Quotes

Education is Politics

Author: Ira Shor

1. The heart of the problem is that teachers are taught to lecture and give orders. These old habits have been overcome by many creative and democratic teachers now practicing in the classroom, but the change is not easy. 

• I chose this quote because it reminds me of when I was in middle or high school and all my teachers did was lecture me. I would sit in a class and listen to teachers go over assignments or talk about our next topic in class and never give students a chance to discuss what they learned. However in my PE classes here at RIC it is different because I have 90 minutes classes and I would say about 45 minutes of the class is lecture, and the rest of the time is group discussions or activities throughout the class. I feel like these teaching techniques are better because students will enjoy the class more. 

1. In sum, the subject matter, the learning process, the classroom discourse, the cafeteria menu, the governance structure, and the environment of school teach students what kind of people to be and what kind of society to build as they learn math, history, biology, literature, nursing, or accounting. 

• I chose this quote because I felt like this quote is explaining how everything just comes back to politics, basically the importance if politics. Also how the environment that the students are in chooses their path of education. I felt lie this somewhat related to when i was growing up and when I was in high school. The things I did in school made me the person I am today and also pushed me to go to college. Also playing basketball for high school I was able to learn how to be a leader and stay focused. 

Check out this Website about Lecture VS Teaching. 

Talking Point: Why are teachers taught to just lecture students and give orders, rather than teach? 

Reflection

Citizenship in School: Re conceptualizing Down Syndrome

Author: Christopher Kliewer

       When reading this article I automatically thought of Finn. I felt like this article connected to his story because in Finn's story he explained how children were put into classes because of their ability to succeed. Mia's story made me think of the connection on how it is not fair to place students into special classes because of a learning disability or even a physical disability. I felt like it was unfair to Mia when she was unable to get into the classes she wanted to because she had down syndrome. I felt like if she wanted to be in a regular class then she could be able to be put in it. I feel like they are pushing her away front he education she wants. They are treating her different just because she has down syndrome. However, I was glad that Mia took a stand by going back to school and taking "regular" classes. 

       After reading I felt like the education systems feel as though they can put students in special classes because of their ability and its not fair to the students. This is the same as advanced placement classes, or special education classes. It makes students feel like they are different from other students but in a negative way, because of how they are treated by getting put into a different class. When I was in middle school I remember knowing people that were in "special education" because they had behavioral problems. This is one example that should be is completely unacceptable within the schools. Just because a student had a behavior problem doesn't mean they have a learning disability.

       Overall after reading, my conclusion to this reading was that its not fair to exit students from education because they have down syndrome. In actuality people that have down syndrome are very smart they are more alike than different. They speak, write, and talk just like us so I feel like they should not be in separated classes. 

EVERYONE SHOULD LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW. ITS ONLY 2 MINUTES. CHECK IT OUT!

Thinking Point: What do you think about the Video Below?

Promising Practices

Session: 1.11 & Session: 2.3

Presenters: Kristen Vito-Silva; Tiffany Giusti {1.11}

Carol Cummings; Kathleen Johnson; Kristen Pepin {2.3}

Opening:Youth Development -- Promoting equality through child and youth agency 

Key Note Speaker: Dana Fusco

   
       Dana Fusco was the opening keynote speaker within the promising practice conference. Fusco was a inspiring speakers. She explained about what is most important, our youth. She had four reasons defining youth development; maturation, learning, experience, and active participation. Even though Fusco did talk about youth development within the school systems, I felt like Fusco focused more on youth development outside the school systems, "when school is not enough" such as after school program. Dana Fusco believes that child and youth development can provide healthy ecology for thriving. This also comes with eight characteristics that she explained.

1. Physical and Psychological safety
2. Appropriate structure
3. Support for efficacy and mattering opportunities for skill building
4. Supportive relationships
5. Opportunities to belong
6. Positive social norms
7. Integration of family
8. School and community efforts

Dana Fusco explained how when school is not enough this is when after school activities come into play. Such as the Boys & Girls club and how the staff there build relationships with their students, which also involves hands-on activities, along with celebrations for accomplishments.

