6/26 TEACH OUT presentation project slide show link

link to presentation slide show  

6/20 Multilingual Teaching in schools

 TONGUE TIED  Otto Santa Ana    

chapters titled 

Teaching Multilingual Children   and 

Aria( Richard Rodriguez)   

 by Virginia Collier  

R.I.D.E. website information on Multilingual learning

EDWEEK The Debate about English Learner Terminology

The Author of this article is trying to provide research back evidence that Multilingual students are extremely more proficient in education when they are allowed to learn with their home language being respected as not only the primary but with the home language being treasured as important to the identity of the child, family, and people of that language community.  Both languages are given the same balance of importance in the role of acquiring an education in America.

talking points that stood out for  me 

1. In an instant, they agreed to give up the language ( the sounds) that had revealed and accentuated our family's closeness. 

This was very disturbing but actually could see how it is true.   How many families loose touch as the student becomes more "American" leaving parents who are too busy trying to work to survive (and not learn English).  The generation gap is enough to put a strain on the understanding of parents and children, to think that communication can be destroyed enough to cause distance between a parent and child is not what America should be about. 

2.  Today I hear bilingual educators say that children lose a degree of what individuality by becoming assimilated into public society.  But are only seen if they assimilate to the public!

As a child, I remember, my grandmother and sister us to talk to their mother (my great grandmother) I asked my mom when we got home what they were speaking.  Kriolu my mom said.   I asked my dad why he did not speak Kriolu?  My dad explained that my grandfather was against it because it just made things harder for the family if they spoke another language.  My grandfather taught his children that it did not matter how cool it was to speak another language that others do not understand, because in America your either "AMERICAN"(and white) or you didn't matter.  He said Being from Cape Verde does not change that they see you as Black.  You speak some other language just tells them we are black (the first assumption being African)  You need to worry about fitting in and them not looking at you like you do not belong here.  How many families in America have to have this talk with their children.  How many families were robbed of their spoken culture because they HAD to fit in to make it in America.  I am currently learning Kriolu and am proud to be Cape Verdean and have the ability to speak in another language, my culture of tongue!

3. Code Switching by students should be accepted. 

The idea of not correcting when learning a second language but instead encouraging first language interpretation and clarity is so awesome t one.  I love to hear other folks speak their language I strive to know what they are saying how they develop the language  what is the history of the language  do they have "slang".  I am learning Kriolu but growing up I heard many phrases in Kriolu and also German(my dad watched a lot of Hogan Heros he learn all kind of German words and phrases from that show that he would use in the house.)  I naturally and automatically respond in these language when certain situations occur.  "Ka la Boka"  shut up "Y,Dios" oh my God/oh God.  I think it is amazing that I have adapted to these different language for the emphasis they give me I prefer these saying the flow right out of my mouth and have life to them, more than the English words in my opinion.

I love the ideology behind Multilingual or the research that shows once a child becomes literate in the home language, literacy skills swiftly transfer to second language settings, it turns out the transfer is swift even when the writing systems are not the same.  I think it is amazing to be able to speak 2 languages and it should be something we honor more and accept it as being worldly and diverse in understanding.

Teaching Bilinguals Even When You are Not One videos series 

This video series just backed up my thoughts about reinforcing home language and adding on an additional language in exchange for stripping a students home language in efforts to assimilate.  These videos show ways you can make your classroom, lesson, relationship Multilingual which allows students to express and learn in whatever language makes them feel comfortable but also ensuring that the "bonus" language is still taught to influence bi-language attachments and an alternate learning style. 

6/17 Two Article Summaries.

 Deconstructing Privilege   Teaching and Learning as Allies in the Classroom  Colorblindness in the New Racism

By Margalynne J. Armstrong and Stephanie M. Wildman


The authors in this article point out that the terms we create to address certain racial inequality concerns are in fact more hurtful than helpful.  Saying that "I", "We" or "Us" do not see color therefore suggesting the impossibility of being racist.  While not considering yourself as a part of the problem we are learning in research that we are all a part of the problem whether it is intentional or unintentional.  We cannot claim to be colorblind because that just REALLY means that we are not addressing that there are differences in the quality of living based on color.  So the next time you hear a person say I am not racist I do not see color, gently remind them that seeing color is the only way to treat color as human being who deserve everything this Country promises.

The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies

By Christine E. Sleeter

We learn best when we can relate to something. We learn best when we feel seen and heard.  Getting to this point may take some extra work, Ethnic studies in education is making sure that all students see themselves in what they learn.  Seeing yourself can be literal in terms of race, gender, identity and religion.  At the elementary age students are curious about how people "fit" in this world both in careers and higher education.  We need to make space for students to learn the truth about how they weave into the existence of America.  We are all a part of the evolution of this Country.  We all have a past of how we "relate" to America.   Students are more eager to not only learn when they understand their own cultural existence, but how to continue to develop into a diverse Nation that will lead in showing how to be a true melting pot of great ingredients that in the end make a healthy stew.  Schools should be allowed to expand on the culture education of what makes up their community and allow "anyone" to join and learn what makes each culture beautiful.

6/17 RI Dept. of Education......Guidance for Rhode Island Schools on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students

 RIDE- Guidance for Rhode Island Schools Transgender and Nonconforming Students

                                     

Trevor Project Resources- Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People

I read both of these articles and was excited to see how detailed Rhode Island is in ensuring that all students feel welcomed and a part of our educational space.   As a country that believes in freedom of speech and freedom to choose, I could only expect us to be understanding of someone's decision on how they express themselves and present their true demeanor.  I am an ally for pride in whatever we choose to be.  I think that people need to be encouraged to follow their heart and dreams.  We as a country should not be afraid of diversity, but so many are even after all these years.  I am curious to know what it is that makes people so hateful of another's choice.  I know religion plays a part in some cases but when do we accept that not everyone has similar beliefs and that it is ok.  It is ok to cherish your beliefs and also respect another's.

