Our class involving "Diverse Learners" has been very thought provoking. The groups, panel discussions, and projects have correlated well with the readings in the textbook, Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society. Our class, as a group, has been a true representation of our pluralistic society in which we live.
It is important to remember that sometimes, as particular groups or cultures, we live and work in areas that have similar people. While no two people are the same, there are many likenesses within cultural groups. As humans, we should be open to each others' stories and life journeys. Much can be learned from each other.
I have personally enjoyed listening to the stories shared from our classmates. Their stories have literally come from all around the world. Many differing experiences and perspectives have been shared. I will walk away from this class with a pocketful of interesting thoughts and ideas concerning ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionality, language, religion, geography, and age.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
BLOG #17 Age
Like culture groups, people are associated with their age groups. In this chapter, age as it relates to students and education is addressed. Poverty affects an estimated 10-11% of Americans. However, it is concerning to see the large numbers of children, 18%, who live in poverty. Low income children may have inadequate housing, nutrition, and medical care.
Kids Count is an annual report that lists states rankings in at-risk areas, such as child death rates, high school drop outs, and single parent families. Child abuse is another issue affecting more than 2.5 million cases per year. Sudden changes in behavior, lack of adult supervision, and passive or withdrawn behavior could be warning signs of child abuse.
Adolescence involves youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. At-Risk youth behaviors may include substance abuse, suicide, and violence. Some possible signs of substance abuse could include changes in sleep patterns, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and weight changes. As an educator, it is important to understand age and
and its issues, as they relate to our students.
Kids Count is an annual report that lists states rankings in at-risk areas, such as child death rates, high school drop outs, and single parent families. Child abuse is another issue affecting more than 2.5 million cases per year. Sudden changes in behavior, lack of adult supervision, and passive or withdrawn behavior could be warning signs of child abuse.
Adolescence involves youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. At-Risk youth behaviors may include substance abuse, suicide, and violence. Some possible signs of substance abuse could include changes in sleep patterns, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and weight changes. As an educator, it is important to understand age and
and its issues, as they relate to our students.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
BLOG #16 Geography
While physical geography encompasses the earth's surfaces, human geography involves the economic, social, and cultural systems of our planet. There is a great deal of diversity within the United States, as this country continues to gain various peoples from around the world. Traditionally, white European Americans have been the majority represented in the country's population. Those numbers are changing as seen in states like California, New Mexico, and Texas where less than 50% of those populations are considered white.
While the Southern, Appalachian, New England/ Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southwestern, and Western regions of the U.S. have varying histories and characteristics, each region has developed into rural and urban areas. Currently, the world-wide trend is to move to more urban areas in search for jobs and better resources. However, it is the trend in the U.S. to move out to more rural areas.
The economic, environmental, political, and cultural systems both impact and connect the world. Events in one area can affect events in other areas. While technology is improving communications, as well as the job market, the majority of the world has been unchanged by its advances.
While the Southern, Appalachian, New England/ Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southwestern, and Western regions of the U.S. have varying histories and characteristics, each region has developed into rural and urban areas. Currently, the world-wide trend is to move to more urban areas in search for jobs and better resources. However, it is the trend in the U.S. to move out to more rural areas.
The economic, environmental, political, and cultural systems both impact and connect the world. Events in one area can affect events in other areas. While technology is improving communications, as well as the job market, the majority of the world has been unchanged by its advances.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
BLOG #15 Motor Function and Auditory Learning
Smart kids may have motor function and auditory learning difficulties which adversely affect school achievement. Mild motor weaknesses can grow into major disabilities, if they are not dealt with appropriately. Students may be faulted with bad attitudes when written work is not completed. Muscles, coordination, and memory all play important roles in small and large motor function. Automaticity in forming letters and in handwriting is vital in school, yet some students do not naturally have strong motor memory for such tasks. Good teaching practice does involve helping students with handwriting skills. That includes forming letters and numbers, holding the pencil correctly, and placing the letters with correct directionality and size. Progressing in accuracy and speed aids in note taking, as well as written composition. While there are advocates for teaching manuscript and cursive, students need to be fluent in whatever form they are taught. Mechanical aids, such as typewriters, word processors, and tape recorders can also assist students with written work.
