The Ethnic Studies Ban

What is next?

Anything can be taken as discrimination, rude, intolerable, damaging, etc. But don't we instill those thoughts by not teaching students about things at are different from themselves? How can we truly learn and understand people and cultures around us if we are not allowed to be taught about them?

Don't Mind Me, That's Just My Heart Breaking

This article got me thinking about what our Government and politicians are really concerned about...

Open Enrollment

I had never heard of open enrollment until I did my Education Practicum in Boulder, CO. It was that time of the semester where the schools were preparing assemblies and meetings for parents interested in looking at their "options" as to where to send their children.
It wasn't until I saw a video clip of Jonathon Kozol, author of "Shame of the Nation" that I understood the negative effects of open enrollment. It's true, open enrollment does do well for many, but it serves to those who are already "privileged" in comparison to students living in/near poverty.
How are schools supposed to do a better job when they have no resources? How are students who cannot afford to travel, attend a "better" school further away? We need to even out the playing field. We are talking about the education of our youth, our future politicians, educators, doctors, etc. Students deserve the chances to learn and expand their lives.
Open enrollment only benefits those who already benefit in this society. We need to change the funding in ALL schools so they can have similar resources.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal Punishment

Aren't there other ways of dealing with misbehavior? Why do so many places resort to Corporal Punishment? It is proven that violence in the home is a leading cause in psychological problems among children.
Maybe there is a different outcome when you use this method at school? Organizations, such as Teachers for America, place their teachers in all sorts of different places. This may place you in a school that does use corporal punishment. Would you be able to do it? How can schools actually defend themselves?

Societal Values

How did your society become so obsessed with money? Why is everyone so concerned with achieving the "American Dream"? (Which is just an ideology that does not actually exist!)

So many people compete to get to "the top", to make that extra dollar, to buy that million dollar mansion, to travel all around the world......to forget about the many many children who are living in poverty, or the schools that cannot afford the proper resources and TEACHERS!!

Money. There are some people who are trying to make a difference in the lives and education of children. Fortunately, there are organizations like "Teach for America" that sends teachers who are willing to make a difference in the lives of students in many areas of the country. This is such a select organization though. If only there were a way to convince more "excellent" teachers to accept or apply for positions in schools that need help, think of the increase of the oh so popular test scores! Think of the lives that could be improved! But no, there are too many money and power obsessed people in this world.

What would you do? How would you help those children in the schools that need your help?

The Stereotypes of Music Ed Majors

Here is a quick little venting session. I don't think some people realize that Music Majors know more about things other than music. Honestly, I know how wrestling and other sports work. I've seen my fair share of video games. I pay attention to politics. Why is it, that some people are under the impression that we are just music dorks and that thats what we do all day? Music isn't some "dorky" past-time. Music is another way to express feelings and emotions. It allows the audience to create their own story as they listen to the music, or; when given the story outline, can have another visual that the composer was envisioning while composing the piece. Music is a part of everyone's life in some way or another.

Also, I feel as though some people are under the impression that "us Music Majors have it easy". In high school I was the only string player. Not just high school, but k-12. I used to hear, "well getting a major in Music should be easy. You just have to play your instrument." Another thing I always heard from classmates was, "why do you always practice?" My response would be, "why do you practice everyday for football? What's the difference?"

I don't believe people really know how involved and time consuming becoming a Music Educator really is. We have an extremely heavy class/work load, rehearsals, lessons and on top of all of that, at least 2 hours of practice everyday (for instrumentalists that is). The credits for our music education k-12 minor is basically equivalent to that of a regular major. That's a lot of work. That is one of the reasons many people end up dropping their education minor and are just Music Majors. On top of that, there are the select few who are both Vocal AND Instrumental education majors. It will be a LOT of work, but I will graduate and do my student teaching in 9 semesters. Not only will I graduate from Luther with a Vocal and Instrumental Education Degree, but also a Sociology degree.

Michelle Rhee....."Can She Save Our Schools?"

Time Magazine: "Can She Save Our Schools?"

I guess I should consider myself lucky to have gone to a small public school in the middle of nowhere; away from gangs, violence, extreme poverty and away from the dangers and hardships of the urban city life. In Ed. Psych we were asked, "Would you be able to be a teacher in that district under her watch?" Many people would not; which is quite alright. I for one, want to be the best teacher I possibly can for students.

Quite recently I watched the movie "Lean On Me". If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. This movie reminds so much of the process that Rhee is taking. Get rid of the teachers and people who do not truly care about the students and are not helping the process. In Urban Schools, there is more disruption in classes. Some teachers have given up on the students. I think a big part of that is because they do not like the students. If you want your students you have to find something about them to like! How else are they going to respect you or even listen?! Another good movie to watch is "Freedom Writers" (or the book).

After watching these movies, and other "Inspirational Education Movies" I have been inspired even more to become an Educator. I am looking forward to what obstacles may come my way. Those obstacles may involve the situation facing the Washington D.C. public school district right now. More power to those who are trying to brighten the future of today's children.