely perform better in school if he wasn't so involved in outside activities. He would tell me all the time that he didn't have time to do his reading because he had ball practice, play practice, or attending a game with his family. I think it's great this family is so involved and they do a lot together, but his grades and education took a fall because of it.

You bring up what seems to be a growing trend in education (or at least in what I teach--middle school). I have noticed that this seems to cross gender and socio-economic boundaries to some degree. There are students who are involved in sports or music and such. Then they have no time for school. I think the parents have seen so much emphasis on professional sports and making money that they look for the thing that they feel can get their child there the fastest sometimes.

The other side of this are the students who really are staying home and working or taking care of siblings. I have one student in particular who is a reasonably bright child but who comes from poverty-stricken family. We will go for several day stretches without her being in school at all. When this happens, I usually find that one of her little brothers has been sick or she has had to take care of him. It is sad because she really does have great potential. However, when there is no other option for her family. The boys are too little to take care of themselves.

Trish, I so agree! To look at your question, "I wonder if their culture was more recognized, would they be more successful at school?" The only answer I can think of is YES! At least to me it is the only obvious answer. The only reason the main population "fits in" is because they are the majority of the school and the teachers are right there with them.

Meredith and Amy,
Your school life sounds a lot like mine growing up. Sports and extra-curricular activities always kept me on the go. But my parents like yours always made school work come first. Also, I have students and parents who will leave early as well just so their child can go fishing or ride dirt bikes. I have come to the conclusion that many parents just don't care about their child's education they way they used to. What do you think?