Students need to understand how to listen before they can learn. Children who have suffered from ear infections and allergies may have disrupted perceptions, causing misinterpretations of words and conversations. Auditory learning develops through individual conversation. Daycares, non-English speaking care givers, and overly tired parents may inadvertantly cause difficulites as well. While some children can organize two languages, many cannot. Language acquisition may be disrupted or prolonged if the child's primary language has not become fluent before being exposed to other languages. Another factor can involve the overuse or stimulation of television and video games. The average sentence on T.V. is between four and six words in length. Imagery is provided, as well. Children are not being trained to listen and understand more mature levels of language while sitting in front of computers and televisions.
Smart kids can have school problems. It is important for teachers and parents to be on the lookout for potential problems. When a child is preparing to enter kindergarten, that child's health history and early language development needs to be reviewed. Being proactive can make a difference for a child and his or her success.
Students need to understand how to listen before they can learn. Children who have suffered from ear infections and allergies may have disrupted perceptions, causing misinterpretations of words and conversations. Auditory learning develops through individual conversation. Daycares, non-English speaking care givers, and overly tired parents may inadvertantly cause difficulites as well. While some children can organize two languages, many cannot. Language acquisition may be disrupted or prolonged if the child's primary language has not become fluent before being exposed to other languages. Another factor can involve the overuse or stimulation of television and video games. The average sentence on T.V. is between four and six words in length. Imagery is provided, as well. Children are not being trained to listen and understand more mature levels of language while sitting in front of computers and televisions.
Smart kids can have school problems. It is important for teachers and parents to be on the lookout for potential problems. When a child is preparing to enter kindergarten, that child's health history and early language development needs to be reviewed. Being proactive can make a difference for a child and his or her success.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
BLOG #14 Religion
According to Gallup Polls, over half of Americans today feel that religion is a very important part of their lives. Another quarter of Americans believe it is fairly important. While gender,age, geography, and political affiliation play a large part in those numbers, it is safe to say that religion is important in our present day society. It is also important to note that the people in our country have varied belief systems.
The four major faiths in the United States today include Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. Other religious groups include the Latter Day Saints, Eastern Orthodoxy, Christian Science, and Native American Religions. Jainism and Sikhism evolved out of India, while Baha'ism was founded in Persia, or Iran. New Age Spirituality, Wicca (witchcraft), and Cults are movements on the rise, as well.
The First Ammendment to the United States Constitution in 1791 states that the government is not allowed to make laws that establish or prohibit religion. Although the Supreme Court banned prayer in schools in 1963, groups have tried to get it reinstated. Even though the Seperation of Church and State prohibits the practice of religion in a school district, religion can be taught as a concept to study. Students may be exposed to various differing belief systems without having one imposed on them. While schools can teach religious awareness, they are forbidden to attempt to pressure or convert students into accepting particular faiths.
The four major faiths in the United States today include Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. Other religious groups include the Latter Day Saints, Eastern Orthodoxy, Christian Science, and Native American Religions. Jainism and Sikhism evolved out of India, while Baha'ism was founded in Persia, or Iran. New Age Spirituality, Wicca (witchcraft), and Cults are movements on the rise, as well.
The First Ammendment to the United States Constitution in 1791 states that the government is not allowed to make laws that establish or prohibit religion. Although the Supreme Court banned prayer in schools in 1963, groups have tried to get it reinstated. Even though the Seperation of Church and State prohibits the practice of religion in a school district, religion can be taught as a concept to study. Students may be exposed to various differing belief systems without having one imposed on them. While schools can teach religious awareness, they are forbidden to attempt to pressure or convert students into accepting particular faiths.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
BLOG #13 Immigrant Charter Schools
Typically, Second Language Learners enroll in public schools, and participate in the English Language Learners program for language acquisition. Bilingual, or dual language programs for Spanish and English speakers may exist in certain school systems, as well. However, another option for English Language Learners (ELL's)has been made available in certain communities across the U.S. Charter schools designed to reach the needs of these specific populations are on the rise.
