29 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2024
  2. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. The process 1s c problematic, controversial, and time-consuming, but it is one in which teachers and schools must engage to make their schools truly multicultural.

      This is the essence of multicultural education as a dynamic and ongoing process rather than merely a static curriculum or set of materials. It emphasizes that multicultural education extends beyond the mere transmission of content knowledge; it involves fostering relationships, understanding cultural variables, and challenging ingrained perceptions and practices within educational systems.

    1. The Education Department initially assigned him to a middle school in East Flatbush. But Mr.Hochbaum, his lawyer, said that T.J. would be the only student in his class with an intellectualdisability and that the school’s curriculum was not a good match for his needs. The school is also partof the city’s Renewal and Rise program for struggling schools. In the 2017-18 school year, 13 percent ofits students passed the state math test and 28 percent scored as proficient in reading.Over the summer, T.J. and his family waited to learn where he would go to school in the fall. In July, he visited his aunt’shouse for a summer barbecue.Elizabeth D. Herman for The New York TimesAt 12, He Reads at a First-Grade Level: How New York Failed T.J. - T...https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/05/nyregion/how-special-education-i...10 of 1111/4/22, 7:32 PM

      The fact that the assigned school is part of a program for struggling schools adds another layer of concern, as it suggests a lack of resources and support for students like T.J. It's crucial that educational institutions prioritize the needs of students with disabilities and provide them with the necessary resources and accommodations to succeed academically and socially.

    2. All of it was provided by New York City as part of aprogram called Early Intervention that covers children up to the age of 3.

      The provision of these services through programs like Early Intervention demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the support they need to thrive. It's a reminder of the importance of early identification and intervention in addressing the diverse needs of children with disabilities and promoting their overall well-being.

    3. As Richard A. Carranza settles in as New York City’s new schools chancellor, the scale of thechallenges before him in special education are immense. The last school system he oversaw, inHouston, had about the same number of students in total as those who receive special educationservices in New York.Every large city in the country has its challenges with special education, and in New York, the systemis so tangled, so complex and so large, that the problems that have taken decades to build up seemalmost impossible to pick apart.

      The challenges facing Richard A. Carranza as the new schools chancellor of New York City are indeed immense, particularly in the realm of special education. Coming from a school system with a comparable student population, Carranza must grapple with the sheer scale and complexity of New York City's special education system.

    1. Unfortunately, certain groups of students are placed in specific special education categories at alarmingly high rates. For instance, the U.S. Department of Education (2015) indicated that African American students ages 6 through 21 were over two times more likely to receive services for emotional disturbance and intellectual disabilities than were students from all other racial/ethnic groups. Ford and Russo (2016) indicated that Black students are over-referred and over-identified in subjective special education placement areas more than any other group.

      Indeed, addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes raising awareness, challenging biases, and implementing policies and practices aimed at promoting equity and inclusion in education. It's imperative that educators, policymakers, and stakeholders work together to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that all students have access to a fair and supportive learning environment, regardless of their race or background.

    2. However, inappropriate placement in segregated programs that will likely not yield favorable outcomes is tragic as well. Unfortunately, research suggests that these trends occur too often

      The issue of disproportionate representation of students of color in special education is indeed a complex and contentious one. While it's true that overrepresentation doesn't always signify inappropriate placement, there is evidence to suggest that bias does play a role in the process. This bias can lead to students of color being placed in segregated programs of inferior quality, which ultimately hinders their educational outcomes.

    1. The story I tell is both of ours, but for now I am the one telling it. In the near future, as Lydia's awareness and ability to tell her life grows, I want her voice to be heard more clearly.

      I feel like the authors are inviting us to imagine ourselves in their shoes, to understand the challenges they face, and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all. It's a call for empathy and connection, reminding us that every individual, regardless of their differences, deserves to be heard, understood, and believed.

    2. "So much of modern life and schooling aggregates, labels, groups — and ends up treating people like things."