Youth Development: Things that matter to me personally

Youth Agency  

Youth Equality: Things that matter to me in the world 

Session 1: Teaching Social Studies Through Zumba

Presenters: Kristen Vito-Silva & Tiffany Giusti

This workshop I attended was all about movement and teaching students at the same time. When I signed up for it I automatically thought that this was going to be a very interesting topic that was going to be discussed. I was especially interested because this workshop dealt with movement, which interested me even more because my major is health and physical education which is all about movement. When I walked into the class room, I felt like I was going to see all the kids participating in Zumba, and I did. Even though the students where not physically present at the workshop there were however lots of photos of the students participating in the Zumba instructions. Each of the photos had about two to three students in them, giving step by step instructions on their Zumba moves.

            Tiffany Giusti who is a Zumba instructor and also Mrs. Vito-Silva’s student teacher introduced Zumba to the class and also Mrs. Vito-Silva. They both worked with each other to come up with steps and ideas on how this would actually work and benefit the students. Together they came up with “Teaching Zumba through Social Studies.” The students learned continents, habitats, and animals through Zumba steps. Mrs. Vito-Silva explained how teaching Zumba would keep the students focused because they are in movement while leaning. The students work improved, students stayed interested, and also have fun while leaning.

            During this workshop all I was thinking about was, “why couldn't I learn the way these kids are learning today?” I thought this idea was very different and unique teaching technique. It keeps the students focused along with staying active even when they are not in a physical education class or recess.

Session 2: Kinesthetic Connection for Middle School Aged Students

Presenters: Carol Cummings; Kathleen Johnson; Kristen Pepin

The second workshop I attended was with professors who I have class with in the health and physical education department here at RIC. This workshop was about keeping students active throughout the class. This workshop also was about the human brain and how it works with our body movements. I really enjoyed this workshop the best. I think this workshop was my favorite part of the day, because I was moving and being involved. As soon as I walked in the workshop there was music playing and professors moving and active to the music. We started off with an “energizer” which was a high-five game to help us remember names and also build relationships with the people within the workshop.

            Throughout the whole workshop we kept getting up and moving. We moved and played games more than we sat and listened to a lecture. This was the part that kept me focused on the whole workshop. I kind of knew we were going to do these little energizers in between the presentation because in my PED classes we always are moving during class.

            The presenters were trying to get the point across that movement within the classroom helps students more than just sitting and listening. Students work and grades would improve if students moved while working, it basically wakes them up. This workshop also taught me how group activities within the classroom that deal with movements helps build relationships within the classroom because students feel comfortable around each other. Also these small activates show how it is “okay” to make mistakes and not get laughed at or feel “stupid.”

            Towards the end of the presentation there was little index cards called “fit deck” these cards had exercises on them where you could do on your own when you do not have access to a gym. We also went around the room in small groups and completed the exercise that was on the index card. This workshop gave me good ideas for my future and also I got to have fun while learning.

A.L.L.I.E.D

Presenters: ALLIED Group

            The ALLIED group was a very powerful presentation, I felt like it spoke for students, from students. I felt like this presentation spoke out to the teachers in the room and gave them new ways to think when they are approaching one of the examples the students were explaining. This group helps students have a voice and it is a place to go when you just want to talk about your week. I like this presentation also because I felt like there was more meaning to what they were staying because it was coming from the students in the group. 

Overall I enjoyed this conference. I learned from it and also I was able to take idea's from the presentations and use them for myself and future. This conference was a good resource for students  teachers and soon to be teachers. I am glad I was able to learn new information about movement and how it affects students, especially because I am going into the health and physical education field.

Check out this link about movements for students K-12
Thinking Point: Would you try these movement activities in your classroom?

Quotes

Literacy With Attitude

Author: Patrick Finn

1. "One fifth grade teacher said the students needed the basic simple skills, when asked "why?" she responded, "they're lazy, I hate to categorize them but they're lazy."

• This quote stood out to me because growing up in the city and going to public schools I always came across a couple teachers that thought it was "okay" to call me lazy, but in a joking manner, however it was not funny. I felt like at times it put me down especially when I was younger, because at times I really did not know the basics and I needed them to be taught to me in order to understand. Sometimes I had the teachers that would actually teach "the basics" to me and then I had the teachers that would believe that I was being lazy and did not want to learn. The teachers that called me "lazy", in my opinion they were the lazy ones because they did not want to take time out to teach me what I did not understand. 