While these schools teach the English language, they also reinforce native cultures and values of students from differing cultural groups. There is an emphasis on encouraging these students to continue to value their native language, as well. As the schools tend to be smaller, students receive more attention and individual instruction.
As these types of charter schools are just taking off, there is not alot of research backing their results. There are questions regarding these students' performance in public schools after attending a charter school for some time. Others question the efficiency of language development in these types of schools. Still others wonder if this will lead to even more segregation of our students. While the answers to these questions and more have not been completely answered, some families are turning to charter schools for an alternative way to educate their children.
While these schools teach the English language, they also reinforce native cultures and values of students from differing cultural groups. There is an emphasis on encouraging these students to continue to value their native language, as well. As the schools tend to be smaller, students receive more attention and individual instruction.
As these types of charter schools are just taking off, there is not alot of research backing their results. There are questions regarding these students' performance in public schools after attending a charter school for some time. Others question the efficiency of language development in these types of schools. Still others wonder if this will lead to even more segregation of our students. While the answers to these questions and more have not been completely answered, some families are turning to charter schools for an alternative way to educate their children.
BLOG #12 Language
The languages represented in the United States are diverse, and at times controversial. While Standard English is taught and officially used throughout the nation, dialects and cultural influences affect communication. As new immigrants arrive, they bring differing languages to the melting pot, enriching it with their cultures and values.
What form or dialect of English is considered "Standard"? The answer varies from community to community. The informal standard is used frequently in conversation, while the formal standard is usually reserved for writing. However, particular dialects, such as Black English and Appalachian English can be associated with lower working classes, resulting in negative assumptions. Those assumptions regarding the intelligence and moral values of an individual can be a disadvantage in the school and work environments.
Other controversial issues regarding language appear in bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Even though research points to several years of needed language training for advanced fluency skills, including academic language (CALP), schools are mandated by state requirements to push students to advanced levels of fluency within a three year period. While bilingual education has been available, it is important to consider the other hundreds of languages represented in school districts today. As we consider both the increasing numbers of ELL's enrolling in our school systems and the increasing financial difficulties, we have to arrive at a fair and equal system of instruction. It is vital that our nation's citizens are able to communicate in at least one English language for the continued success of our union.
What form or dialect of English is considered "Standard"? The answer varies from community to community. The informal standard is used frequently in conversation, while the formal standard is usually reserved for writing. However, particular dialects, such as Black English and Appalachian English can be associated with lower working classes, resulting in negative assumptions. Those assumptions regarding the intelligence and moral values of an individual can be a disadvantage in the school and work environments.
Other controversial issues regarding language appear in bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Even though research points to several years of needed language training for advanced fluency skills, including academic language (CALP), schools are mandated by state requirements to push students to advanced levels of fluency within a three year period. While bilingual education has been available, it is important to consider the other hundreds of languages represented in school districts today. As we consider both the increasing numbers of ELL's enrolling in our school systems and the increasing financial difficulties, we have to arrive at a fair and equal system of instruction. It is vital that our nation's citizens are able to communicate in at least one English language for the continued success of our union.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
BLOG #11 Smart Kids with School Problems
There are factors to consider with a student's developmental level. The student's age, social and emotional maturity, and intellectual development all play important roles in a child's academic success in school. Some schools encourage a "three before first" policy which involves a student attending three years of preschool, including kindergarten, before first grade. A child entering first grade can postpone gratification, sit still and focus, work with symbols, and separate fantasy from reality. Sometimes, time itself can benefit children still developing particular areas at this age. Screening that involves pencil and paper work, visual matching and memory, auditory discrimination, memory and analysis, naming of letters, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, sequencing tasks, story recall, and math counting and pattern tasks can be used for grade placement and recommendations for students needing specific help.