      As Ayers (1996) stated, modern life and schooling too often treat people as objects to be categorized and controlled, rather than as individuals deserving of dignity and respect. It's only by rejecting the use of labels to pigeonhole and limit individuals that we can truly build a more equitable and democratic society, where each person is valued for their unique contributions and potential.

    1. As discussed in the Introduction to this volume, neglecting to protect students from gender-based discrimina-tion can lead to school district liability, as well as negative student out-comes, so ensuring that all school personnel understand their obligations is crucial.

      A critical issue within our education system is the misunderstanding and misapplication of laws and policies related to bullying and sexual harassment. It's concerning to learn that many teachers do not fully grasp the distinction between bullying and sexual harassment, particularly when it comes to peer-based harassment. This lack of understanding can lead to a failure to recognize and address instances of gender-based harassment, thereby perpetuating a hostile learning environment for students.

    2. Harassment and exclusion based on homophobia and transphobia also extend to families, including families of LGBTQ youth or families whose members are LGBTQ (Casper & Schultz, 1999).

      As society progresses and same-sex marriage becomes legal, it's crucial for schools to recognize and embrace the diversity of families within their communities. Every family deserves to feel respected and valued, and schools play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and acceptance.

    1. Heterosexism and heteronormativity,

      Heterosexism and heteronormativity are deeply ingrained societal constructs that reinforce the dominance of heterosexuality while marginalizing other forms of sexuality. These ideologies rely heavily on the perpetuation of binary genders, where men are expected to conform to masculine norms and women to feminine norms. This adherence to traditional gender roles not only ensures that genders are recognizable and acceptable within societal norms but also supports the notion of "opposites attract" within heterosexual relationships.

    1. At lunch our class all sat together at one long table. All the girls sat on one side, and the boys sat on the other. This was our system. Unfortu-nately, there were two more boys in my class than seats on the boys' side. There was no greater social embarrassment for a boy in the very hierarchical system we had set up in our class than to have to sit on the girls' side at lunch. It happened to me once, before I moved up the class social ladder. Boys climbed the rungs of that ladder by beating on each other during recess. To this day, twenty years later, I remember that lunch. It was horrible.

      The segregation between boys and girls, with social status tied to where one sat, created unnecessary pressure and embarrassment for those who didn't conform to the expected norms.

      It's important for educators to promote inclusivity and respect for diversity, rather than perpetuating outdated notions of gender roles and social hierarchies. I believe that with a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere, students can feel more comfortable expressing themselves authentically and forming genuine connections with their peers.

    2. One area where girls are recognized more than boys is appearance. Teachers compliment their outfits and hairstyles. We hear it over and over again-not during large academic discussions but in more private moments, in small groups, when a student comes up to the teacher's desk, at recess, in hallways, at lunchtime, when children enter and exit the classroom: "Is that a new dress?" "You look so pretty today." "I love your new haircut. It's so cute." While these comments are most prevalent in the early grades, they continue throughout school, into the workplace, and throughout life: "That's a great outfit." "You look terrific today."

      Even from a young age, girls are often praised more for their appearance than boys. While compliments about outfits and hairstyles may seem harmless, they reinforce harmful stereotypes and prioritize superficial attributes over academic achievements or personal qualities. This perpetuates the notion that a girl's value lies primarily in her appearance rather than her intellect or character. Such comments may inadvertently contribute to a culture where girls feel pressured to prioritize their appearance over other aspects of themselves, which can have long-lasting effects on their self-esteem and sense of worth.

    3. Through constructive criticism, another boy learned that he was not com-pleting the assignment accurately, and he corrected his mistake. The teacher gave another boy remediation, helping him develop ideas for his poem.

      What's particularly troubling is the gender disparity in the quality of feedback, with boys receiving more detailed and helpful instructions compared to girls. This not only perpetuates inequalities but also undermines the academic growth of female students. Teachers must recognize the importance of providing equitable and meaningful feedback to all students, regardless of gender, to foster a truly supportive and enriching learning environment.

