Educating the Children of Katrina

When thinking about the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one may not realize the massive affect on education this devastation placed. Many schools were closed and destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of students were displaced in the New Orleans and Mississippi area.

Displaced students were integrated into schools of neighboring states. Teachers also had to find new jobs because of school closures. Millions of dollars in aid were approve by congress and given to the schools which took in displaced children from hurricane Katrina.

Adjusting to a new school can be difficult for students. Displaced students had to adjust to new schools systems, classrooms, teachers, peers and curriculum. The pressure and stress that this devastation placed on students was tremendous. Aid given to these schools helped foster adequate support and education for these students.

Being able to relate and teach these students was very important; therefore picking a school that fit their child’s needs was an important task for parents and guardians.

Parents play a vital role in achievement of their children. Parents should understand their child’s ability and needs, making sure that the school the child attends fits those needs. Teachers need to assess students in their classrooms as well, understand the diversity of the classroom and the different styles of teaching.  Students come from various backgrounds and relate differently to educational situations and learning.

The results of Hurricane did not affect my educational or teaching experience personally, however I believe we can learn from the decisions made regarding education after Hurricane Katrina. It is important to evaluate schools often. When we see failure, assess the problems and make changes within the education program to better the education system. The education system of New Orleans overall was underperforming before Hurricane Katrina.  This devastation allowed opportunities for changes to be made.

Hurricane Katrina has brought changes to the education system in New Orleans. Schools have made turn-arounds and had the opportunity to start over, setting new expectations and goals. The storm was used as an opportunity to build a strong and more effective school system.

When students are underperforming changes have to be made. A change in leadership is sometimes the answer for school achievement. I have personally witnessed this in the school in which I work. The education of children in schools is a team effort. It is the responsibility of school personal, parents, students and the community.

Reference:

Goodman, John C. (October 13, 2005). Educating the Children of Katrina. In National Center for Policy Analysis. Retrieved November 9, 2011, from www.ncpa.org

Immigration and Multiculturalism in Curriculum

America is land of the free and home of the brave. Immigrants come to America because they want to have equal rights and live in a prosperous nation.

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Blacks had to fight for rights and stand up for equality. As the diversity in America increases, other immigrant groups have found it necessary to fight for rights, equality and citizenship here. A “new civil rights movement” may be needed to get voices heard and new laws made.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen, an immigrant gains freedom, liberty, independence and opportunities to benefit economically. However, in my opinion this needs to be done legally. The government must provide immigrants with ethical and logical steps which will lead them to the ‘path of citizenship’ here in the United States. If undocumented immigrants are unable to complete these steps in a sufficient amount of time, they must be prosecuted and sent back to their country.

Diversity is reflected in our school populations and multiculturalism in education is a necessity. It must be taught in our school systems because our public education classrooms are filled with students from various cultures and backgrounds. We must teach children to be proud to be American, but also realize the importance of heritage. Without a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and heritages, prosperity and efficiency will be difficult to achieve. Adam Waxler made excellent points in “Multiculturalism in School Curriculum.”

“The traditional curriculum can be taught in way that is truly a multicultural education, that addresses various perspectives and allows students to draw their own conclusions.” (Waxler)

I agree with this statement, believing that if teachers if news to integrate multiculturalism into traditional curriculum it will be more accepted.

According to E.D. Hirsch, Jr. there are two kinds of multiculturalism. I believe it is important to think of multiculturalism as a broad term, realizing that it can be taught in many ways and does not have one single definition.

Working in the educational setting, I come in contact with students of many different ethical backgrounds. In the past, it has been difficult communicating with parents and students because of language barriers. Programs like English as a Second Language (ESL) help diminish this barrier. This program focuses on the teaching of English, assisting students in inquiring effective communication and academia in America.

Though we still have a long way to progress, America has made changes that promote diversity. Steps are being made in the educational system and society toward equality and impartially. With built knowledge and support, we will all benefit and our country will flourish.