While visual acuity is important for a healthy developing child, the visual system must be developed as well. Recognizing objects, distinguishing sizes and shapes, depth perception, color notations, and spatial awareness are all aspects of the visual system. Visual perception allows people to discriminate visual images, understand part to whole relationships, separate figures and backgrounds, understand spatial relationships, and attach meaning to visual images. A student with a strong visual memory may only need a couple of exposures to words for reading and spelling purposes. Intelligent students with weak visual perception and or memory skills can have difficulties in learning to read and write.
It is important to note that there is no research that confirms visual perceptual training and correlating exercises cure or assist with reading difficulties. The more methods a reader is taught to use, the better the reading ability. The part to whole approach, also known as phonics, teaches students to blend and decode words. While the whole word, or look say approach is the most efficient way to read, many students with poor visual memory can have a difficult time with this method. A whole to part, or structural analysis, approach teaches students to look for affixes and base words. Latin and Greek roots and stems are taught to assist students with these additional patterns of language. An inferential approach uses context clues, pictures, vocabulary, and inferencing as a combined effort in understanding texts.
While visual acuity is important for a healthy developing child, the visual system must be developed as well. Recognizing objects, distinguishing sizes and shapes, depth perception, color notations, and spatial awareness are all aspects of the visual system. Visual perception allows people to discriminate visual images, understand part to whole relationships, separate figures and backgrounds, understand spatial relationships, and attach meaning to visual images. A student with a strong visual memory may only need a couple of exposures to words for reading and spelling purposes. Intelligent students with weak visual perception and or memory skills can have difficulties in learning to read and write.
It is important to note that there is no research that confirms visual perceptual training and correlating exercises cure or assist with reading difficulties. The more methods a reader is taught to use, the better the reading ability. The part to whole approach, also known as phonics, teaches students to blend and decode words. While the whole word, or look say approach is the most efficient way to read, many students with poor visual memory can have a difficult time with this method. A whole to part, or structural analysis, approach teaches students to look for affixes and base words. Latin and Greek roots and stems are taught to assist students with these additional patterns of language. An inferential approach uses context clues, pictures, vocabulary, and inferencing as a combined effort in understanding texts.
Monday, March 8, 2010
BLOG # 10 Exceptionality
While children are children, they are all very unique and special. Students with both giftedness and learning differences require certain accommodations at times. Because of particular litigation measures, it is the law that all students be provided with a free public education.
Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, provided that all people from ages 3 to 21 receive a free and appropriate education, procedural safeguards to protect their rights, an education in the least restrictive environment, individualized education programs, parental involvement in educational decisions, and fair and unbiased evaluations. While Congress mandated these services for children with disabilities, they have not supported school districts with even half of the necessary funding to provide these expensive services. When "appropriate" educations have been tested in court, there have been cases where the courts ruled in favor of the child, and or the school district.
The chapter continued to emphasize the overrepresentation of minorities in special education. African males were said to be especially overrepresented. Some possible variables contibuting to the issue were poverty, lead poisoning, over-referrals, racial bias, and assessment issues.
Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, provided that all people from ages 3 to 21 receive a free and appropriate education, procedural safeguards to protect their rights, an education in the least restrictive environment, individualized education programs, parental involvement in educational decisions, and fair and unbiased evaluations. While Congress mandated these services for children with disabilities, they have not supported school districts with even half of the necessary funding to provide these expensive services. When "appropriate" educations have been tested in court, there have been cases where the courts ruled in favor of the child, and or the school district.
The chapter continued to emphasize the overrepresentation of minorities in special education. African males were said to be especially overrepresented. Some possible variables contibuting to the issue were poverty, lead poisoning, over-referrals, racial bias, and assessment issues.