  3. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. Ashley was literally pushed out of the school.

      Ashley's experience, in particular, underscores the intersectionality of race, gender, and socio-economic status in shaping educational opportunities and outcomes. Despite her efforts to challenge stereotypes and excel academically, she faced barriers and discrimination that ultimately forced her out of the prestigious IB program and, eventually, out of the school altogether.

    2. A second prevailing assumption apparent at SCHS is that Latinas are hyper-sexual and potentially pregnant. This myth is also historically rooted, specif-ically in images deeming Latinas as “hyper-fertile baby machines”, “teenage mothers”, and barriers to children’s educational success (Gutiérrez 2008). For example, early theorists, such as a 1928 Los Angeles assistant supervi-sor of education, alleged that Mexican teenagers were naturally inclined toward sex over education: “authorities on the Mexican mind agree that after the age of 12–14 educational and higher ambitions turn to inclinations of sex impulse . . . The average [Mexican] boy and girl revert to the native instinct” (quoted in Gonzalez 1990, 37). These racist representations have been used to camoufl age systemic inequality and justify discriminatory prac-tices (Gonzalez 1990)

      I believe it is very important for educators and policymakers to challenge these stereotypes and create inclusive and supportive environments where all students feel valued and respected. Addressing systemic inequality and providing resources and support for Latina students can help dismantle these harmful narratives and create pathways for educational success.

    3. In May and June 2001, and again from May 2007 to December 2008, I sat in on classes and attended campus assemblies, graduations, and meet-ings. Working with several students from the Claremont Colleges, I inter-viewed over 50 teachers, counselors, and parents; but most of my time was spent listening to students. Across from tables, gathered around benches, and sitting in circles, in 50- to 75-minute interviews, we asked 139 students about their schooling, friendships, and future plans. The interview questions were broad and open-ended, allowing students to share their experiences in ways that were meaningful for them. As a result, students provided a range of testimonials about peer groups and high school life, some highlighting the institutional and daily constraints in school connected to gender and sexual-ity. For this chapter, I focus on these aspects of the interviews, specifi cally centering on the 46 interviews with Latina students. With the exception of a few of the interviews, most were audiotaped, transcribed, and then ana-lyzed for recurring themes and patterns. The quotations appearing through-out this chapter are verbatim from the transcripts, but as is the custom in qualitative research the names of the participants and their school have been changed.

      Analyzing recurring themes and patterns from the interviews provides valuable insights into the common experiences and struggles of Latina students, which can inform future interventions and support initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. Additionally, the decision to maintain the anonymity of participants and their schools demonstrates ethical considerations and respect for privacy.

    1. For females of color or those with disabilities, the "image of perfection" presented can be even more disheartening. Disabled women are often por-trayed as helpless victims who need protection, or as heroines who have beaten the odds. Rarely is their beauty recognized. The words of one dis-abled young woman poignantly describe her feelings of isolation.

      This poignantly illustrates the detrimental impact of mainstream media's portrayal of females of color and those with disabilities. These individuals often encounter a distorted "image of perfection" that fails to acknowledge their unique beauty and agency. Instead, disabled women are frequently depicted as either helpless victims in need of protection or exceptional heroines who have overcome insurmountable odds.

    2. What they were dealing with was sexual harassment.

      After reading the passage, it's clear to me that sexual harassment in schools is a deeply concerning issue that can have severe consequences for students like Katy Lyle. The story of Katy's experience illustrates the damaging effects of persistent harassment, not just on her academic performance but on her mental and emotional well-being as well. It's alarming to see how long it took for the school to recognize and address the situation, with initial dismissal of the harassment as a mere maintenance problem.

    3. Had the gendered world of high school faded into history?

      It's concerning to see that despite efforts to address gender issues in schools, such as discussions and interventions, there still seems to be a pervasive normalization of certain behaviors based on gender. The fact that some teachers perceive no gender issues in their schools is troubling and suggests a lack of awareness or acknowledgment of the challenges that students, particularly girls, may face. The disparity in perceptions highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and education about gender dynamics in educational settings to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning environments.