References:

Hirsch, E.D., Jr. (1992). Toward a Centrist Curriculum: Two Kinds of Multiculturalism in Elementary School. Retrieved from the Core Knowledge Foundations. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133313

Kyriakou, Niko.  (2006).  Organizers see 'new civil rights movement' in immigration protests.  OneWorld.net

Waxler, A. (n.d.). Multiculturalism in School Curriculum. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133312

Multiculturalism!

Why Multiculturalism is wrong? It is not, people form incorrect interpretations of it. Multiculturalism is important because it helps individuals that are not of European descent understand their heritage and background. “You have to know where you came from in order to know where you are going.” Studying the cultures of others will also help in understanding them.

Accepting multiculturalism is an important and great way to avoid discrimination, prejudices and racism. Americans have to be especially accepting to diversity because America is one of the most multicultural nations in the world. In the past, America has been disunited by race, however studying our history will help us learn from the mistakes of the past.

My secondary educational experience was diverse. Though most of the students in my classes were Caucasian, there were students of other ethnicities present also. The “traditional history” of America was taught every day. Multiculturalism was taught in some aspects, however this was only on certain occasions. The traditional history, which is that of white America- told from the European point-of-view, was the main focus in textbooks and daily study. Focus would be set on African culture during the month of February, Hispanic Heritage during the months of September and October and the Native American culture would be studied during the Thanksgiving season.  

I agree with the statement “it is impossible to write a single American history that satisfies, white, black, Indian, Hispanic, and Asian” (Taylor, 1992). It is impossible to satisfy everyone with a single American history because there are different interpretations of this history. The “truth” for one culture may be different from that of another because there are different emotions and points-of-view that have created the experience. This is another reason why the study of Multiculturalism is important.

The “history about white people for white people” is no longer accepted because of the diversity of America. As the years past, cultures of Africans, Mexicans, Indians etc. will be more accepted because America’s classrooms will consist of more ethnic students than white students. This is already evident in the classrooms today.

“At the same time, virtually every non-white group sees the conflicts of the past as struggles with whites, so multicultural history becomes a collection of perspectives that are often not merely non-white but anti-white” (Taylor, 1992).

 “Multicultural” history is representation of American history today because of the multiculturalism of America. This is difficult and maybe unpleasant to teach or talk about because of the differences in view points; however it is important. Both sides to every story need to be heard.

“History has a point of view; it cannot be all things to all people.” (Taylor, 1992)

After reading “Pitthissippi Burning” I realize that as a county, we have come far, still have a long way to go, however we will never get there. “There” as in a place where all Americans are viewed as EQUAL by EVERYONE. I believe that individuals in America are advantaged, spoiled and will find anything to complain about, whether the reasoning behind the complaint is valid or not. Racism and discrimination are still issues today and will exist, we have to be able to ignore or comfort these situations properly. People are ignorant and scared of views that differ from their own and predict negative outcomes for situations that oppose their beliefs.

References:

Taylor, Samuel Jared. The challenge of ‘multiculturalism’ in how Americans view the past and the future., The Journal of Historical Review, Summer, 1992; vol. 12 no. 2: p. 159.

Tobia, P. (2009, Februray 23). Pithissippi burning: race, white nationalism and american culture Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133308

Religion in Schools

Religion in Schools has been a debate in America for years. As a Christian, I find it distressing that there is separation between church and state in this country. God is the creator of all things; it is impossible to take him out of any equation.

I find it disheartening that in 2009, federal judge Robert Gentleman of Illinois ruled against the “moment of silence” state law. Every morning when I rise from bed, I reflect and thank God for waking me up. Once I am in the car, headed to work, I pray once again for traveling grace and speak to God about the day that is at hand. These moments alone with God are important to me because they set the pace of my day. I pray for wisdom in the decisions I will make at work and in class. I also prioritize my agenda for the day.

I believe having a “moment of silence” at the beginning of the day, would be beneficial to students and teachers. Though I am a firm believer in Christ, I understand that there are many religions and beliefs. The “moment” allows an individual to speak to their “God” or idol, whoever it may be. Even those that do not believe in a “higher power”, such as atheists, can use this time to just breathe, reflect and mentally prepare themselves for assignments, exams and lectures that are at hand for the rest of the day.