Monday, March 1, 2010
BLOG # 9 Smart Kids with School Problems
Between 20 and 30 percent of students in our classrooms may have some sort of learning disability. Many times, these students are misunderstood. Perhaps, they are verbally apt problem solvers who are unable to put their creativity into written form. Often, they have trouble listening , following directions, keeping themselves organized, and memorizing schoolwork. They may not perform well on achievement tests. These students may be found at any level of any grade. The author calls them "conundrum kids", because they may be gifted and learning disabled.
While these students are puzzling and difficult to figure out, their futures are optimistic. Keeping their natural talents and self esteem alive and well is crucial to their long term development. Unfulfilled lives can occur when these students are not assisted. The "snowball effect" may occur, leaving them with a less than perfect education and miles of self doubt.
The author, a learning specialist, diagnostician, teacher, trainer, and parent, ranks high in her field. The book contains information on research, strategies, and materials on that can assist teachers in helping their "smart kids with school problems".
While these students are puzzling and difficult to figure out, their futures are optimistic. Keeping their natural talents and self esteem alive and well is crucial to their long term development. Unfulfilled lives can occur when these students are not assisted. The "snowball effect" may occur, leaving them with a less than perfect education and miles of self doubt.
The author, a learning specialist, diagnostician, teacher, trainer, and parent, ranks high in her field. The book contains information on research, strategies, and materials on that can assist teachers in helping their "smart kids with school problems".
BLOG # 8 Gender and Sexual Orientation
This chapter highlighted specific information regarding male/ female comparisons. There was no agreement between researchers concerning the biological impact on the differences between males and females. It concluded that society, and its differing cultures, played large roles in determining the expectations of each gender. Stereotypes of male and female careers, intellectual abilities, personality characteristics, physical appearances, social statuses, and domestic roles were discussed. In fact, the television was blamed for its large impact on stereotyping in general.
As the author further elaborated on gender discrimination, the Women's Movement was included. The most significant advances in that particular movement were seen during the 1960's. That movement developed in correlation with a civil rights movement for African Americans. However, rights for women continue to be contested.
Title IX of the 1972 Education Ammendments deals with discriminatory treatment of students based on gender. This law prevents discrimination in the admission of students, their treatment, and employed personnel. In Pre-K through 12th grade settings, the law requires that all district opportunities be equally available to all students. While athletic programs have been the most controversial, they have been covered by Title IX as well since 1972. As a result, the number of females participating in athletic programs has increased to 41% of high school athletes.
As the author further elaborated on gender discrimination, the Women's Movement was included. The most significant advances in that particular movement were seen during the 1960's. That movement developed in correlation with a civil rights movement for African Americans. However, rights for women continue to be contested.
Title IX of the 1972 Education Ammendments deals with discriminatory treatment of students based on gender. This law prevents discrimination in the admission of students, their treatment, and employed personnel. In Pre-K through 12th grade settings, the law requires that all district opportunities be equally available to all students. While athletic programs have been the most controversial, they have been covered by Title IX as well since 1972. As a result, the number of females participating in athletic programs has increased to 41% of high school athletes.
Monday, February 22, 2010
BLOG #7 Imperial Woman
The stories of two women represented in Imperial Woman and Esther intertwined as both were chosen to come before their respective rulers in search for a new queen and impress. As their stories unfolded, each wondered if she would be chosen...
Orchid was from the house of Manchu Bannerman. Her kinsman, Jung Lu, had hoped to ask for her hand in marriage on a visit to her villiage, but found himself delivering the Golden Summons, as a guardsman for the emperor. Beautiful young women were being summoned by the Dowager Mother and Emperor for service as concubines in the Forbidden City. She was chosen among sixty virgins. Her serving girl spoke of her destiny before she left her home, possibly forever. Upon arrival, the young women were placed into particular classes, according to their families. Orchid was placed in Kuei Jen, third class. They were then bathed in perfumed soaps and oils. Their hair took an hour to be coiled perfectly for the emperor's visit. Yehonola, Orchid's clan name, was noticed by the tiring women and chief eunuchs immediately.