    2.  "Just do your best. If they learn to add and subtract, that's a bonus. If not don't worry about it."

• This quote caught my attention because it was a shocking moment, a moment where I had to sit and say "WOW, do teachers really think like that?" Its was even more terrible because it was the principal who thought it was fine to say this to a teacher. The head of the school saying this is just ignorant. This quote somewhat upset me because teachers get a degree to teach students and possibly teach them to a point that it could help them in the real world. I know that I would never hear this coming from my old high school principal because she was a principal who worried more about her students than herself. More staff within school communities should be a positive role model like my old principal instead of bringing students down. 

    3.  "I had work assignments on the board when the students entered the classroom, and so there

         wasn't a moment when they didn't have anything to do."

• This quote stood out to me as well because I thought of when i was in high school and my teachers would put up "Do-Nows" on the board, which was an assignment that we had to do within the first 10 minutes of class. Looking back at this now, I feel like this was a good idea especially to get the class start  Instead of having students sitting and waiting for the teacher to be ready and take attendance  the students could be occupied with the "Do-Now" which would start the class discussion

I chose these three quotes to write my blog about because I felt like they all had a meaning and also related to my past experiences in school. One if the quotes I chose was a somewhat negative one, I especially chose that one because we are soon to be teachers and this would be one clear example of how we should NOT think when teaching our students  We shouldn't think of them as "lazy" or not try to teach the students with our best capability of teaching. We should be the teachers that care, and give it our all.

Talking Points: Did this story relate to anyone's experiences in school?

   

miscellaneous post

OBAMA RE-ELECTED

Author: Supporters/voters

OBAMA RE-ELECTED for PRESIDENT

       AT 7:00 my TV was turned to channel 10 for the 2012 Presidential election. So many emotions running through my mind at the time. All I wanted was to end the night knowing that Barack Obama was going to be my president for another four years. I had about five different sources available so I would know the correct electrical votes every minute and every time a state sent in their votes. At times I honestly thought Obama was not going to make it simply because he was down a lot of the time. However in a blink of the eye, Obama was in the lead and before i knew it I seen "OBAMA Re-Elected" His Victory speech was inspiring because I finial believe this country will have a chance to get back on track. The main though running through my head was knowing that if Romney won I most likely would of never returned to RIC next year. However I will be back, and will be graduating Obama is giving me that chance to succeed. I must have danced and yelled in joy for about 30 minutes because of how happy I was to see Obama Re-Elected. 

If you did not get a chance to see Obama's speech I uploaded the video below; check it out. 

Connections

Between Barack and a Hard Place

Author: Tim Wise

Separate and Unequal 

Author: Bob Herbert

       In 1954 the Supreme court declared a state laws establishing separate schools for black and white students was unconstitutional. Most of society believes that racism has ended however Tim Wise believes that it has not, and it is still around. Also Bob Herbert believes that educational institutions it is unequal to have all whites or all blacks in one school. Also how it is unequal to the faculty and students. However this problem did eventually come to an end because of the communities, lawyers, parents, and students coming together and having their voice heard. 

       After reading and listening to both of these issues I automatically saw the connection between Johnson and Wise. Johnson believes that the white man is unaware of their power and I feel like Wise also agrees with Johnson. Wise also feels like the white man should acknowledge his power and how he has the upper hand in society and most of all the situations they are involved in. Wise also explained and used President Obama as an example on how he had to show and prove himself more than the average white man would have to. "The luxury of obviousness."

       Also I found a connection between Kozol and Wise as well. Barack and a Hard Place connects exactly to the metaphor "a band-aid on a broken leg." In Kozol's story people were sent out to hand out condoms and clean needles so disease wouldn't spread more than what it was. However that was not fixing the issue they were still promoting sex and drugs. I felt like this related to Wise because Obama being elected president would bring an type of racism that deals with being intelligent and African Americans having to prove themselves to be just as smart as Obama. Wise wants to show that a regular person can also excel and also have the same opportunities and succeed in the same ways like Obama did. 