    1. Yamaira is a 12-year-old girl who arrived from the Dominican Republic three years ago and has just entered seventh grade.

      This story beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing translanguaging in education, especially for students like Yamaira who are navigating language barriers while still trying to engage deeply with academic content. Ms. López's approach of meeting Yamaira in her translanguaging space and providing resources in her native language not only validates Yamaira's linguistic and cultural identity but also empowers her to fully participate and excel in her history studies. I like to see educators recognizing and nurturing students' curiosity and potential regardless of language proficiency, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment :)

  4. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. Often neither the school records nor the students themselves were clear about whether or not they were re-ceiving bilingual or ESL instruction or language learning supports.

      As we read this paragraph, we notice the complex landscape of bilingual education and English language instruction for immigrant students in the United States. It highlights the prevalence of bilingual instructional settings at the onset of students' education in their new country, with various approaches such as pull-out programs, sheltered instruction, ESL, and dual-language instruction being utilized.

    2. The alternative to supporting immigrant children while they learn aca-demic English is to allow them simply to sink or swim; that is, to stand by while some stay afloat, and many others become weary and

      The alternative of allowing immigrant children to "sink or swim" without proper support is not only unfair but also ineffective. It fails to recognize the unique linguistic and cultural barriers that these students may encounter, particularly in highly segregated and high-poverty school environments.

      Additionally, expecting newcomer students to achieve proficiency in academic English within just three years is unrealistic and places undue pressure on them.

  5. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. can I continue to mentor and teach them,

      Teachers can have a profound and lasting impact on their students, as well as a reciprocal nature of mentorship and learning. It's heartwarming to see how the relationships forged in the classroom continue to evolve and flourish long after graduation.

  6. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. Students from poor families need to be told this, and more, they need to be made to believe it. 4

      This last paragraph beautifully articulates the profound impact that educators can have on their students beyond just academic instruction. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing self-confidence, fostering respect for others, and instilling values of diversity and inclusion. The idea that every student deserves to feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances, is fundamental to creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

  7. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. My worst school holiday memory by far, though, was Easter.

      I feel like the candid reflection on the struggles with holiday festivities serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and inclusion in educational settings. It underscores the need for educators and peers alike to foster environments where every child feels valued and accepted, regardless of their socio-economic background.

    1. We offer the framework to engage educators on how to effectively educate stu-dents from impoverished circumstances.

      I believe that promoting critical thinking and reflection on poverty-related issues, teacher education programs can empower educators to be agents of change who can advocate for policies and practices that address the root causes of poverty and support the success of all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

  8. inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net inst-fs-iad-prod.inscloudgate.net
    1. The following two sections examine how inferior provisions both at home and at school place poor children at risk for low academic perfor-mance and failure to complete school.

      Indeed, the statistics presented here highlight the stark reality that poverty isn't just about financial hardship; it's about a multitude of interconnected risk factors that compound the challenges faced by families and children living in poverty. The fact that such a significant portion of poor families experience multiple risk factors compared to their well-off counterparts underscores the complexity and severity of the issue.

    2. However you defi ne it, poverty is complex; it does not mean the same thing for all people. For the purposes of this book, we can identify six types of poverty: situ-ational, generational, absolute, relative, urban, and rural

      As a parent, it would be concerning to hear about the challenges faced by students in Mr. Hawkins's class. It's clear that poverty isn't just a matter of individual choice or effort; it's a systemic issue with deep-rooted causes that require comprehensive solutions. Rather than resigning to despair, it's essential for educators, policymakers, and society as a whole to actively work towards addressing the barriers that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face.

      By acknowledging the realities of poverty and adopting informed strategies, such as those outlined in research on successful interventions with economically disadvantaged students, we can strive to create more equitable opportunities for all children to thrive academically and beyond.