Hadassah was a Jewish orphan taken in a kingdom-wide search for beautiful young women. King Xerxes had banished Queen Vashti from the throne, and after four years, was seeking a new queen. According to custom, the queen was to be chosen from 7 noble families, however, the rules were altered for this occasion. For her safety, Mordecai, Hadassah's cousin, had told her to use the Persian name, Esther. This would aid in keeping her nationality hidden, as the Jewish people had been taken as exiles. The chosen girls were given 10 months of beauty treatments in the palace. The eunuchs administered special diets, spice baths, oil and beauty treatments, before they were brought before the king. Esther's chief eunuch quickly noticed her above the others.
Orchid was from the house of Manchu Bannerman. Her kinsman, Jung Lu, had hoped to ask for her hand in marriage on a visit to her villiage, but found himself delivering the Golden Summons, as a guardsman for the emperor. Beautiful young women were being summoned by the Dowager Mother and Emperor for service as concubines in the Forbidden City. She was chosen among sixty virgins. Her serving girl spoke of her destiny before she left her home, possibly forever. Upon arrival, the young women were placed into particular classes, according to their families. Orchid was placed in Kuei Jen, third class. They were then bathed in perfumed soaps and oils. Their hair took an hour to be coiled perfectly for the emperor's visit. Yehonola, Orchid's clan name, was noticed by the tiring women and chief eunuchs immediately.
Hadassah was a Jewish orphan taken in a kingdom-wide search for beautiful young women. King Xerxes had banished Queen Vashti from the throne, and after four years, was seeking a new queen. According to custom, the queen was to be chosen from 7 noble families, however, the rules were altered for this occasion. For her safety, Mordecai, Hadassah's cousin, had told her to use the Persian name, Esther. This would aid in keeping her nationality hidden, as the Jewish people had been taken as exiles. The chosen girls were given 10 months of beauty treatments in the palace. The eunuchs administered special diets, spice baths, oil and beauty treatments, before they were brought before the king. Esther's chief eunuch quickly noticed her above the others.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
BLOG #6 Ch. 3
Income, education, occupation, wealth, and power are aspects interrelated with socio-economic status (SES). These components have a strong role in ranking individuals and families in specific classes. As children, women, minorities, and people with disabilities are born into a particular status, education seems to be a helpful step for moving into a higher class ranking. Although the United States is a democratic society with the ideals of equality, this country contains some of the largest gaps in pay wages when compared to other industrialized nations.
Unfortunately, those inequalities tend to continue from one generation to the next. The lack of affordable housing is one cause of poverty and homelessness in our country. 12.7% of the population actually remain in poverty, and between 500,000 and 1.3 million children have experienced homelessness each year. Poverty persists in the young, minorities, women, workers in low status jobs, and the illiterate. However, women typically earn less and remain in poverty more than any other group.
While education offers hope to our nation's children, the institution is not without its flaws. The funding of schools, negative aspects of tracking, inequality of the curriculum, and unbalanced expectations of teachers are among the more difficult issues in education today. Two views of current eduacational practices suggest that schools can either aid in the future successes of its students, or continue to prepare students for jobs that correlate with current economic status.
Unfortunately, those inequalities tend to continue from one generation to the next. The lack of affordable housing is one cause of poverty and homelessness in our country. 12.7% of the population actually remain in poverty, and between 500,000 and 1.3 million children have experienced homelessness each year. Poverty persists in the young, minorities, women, workers in low status jobs, and the illiterate. However, women typically earn less and remain in poverty more than any other group.
While education offers hope to our nation's children, the institution is not without its flaws. The funding of schools, negative aspects of tracking, inequality of the curriculum, and unbalanced expectations of teachers are among the more difficult issues in education today. Two views of current eduacational practices suggest that schools can either aid in the future successes of its students, or continue to prepare students for jobs that correlate with current economic status.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
BLOG #5 String of church fires in East Texas
As we were driving back to East Texas after Monday night's class, two more churches were becoming victims of arson. While firefighters attempted to put out a church fire in Lindale, another church was set on fire in Tyler. Both churches experienced total losses.