       The relationship between both of these issues is clearly racism. Wise feels like racism is still and issue even though we have an African American President. Herbert believes that it is unequal to have separated school systems because the issue with that is that it depicts racism. So overall I believe the big picture is racism.

Thinking Point: Is racism still and issue even though we have an African American President elected for TWO terms?  

Obama vs. Romney

Seniors & Social Security

Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

“Obama: "To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.”

“Romney: “We are going to slowly and gradually raise the retirement age for Social Security from the current 66 for full benefits. And we'll slow the growth rate in benefits for higher-income retirees. Tomorrow's seniors should have the freedom to choose between Medicare and a range of private plans [think the Ryan Plan]. And if these future seniors want a more expensive plan, then they will have to pay the additional cost.”

The quotes above; one from President Obama and one from Governor Romeny. As you can see I crossed Governor Romeny's quote out because I do not agree with it. I feel like his plan is unfair. Governor Romeny wants seniors who have worked all there lives to keep working past the age of 66. He feels as though the current retirement age is low and it should be raised "slowly and gradually". My question is WHY ? 66 is not old enough to finally relax after working all them years? Governor Romeny believes that these TWO simple steps will strengthen the current social security system.

• First, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that the retirement age should be slowly increased to account for increases in longevity.
• Second, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that benefits should continue to grow but that the growth rate should be lower for those with higher incomes.

President Obama believes that all seniors should be able to retire with dignity, not just a privileged few. The President is committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security. In addition to protecting and strengthening Social Security, President Obama will make it easier for Americans to save on their own for retirement. This should dramatically increase savings participation rates. I feel as though Obama has a better path for our seniors, he is not trying to change the age or growth rates for retires. 

Quotes

"In the service of what? the politics of service learning?" 

Author: -Kahne & Westheimer 

1.“Boyer endeavored to create ‘a new Carnegie unit,’ the requirement that all students take part in volunteer activities in either their school or community as a condition for graduation from high school” 

I feel as though this should be a part in graduating high school, you learn a lot from being a part of a service learning project. The misperceptions of going into a situation, judging the people before you meet them just because of where they come from wouldn't happen if you have an experience in a helping environment  Doing service learning puts you in situations that your helping people that are less fortunate than you, or need your help. 

2.Educators and legislators alike maintain that service learning can improve the community and invigorate the classroom, providing rich educational experiences for students at all levels of schooling. Service learning makes students active participants in service learning projects that aim to respond to the needs of the community while furthering the academic goals of the students” 

I chose this quote because I feel the same about the service learning experience. Service learning does provide an educational experience for everyone, the volunteer and whoever your working with. My experience through service learning has been good, and I would recommend anyone to do it. As a volunteer I help someone while furthering my academic skills to become a well rounded teacher. 

3."After they returned, the students' perspectives on these elementary school children had changed. They were 'surprised at the children's responsiveness and their attentiveness,' they found the children to be 'extremely polite and surprisingly friendly,' and they discovered that they 'listened well and had excellent behavior."

I chose this quote because this is a perfect example of people judging inner city middle class people without knowing the real situation. These students came out with a different view on the kids they wrongly misjudged. I mean I'm they changed their minds about what the kids are like, but they should go with an open mind, because they've never been in that situation before so the judgement shouldn't be there.

Talking point: Has your service learning made you think about this ?

Argument

Cinderella Ate My Daughter

Author: Peggy Orenstien

       Peggy Orenstein argues that the current "princess phase" is anything but natural, hyper-feminine and highly commercial form. Orenstein takes us on a journey of the princess industrial complex. In the text the author described a toy fair, and explained how all the merchandise for the young girls came in only one color, pink. Orenstein asks the sales rep, "Is all this pink really necessary?" "Only if you want to make money" he replied. The toy fair was one of the many journeys Orenstein take us on in her determination to break the princess products threatening to overwhelm her young daughter.

       At times during this chapter Orenstein confused me because she also argues with herself, questions her own assumptions, and as well has second thoughts. At times her uncertainty began to puzzle me.  Orenstein finds a psychology research showing that until as late as age 7, children are convinced that clothing, hairstyle, and choice of toys determine one’s sex. “It makes sense, then, that to ensure you will stay the sex you were born you’d adhere rigidly to the rules as you see them and hope for the best,” Orenstein. The author explains girls do not need to prove they are girls, and the princesses make them have to do this. 

