"Schools, Prison, and Social Implications of Punishment: Rethinking Disciplinary Practices" - Pedro Noguera
Argument:
Noguera argues that the students who are the most likely to be suspended or expelled from school are in fact the neediest. These overrepresented students include Black and Latino males, and under achievers.
Talking Points:
-In the beginning of the article Noguera promised that he would put forth an alternative discipline approach to the zero tolerance approach implemented at many of the schools he has encounter as a researcher. (Spoiler Alert: be an advocate, get to know your students, find out the reason WHY they may be acting out- in other words make legitimate connections).
-At first he emphasized that these zero tolerance schools are too caught up with controlling the students. As an educator in a high school setting I see the importance of controlling a classroom, hallways and common areas. I emphasize respect from day one, treat my students with respect, and in turn expect them to exemplify respect both in and outside my classroom.
- "Many students have weak and even antagonistic relationships with the adults that serve them, and report that they have very few teachers who they believe care about them" (347)
This quote brought me back to the reading about 'authentic carer' vs 'aesthetic carer'. Students, especially high schoolers, are incredibly intuitive (I believe more so than I would give them credit for) and can tell when a teacher is an 'authentic carer' or not. Many times bad behavior is simply disciplined without a question or conversation about the root of the behavior.
Noguera argues that the students who are the most likely to be suspended or expelled from school are in fact the neediest. These overrepresented students include Black and Latino males, and under achievers.
Talking Points:
-In the beginning of the article Noguera promised that he would put forth an alternative discipline approach to the zero tolerance approach implemented at many of the schools he has encounter as a researcher. (Spoiler Alert: be an advocate, get to know your students, find out the reason WHY they may be acting out- in other words make legitimate connections).
-At first he emphasized that these zero tolerance schools are too caught up with controlling the students. As an educator in a high school setting I see the importance of controlling a classroom, hallways and common areas. I emphasize respect from day one, treat my students with respect, and in turn expect them to exemplify respect both in and outside my classroom.
- "Many students have weak and even antagonistic relationships with the adults that serve them, and report that they have very few teachers who they believe care about them" (347)
This quote brought me back to the reading about 'authentic carer' vs 'aesthetic carer'. Students, especially high schoolers, are incredibly intuitive (I believe more so than I would give them credit for) and can tell when a teacher is an 'authentic carer' or not. Many times bad behavior is simply disciplined without a question or conversation about the root of the behavior.
"Why Are All the Black Children Sitting Together in the Cafeteria"- B. Tatum
Argument:
Tatum argues that racism in America is still present and that the same people who benefit from it do not even realize it.
Talking Points:
- "There is still a great deal of social segregation in our communities. Consequently, most of the early information we receive about "others" ... does not come as the result of firsthand experience. The second hand information we do receive has often been distorted by cultural stereotypes, and left incomplete" (Tatum, 5)
I agree that social segregation exists today, I see it in my own city which is split between the west side and the east side with the west being predominately white and the east much more diverse. Furthermore, the west side has more single family homes and the east side having a mix of both single family as well as rental properties.
- Another point Tatum brought up on page 5 was that many young children internalize social stereotypes through cartoons specifically Disney movies like Peter Pan. It's no secret that the beloved Disney movies I grew up on were filled with negative stereotypes. She also argues that three year old children aren't prejudice, but these films may act as a foundation of their views they will hold into their adult lives.
- If you grew up watching Disney movies, you aren't doomed to be a racist (Phew!) She argues that cultural racism is, "like smog in the air. Sometimes it is so thick is is visible, other times it is less apparent" (6) and while we may not be responsible for the pollution, we cannot ignore it. If we have a foundation of prejudice or racism through no fault of our own, we must as adults actively question our beliefs and expand our consciousness. "It is not our fault, but it is our responsibility to interrupt this cycle" (7)
Leah,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. You outlined everything so well. Yes, we were all inundated with prejudices through Disney, Bugs Bunny, etc. I read an article and watched a film a few years back about the subtle racism placed within these cartoons that I loved.