BlogPostIT

Using the Post-It note process with this section of reading made made it more easier to understand at the end of the reading. Having a constant flow of my own ideas within the book allowed me to really think in depth about ideas while I read over them. 

My favorite Post-It from this section of reading was on page 107 where Freire states, "This concept is well suited for the purposes of the oppresses..." As Freire goes into depth about the concept of banking knowledge, he says that this form of learning produces a bias environment of the people who do no receive the "proper" education. This statement really makes me think about our history and our current education system. High stakes testing have been know to be bias. From voting limitations during the Jim Crow era kept Black men form having a voice in the government. In addition, other tests such as the ACT was, at a time, bias due to its wording of questions. Some questions would be on topics like golf, so for those who do not reside in a high social class can not relate to the question.

Wanting to try and combat this cycle of bias teaching, I found myself not knowing how to move foreword. Reflecting on my own educational experiences, this form of banking knowledge seems to be the exact was I have been taught, but with constant verbal reminder that I will need the exercises for "critical thinking." I believe the only true way to get around this unfortunate process is to rework the whole educational system. This comes with specific details that I can not come to work out such as regulations on what is taught. Trying to not force memorization without application is a hard idea to get around and am glad its a new topic on my mind due to the process of writing my current thoughts while reading the passage.

FieldPost 2: Shaker Middle School

Building bridges with the people around you crates better environments. This applies to all situations from relationships with coworkers, teachers, and neighbors. In To Teach by William Ayers, building bridges came into theme in chapter 4. Through different scenarios, Ayers uses a literal bridge for a turtle, bridge between adolescent and adult, and Sal Adams teachings effect on others. These bridges are all resembled in different ways, but mean the same thing. That is connecting with others is a life lesson that does a great deal of good. In doing this, songs are build that creat relationships.

At shaker middle school, I observed many bridges teachers built with their students. My first observation was that Mr. A always got to the level his students were. When students were sitting at a dest, he would get on his knees in order to get even eye contact with his students. He made sure to never look down at them. I find this practice extreamly welcoming. His students were exited for him to come over and check their work. Another trait Mr. A showed would make a stop at every table for the same about of time. This gave the student all the attention they needed, without showing favoritism. Lastly, Mrs. S was deeply  sincere with everything she said. While she was working the overhead, she talk to her students with a loud and clear voice, that  came off engaged in their topic every time. This made her inviting in every way. The kids wanted to talk to her, end it seemed they felt comforted by her demeanor.

BlogPost 4

Dear Sandra R. Williams/Marlene Anielski,

Hello, my name is Stone Rainey. It has come to my attention that Ohio elementary schools are not meeting regulations, and you are aware. I say you are already aware of the situation because this exact issue has been taken to the Ohio supreme court on five different occasions, and each time has the same outcome of schools being ruled as unconstitutional unfit for . This is a topic close to my heart and hurts when I see children who cannot help their situation, but are stuck dealing with poor learning environment. This is not a problem in all neighborhood. This situation comes more often in high minority level schools. To my understanding, efforts have been made to counteract these kids horrid conditions. Under further research, I have found that since the implication of this act has cause wealthy schools to become wealthier, and the less fortunate schools further into poverty.

As my congressional representatives, I would like to know what you are doing in order to get a hand on the unconstitutionally fit schools that students are still are still enrolled in? Please contact me to let me know what your plan is, and if there is something that can be done on a civilians end.

Sincerely,

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Note: I am looking to make the congressional representatives feel a sense of urgency and responsibility with he structure of the letter. This, in hopes, will put a driving force behind them to get real results, not just a nice letter back thanking me for the concern.