       When Orenstein talks about the "princess phase" she brings up 'Bratz" dolls. The author explains how people view the "Bratz" dolls. They do not view them as " Princess-y, or Barbie-ish," this dolls are more about fashion, and girls with attitude. A way a princess should not act. “With their sultry expressions, thickly shadowed eyes and collagen-puffed moues, Bratz were tailor-made for the girl itching to distance herself from all things rose petal pink, Princess-y, or Barbie-ish."

       At the end of this if I could sum this whole story up I would say that Orenstein basically debated this issue with herself for parents to read. Simply showing how parents may think this is a "princess phase" and children grow out of it. However parents thoughts about whats best for their children will not change.

THINKING POINT: Who to blame? The Parents, The industry or both?

I also found this article about Princess movies teaching Bad Lessons, Check it out if you'd like.

Extended Comments

Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us

Author: Linda Christensen 

            This article was very exciting to read. As soon as the author started talking about cartoons, I automatically thought about my childhood cartoons. When I was younger I enjoyed watching shows such as Hey Arnold, Cat Dog, The Proud Family, Recess, Rugrats, Rocko's Modern Life, and RocketPower. The author explains how children cartoons as well as Disney movies that have hidden messages within the scenes. These unnoticed cartoon messages go way further than the uplifting characters in the movies we have all enjoy to watch.

          I chose Shannon Deblois blog the be the center of my writing post. I used her bold because I agree with her thoughts and points plus they also compare to mine as well. Shannon said "Young girls that watch Cinderella or Snow White believe at a young age that they need to be thin and pretty, marry their prince charming and be happily ever after." I completely agreed with his point because all the young ladies look up to these movies that portray things that just may not be realistic when the time comes. Who is to say that every women will get married to their "prince charming". However young girls believe this because of how the media portrays these views. 

          "We live in a world that is bombarded by messages telling is how to look and act. " This was another point that I came across while reading Shannon's blog. This is also a true point because everywhere we turn someone tries to influence us on how to dress, talk, walk, and live our life. This was the article on Shannon's post that explains about how their are subliminal messages within Disney Movies. 

Thinking Point: Is it alright for Disney movie directors and Cartoon directors to create shows the way they do?

Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network

Crafting Standards-Based LGBT-Inclusive Lessons (HyperLinks)

Author: GLSEN

       Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network is a great resource for ALL students, I emphasized on the all so much because this website includes not only straight students but also gay and lesbian as well. I respect this website a lot because unlike other educational websites GLSEN does not hide the fact that there are more than just straight students within the school systems. Lesbian and Gay are highly valued throughout this website. GLSEN helps educate not only students but as well as teachers and also the public. This website clearly disregards sexual orientation, and seeks new ways to inform everyone how to value EVERYONE's gender identity. I feel like this is a very welcoming website for all ages. 

       The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network have great articles to read about current events within communities. One article I found interesting was about how a schools in California are required to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender in their lessons. I felt as though this was a good decision to make when the curriculum was revised. This is an improvement, better yet a development for students, teachers, faculties, and staff in the schools. Including LGBT in the curriculum gives these students value and respect, as well as a chance to be acknowledged in a positive way rather than negative. 

      GLSEN has lots of resources, news, "tools & tips" to help educate. Also ways to take action, and stop bullying.  This website is popular world wide with thousands of people joined on their website. GLSEN website also includes a blog for people to get their voice heard, not only about LGBT but also racism, bullying, and education mostly anything that deals with school. This is by far a wonderful website to explore. 

Talking Point: LGBT should be included in all school districts curriculum. 

Quotes

Aria

Author: Richard Rodriguez

" The teacher quizzed: 'Boys and girls, why do we use that word in this sentence? Could we think of a better word to use there? Would the sentence change its meaning if the words were different. And wasn't there a better way of saying much the same thing.' " (34-35)

      This quote reminds how teachers speak to children differently within the classroom which makes me think of Deplit. Deplit explains how a black teacher would question a student compared to how a white teacher would. Once you have read Deplit and then read this quote, it would make one believe that these questions would most likely come out of a white teachers mouth instead of a black teacher. Simply because most of the time black teachers are more broad with their questions, rather than asking a question to let the students know they are doing the wrong thing. This might confuses the student or changes their perspective on the question because they are not familiar with the way they question was asked; it may not be like this at home.