“Defenders of the law argue it is a student's personal choice whether to pray or reflect more generally; therefore, proponents say, the law does not force religion on public school children.”

 I strongly agree with this statement. A “moment of silence” does not have to be seen as religious. Take a part and exam each word and there is no religious connotation.  “Moment” is another word for minute or instant. Merriam-Webster defines silence as the “forbearance from speech or noise.” Therefore, it is unnecessary to associate a “moment of silence” with religion and deem partaking it one at public schools as unconstitutional.

There was discussion at the Board of Education meeting in Texas regarding science curriculum.

Because of my Christianity, one can assume that I do not believe in the scientific theory of evolution. This assumption would be correct. Teachers should expect to be questioned by students about creationism. When these discussions and questions arise, what is the appropriate response for teachers? If religion can not be discussed in public schools then these questions have to be ignored, students will be respond well to that solution!

In conclusion, I feel that it is IMPOSSIBLE to take religion completely not of pubic schools because there are religious people who express themselves in these public schools.



Reference:

Calefati, Jessica. "Religion in Schools Debate Heats Up." Web. 29 Sep. 2011. <https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133302>.

Innovators and Makers

We are truly blessed in forms of educational opportunities and advances in America today. We have innovators and makers to thank for that. We take the education system for granted many times. As students, we sometimes wonder why we have to sit in classrooms for 6+ hours a day. As teachers, from time to time we are taken aback by the demands and standards that must be achieved in the classroom. However, we all need to take a step back, look at other societies which as less fortunate than we are. Many countries have neither supplies nor buildings in which adequate education can be provided for children. We also need to think about the contributions and sacrifices that these innovators and makers have made for us; because without them, education in America would not be where it is today. The innovators have had a direct influence on public education in society today. “Makers” have influenced public education indirectly; bringing out the importance of education outside of the classroom.

The people mentioned on the PBS website all had vision and innovation which contributed to the success of public education in America today. Horace Mann made a sacrifice that speaks great lengths to his character when he stepped down from senate and served as the board of education’s first secretary. Catherine Beecher and Deborah Meier gave voices to women in education. John Dewey made the excellent argument that education is only what is taught and learned in the classroom, but also the physical and physiological development of the student, plus the world outside of the classroom.

As an African American, I would have to say that Linda Brown Thompson has been the most influential innovator of public education as we know it today. Brown v. Board of Education brought an end to legalized segregation of schools in America. I have had the privilege of receiving an equal opportunity education because of this case. Thompson and the other Topeka families made it possible for children of all races to attend school together. Public schools today are more diverse than ever. I believe diversity in schools contributes to the learning of students. It is important to communicate and socialize with people of different ethnicities. Different perspectives and multicultural education is seen. I truly believe that diversity in schools promotes student achievement. I feel that I have had a better educational experience because I have been taught in diverse classrooms.

This new reform bought to the system by the “makers” of education was essential because education progressed throughout the years from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. Modern schooling was lead by men like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford. The “makers” of education helped not only the education system but the economy as well. The influence and aid they contributed to public education was meandering, not direct like that of “innovators” of public education.  The “makers” let me know that everyone is capable of being successful and making a substantial difference in life, even those that do not perform well in the classrooms of school. They learn and improve in the classrooms of life. This is important for students to know because those that do not excel in the classrooms can know that they can still make a difference and education does not only come in the form of textbooks.

John D. Rockefeller was a philanthropist. He was part of the Efficiency Movement; therefore he donated his money and funded colleges and universities across America, effects that would promote growth to society. He is the “maker” that has had the most influence on public education today because of the establishment, aid and finances he has contributed at so many institutions all across America. 

Reference:

Poole, K. (2000). People & events: john d. rockefeller sr. 1839-1937. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/peopleevents/p_rock_jsr.html

Introduction

I am currently working as a Tutor, also I am a first year graduate student pursuing a Master's Degree.