Ten churches have been targeted in East Texas towns, such as Tyler, Lindale, Athens, and Will's Point. As the group or person are still at large, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have gotten involved with the investigations. The churches being burned have been smaller, more rural churches with mainly white congregations which serve a variety of denominations.
As these churches served smaller congregations, electronic security systems were not in place, due to financial constraints. Churches in our area are developing differing systems, which usually involve church members patroling the premises on a regular basis. What is the motive? It is anyone's guess at this point. Are these arsonists covering up another crime, or is this a group or person with issues involving hatred towards God or another group of people.
Ten churches have been targeted in East Texas towns, such as Tyler, Lindale, Athens, and Will's Point. As the group or person are still at large, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have gotten involved with the investigations. The churches being burned have been smaller, more rural churches with mainly white congregations which serve a variety of denominations.
As these churches served smaller congregations, electronic security systems were not in place, due to financial constraints. Churches in our area are developing differing systems, which usually involve church members patroling the premises on a regular basis. What is the motive? It is anyone's guess at this point. Are these arsonists covering up another crime, or is this a group or person with issues involving hatred towards God or another group of people.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
BLOG #4 Ethnicity and Race
The chapter covering "Ethnicity and Race" incorporated historical aspects of the United States' history on immigration. Information from the immigration of certain ethnic groups, such as the Chinese in 1882, to the requirement of literacy tests, to the era of the Civil Rights Movement were included. Particular court cases regarding the desegregation of schools were highlighted and put in chronological order on a timeline. There were interesting educational correlations that could be associated with those court decisions.
One correlation involved the formation of Special Education Services (SPED)during the desegration of schools. Large numbers of minority students were referred to the program, due to a lack of educational foundation in their previous schools. The desegregation of schools was a direct result of the 1954 decision regarding Brown vs. Board of Education.
Another association was noticed between the halt of minority students' progress in the 1990's with court cases, such as the 1995 Supreme Court decision in Missouri vs. Jenkins. In that case, the courts returned the desegregation plans to the schools or local control. The "Ripple Effect" was certainly apparent as one compared court decisions to the impacts they had on the education of the nations' children.
One correlation involved the formation of Special Education Services (SPED)during the desegration of schools. Large numbers of minority students were referred to the program, due to a lack of educational foundation in their previous schools. The desegregation of schools was a direct result of the 1954 decision regarding Brown vs. Board of Education.
Another association was noticed between the halt of minority students' progress in the 1990's with court cases, such as the 1995 Supreme Court decision in Missouri vs. Jenkins. In that case, the courts returned the desegregation plans to the schools or local control. The "Ripple Effect" was certainly apparent as one compared court decisions to the impacts they had on the education of the nations' children.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
BLOG #3 Novel
In choosing a novel that correlates with topics discussed in this course, I found myself drawn to the lives of two extraordinary women. The lives of Queen Esther and Tzu Hsi, the last ruling Empress of China, were truly examples of both diversity and adversity. While Imperial Woman and Esther represented vastly different lands and time periods, their biographies included aspects of diversity in society.
Although each woman's life varied, there were aspects of their lives that seemed to parallel. Both represented the female race in a world where women's rights and position in society differed from culture to culture. Historically, women have represented the inferior gender.
In addition to their inferiority of gender, both rose from lower classes or ethnic groups in their respective societies of ancient Persia and China. Born in the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty, at 17 years of age, Tzu Hsi was sent to the Forbidden City to become one of the Emporer's hundreds of concubines. Enslaved and brought to the land of Persia, Esther was not only Jewish, but an orphan as well. While Imperial Woman is considered historical fiction, the stories of this Persian queen and Chinese Empress displayed various attributes of our diverse world.