" (often the parent wouldn't understand.) The child would need to repeat himself. (still the parent misunderstood.) The young voice, frustrated, would end up saying, "Never mind"-- the subject was closed." (37)

       I chose this quote because I felt it connected to me on more of a personal level. I actually thought this was funny because I have the tendency to do exactly what this quote is saying to my parents. The scenario goes step by step with the quote. At the time this happens with my parents and I it is very frustrating to sit and repeat the exact same thing I said two seconds ago and I still was not understood. However now that I am reading it, I feel like you lose a sense of connection with your parents because the communication is not there and the child like myself has no patience. Which then just leaves the conversation closed just because of a impatient "Never mind".


" So they do  not realize that  while  one suffers a  diminished sense  of private individuality  by becoming assimilated into public society, such assimilation makes possible the achievement of public individuality." (39)
       This was the last sentence of the whole story and i felt like it had a big meaning behind it. I think the author was trying to explain how even though they nuns came and took his culture/language right from under him he still gained a achievement of learning the dominate language in the school systems, so even though he suffered he still gained at the end.



Talking Point: Should one's culture be pulled from their own home environment ?
This is a Article I found online that I believe relates with this story

Reflection-

White Privileged: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack 

Author: Peggy McIntosh 

       In this article McIntosh explains that there is actually a "white privilege" and we as a society have to acknowledge this, as well as learn how to change it. I can not say I agree with this or disagree with this point, simply because we all know that there is white power, most of us acknowledge it, however this is something that can not be changed over night. It may be something that can not be changed at all. This is my opinion because we as a society can not change how people are brought into this world. If you are born into this world with a "sliver spoon in your mouth" then you are going to be brought up that way.
       However I do disagree with McIntosh when she states, "I think white are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege as males are taught not to recognize male privilege"(pg. 1). Its not that they are "taught" to be white privileged or a male but its the way they are, its there way of life. Men have no power of picking whether or not they are a man. Also you can not be "taught" on how to be privileged, because if that was the case everyone would be privileged, it just happens. The ideal "privileged family" usually has a background of already being apart of the high-class, or there parents graduating from college becoming a doctor or lawyer. Kids are usually not "taught" to become a doctor it just happens because of what they were influenced by. They want what there parents want. Furthermore you can not blame someone for not recognizing that they are privileged when it’s apart of there everyday life.
       As I kept reading this article I felt like I just kept disagreeing more and more with McIntosh. On page 4 McIntosh quotes, "one's life is not what one makes it; many doors open for certain people through no virtues of their own." In my opinion life is what you make it. Everyone has the opportunity to create a bright future for themselves, privileged or not. I personally did not come from “privileged family” both of my parents never graduated from college, my father never finish high school and just got his GED. Sometimes my parents lived from pay check to pay check. I may have moved multiple times in my life when I was younger because my parents were not able to pay rent. However did not set myself back because of my parent’s issues. I made it to college and I have the goal to graduate college. I chose to go in the right direction; I made my life what it is today. All my doors where closed but I opened them for a better life. So I think life is what you make it, regardless of the situation.
       I think people that are not white do go through issues but you can not blame the privileged white. However we can create some type of motion to help the white privilege acknowledge them as well as the type of power they have and help them help others. We can not just say they do not recognize it when being privileged is apart of there everyday life.
Talking Point: Why should we blame whites for something that is part of their everyday life?

About Me

Heyy  I'm 19 years old and this is my second year at RIC. 

 My favorite superhero, no doubt about it would be Spider-Man. 

I spent the majority of my summer working in a summer camp with kids. 

I'm taking this course because I intend to pursue a career in Health & Physical Education.

Also, because its a requirement but most importantly because I would like to know more of what my teaching career will consist of, and what I will come across over time.

When I'm not in class I spend most of my time playing Ps3.

♫♪