Although
this video was a little hard to watch, I did make some connections. It really brought
to life and reiterated all the readings we have read so far in class. I really
loved the Kozol quote that was in there too: “If money is good for rich people,
imagine how much better it would be for poor people”. This makes me think of
Kozol’s piece and the incredible injustices that were described. One of the
parts that stood out to me the most was when they talked about teachers being
graded on student performance. I do not agree with this plan. I think that it
really puts the kids with learning and behavioral issues at an even greater
disadvantage, as if it wasn’t already bad enough. Why would a teacher opt to
take them now, if those students are going to bring their scores down and
ultimately, reflect on the teacher poorly? Even if a teacher had been
previously willing and able to teach these kinds before, it would no longer
look good for them, which is an unfortunately unappealing fact. Even though we
know nothing could be more inaccurate. I also would like to reflect on the
achievement gap, segregation, and school conditions. I think that this is just
sooo REAL. I mean let’s be honest, it couldn’t be any more in your face than it
is. There is no hiding the injustices between schools in different economic
situations, and it relates directly to “the rich get richer, poor get
poorer”. I am so taken aback by the
whole situation, and am confused as to why there is ongoing marches, pushes,
and talking out against, yet still nothing is done. How does such a huge
problem seem to be so invisible even when it is always right in your face?
I
thought that the message that this piece had was very clear: being bilingual
does not mean lesser ability. I very much agree that there is no clear or right
way on how to teach and assess ELL students and the overall representation of
them in special education is awful. Esme was extremely capable, it was nothing
more than a language barrier giving her trouble. However what really needs to
be understood is that a language barrier and an learning disability are two
very different things. I was saddened by the lack of support for Esme , and
lack of pushing her to do do better, and to realize her true potential. I feel
as though the school held her back. I can understand Esme’s reasoning for
wanting the easy classes… being able to do so well without struggle. Going from
needing help to giving help is a very rewarding experience. However, I feel
that student should be encouraged to want more for themselves, not to settle
for less. It was really interesting watching Esme’s aggravation with her
Mexican heritage as she tried to fit in more, to turn that heritage into more
of a respected part of her. I could really see how trying to find that even
ground could be very difficult. Here in America we Americanize everything. I
was sad in the end that Esme wasn’t able to stay and graduate, as I found
myself connecting with her in the end. I really believed she was going to
graduate and do great things. Although she still may, I can imagine the
transition back to Mexico was difficult, especially after she built so many
great relationships here, and blended another culture with her own. This was a
great article on the inequalities in education, and on our lack of cultural
acceptance in this country.