Although each woman's life varied, there were aspects of their lives that seemed to parallel. Both represented the female race in a world where women's rights and position in society differed from culture to culture. Historically, women have represented the inferior gender.
In addition to their inferiority of gender, both rose from lower classes or ethnic groups in their respective societies of ancient Persia and China. Born in the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty, at 17 years of age, Tzu Hsi was sent to the Forbidden City to become one of the Emporer's hundreds of concubines. Enslaved and brought to the land of Persia, Esther was not only Jewish, but an orphan as well. While Imperial Woman is considered historical fiction, the stories of this Persian queen and Chinese Empress displayed various attributes of our diverse world.
BLOG #2 Multicultural Education
Multicultural Education in the 21st century is a greatly debated topic. As the United States' population grows and changes, the education of our nation's children is of the upmost priority. While our democratic society seeks equality for all of its citizens, those ideals must permeate into our classrooms.
School district staff have the challenge of meeting the needs of all of their students. As more and more cultures are being represented in the classroom, it is vital that teachers have a strong understanding of concepts in multi-cultural education. Some of those concepts would include culture, cultural identity, pluralism, equality, and social justice.
While the English language is a mixture of many languages which represent many cultures, the dominant culture in America, the white, Anglo-Saxon, and Protestant (WASP), continues to have immense influence on formal institutions, such as the government. Although many minorities assimilate with the dominate culture, others remain bicultural. Unfortunately, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping continue to exist in our world today, causing people to fear, hate, and distrust certain groups or cultures.
School district staff have the challenge of meeting the needs of all of their students. As more and more cultures are being represented in the classroom, it is vital that teachers have a strong understanding of concepts in multi-cultural education. Some of those concepts would include culture, cultural identity, pluralism, equality, and social justice.
While the English language is a mixture of many languages which represent many cultures, the dominant culture in America, the white, Anglo-Saxon, and Protestant (WASP), continues to have immense influence on formal institutions, such as the government. Although many minorities assimilate with the dominate culture, others remain bicultural. Unfortunately, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping continue to exist in our world today, causing people to fear, hate, and distrust certain groups or cultures.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
BLOG #1 About Me
Hi! My name is Laura Benson. I am a reading teacher for grades 2-12. Students with characteristics of dyslexia may find themselves in my reading groups. I have not always been an Academic Language Therapist...Over the past sixteen years, my classroom experience has involved students in Pre-Kindergarten, 1st grade, ESL, and an elementary school learning lab.
One year, a secondary student enrolled into our school from Latvia. She was one of many interesting students whom I was privileged to teach. Other students from Palestine, Vietnam, Africa, and South America enriched my life, as we shared and learned from each other. This summer, I was thrilled to be involved with a mission trip to Latvia. While I was unable to locate my previous student who had returned to her home country, I was blessed to meet many new friends, as we worked alongside Latvians with orphans in a Bible School.
I have had many goals and ideals through the years, but realize that attitude and effort go a long way for all of us. I believe that every student has the ability to learn. As it is a personal goal to be a lifelong learner, it is my hope to instill that in my students. It is also my hope to glean more information from this coarse on the subject of multicultural learning, so that I can better connect with and support the students whom I serve.
One year, a secondary student enrolled into our school from Latvia. She was one of many interesting students whom I was privileged to teach. Other students from Palestine, Vietnam, Africa, and South America enriched my life, as we shared and learned from each other. This summer, I was thrilled to be involved with a mission trip to Latvia. While I was unable to locate my previous student who had returned to her home country, I was blessed to meet many new friends, as we worked alongside Latvians with orphans in a Bible School.
I have had many goals and ideals through the years, but realize that attitude and effort go a long way for all of us. I believe that every student has the ability to learn. As it is a personal goal to be a lifelong learner, it is my hope to instill that in my students. It is also my hope to glean more information from this coarse on the subject of multicultural learning, so that I can better connect with and support the students whom I serve.
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