The authors are arguing that it is a student's educational right to learn in a space that is not only safe but also non-judging, understanding and supportive to a young person's choice of expression.  

My 3 talking points are: 

1.  Growing up LGBT in America, found that 42% of gender non conforming youth report being frequently or often being called names and 40% reported being frequently or often excluded.   Enumeration of subgroups within Civil Rights Laws is necessary because those subgroups tend to experience discrimination more than other groups. 

this is clearly stated in the law and yet we still have to work so hard to ensure that it is being followed in our school system, and community.  Colorblinddness the article by Armstrong and Wildman, also in my opinion applies to the transgender and nonbinary community, in regards to people trying to ignore or refuse the identity will not make these issues go away or help other students learn about and respect a student's wellbeing.

2. The first amendment of the US constitution protects the rights to  privacy, free speech and freedom of expression.  The Federal Equal Access Act identifies narrow exceptions; however, schools may not ban or suppress the speech of student groups based on a "desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint.  

Again I ant to point out that this Country suggests we are free to be who WE want to be (if this poses no danger to any other person why is this so taboo for so many.  If people could be truthful about who they are and how they wish to be seen and experienced by others that would be a great start to  changing the culture of America.  America is the land of dreams but whose dreams are valid?  We have been around too many centuries to continue to operate in this closed mind state.

3.  It can be tough for transgender and nonbinary people to constantly educate or be the subject of other's curiosity.  One of the best ways to be an ally is to educate yourself on the basics of gender identity and expression so you can better support others.

I try to always intentional ask for names and pronouns and respect other's identities.  At my age I do at sometimes impulsively use pronouns that may not line up with the individual but I immediately apologize and work harder at remembering.  I try to give myself grace but as an older generation so "branded" by racial and systemic capitalism I do sometimes slide back into "old name tags".  I have taken the time to read and understand the different communities that I may have the pleasure of engaging.  I am always looking for people to feel like they are welcome and belong.  We really need to stop operating out of fear and do a lot more loving and healing.  You would be surprised by the allies you can make when talking with people you may think have nothing that mirrors you and your life. 

Gender and Sexuality Behavioral Healthcare   check out how Brown University Health supports Rhode Islanders in gender and sexuality health.

6/12 Preface and Introduction.......Troublemakers by Shalaby

 Preface and Introduction for 

Troublemakers by Shalaby

The author's point of this article is that we need to look at the labeled "troublemakers" as our "saviors" because they are telling us that the system we use for education is broken.   They are making noise because they are not free to learn in a style that works best for them.  They are not asked to provide information that will make the lesson more engaging.  Instead they are kept in control, demanded to do as they are told and to never question authority.  The trouble makers are compared to the Miner Canary that give up it's life to help others, these troublemakers are involuntarily giving up their futures for the benefit of capitalism.  How dare we build our country on the backs of people much less children!

three stand out points for me were:

1. researchers found that  as many as 46% of kindergarten teachers report that more than half of their class has trouble following directions, 34% report children struggle to work independently and 20% report that their kindergartners are immature and have poor social skills.   These figures ought to led us to question if the demands of school are reasonable!

We are not the world we were when I was learning we have progress so much just due to the world wide web.  We have to be willing to change with the times.  The kids are learning and seeing things on the internet that we did not and they are potentially more aware of some things.  What we should build on is the social emotional skills need to be resilient and self confident that is when the best learning happens.

2.  The withholding of education is a political toll used to maintain and ensure economic and social underclass.   Schools are deeply implicated in the systemic maintenance of the racialized American caste system.

Education is a part of oppressing those who are "non-whiteness"   If we start making changes in how our classrooms look we can start to encourage youth to ask questions and to expect "freedom" to learn. 

3. I care about children at school because I am a human being, I recognize every child's right to be free.  BY virtue of being human each child is endowed with the unassailable right NOT to have any part of their personhood assaulted or stolen.   

Why are we not giving EVERY child what they need to be successful.  The world will naturally have those who do not excellent for what ever reason.  Their will always be a natural hierarchy of class, that would reflect every race, culture, sex, etc.  Why do we continue to put certain minority in a place to be oppressed for capitalism.  What would capitalism look like if the bottom of the barrel was diverse by nature.  Why is that not considered fair?  

Check out this TED lecture about "No Kid is Bad"       Kids do not choose to be bad, if a child is having behavior or seems to not be following directions what you should do is ask...... "why". because it is actual a cry for assistance.

6/12 Teach Out Project.... WORLD OF ART

 1. My topic: 

Ethnic Studies in Rhode Island.   The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies by Christine Sleeter is the article that inspires me.  Teaching cultural diversity is important to me in my work.  I want to teach others about this because I feel like the more you know about someone's culture the more you understand that someone/group.  I feel like we should appreciate the differences in the way we see and navigate the world. 

2. Proposal:

I want to utilize the new view on Ethnic studies that I have acquired in the last week to teach out to the children in my elementary school what other cultures celebrate, believe, enjoy, have pride in, or practice.  I am interested in sharing all the culture this WORLD provides to expand the minds, ideas and thoughts of our children to many other beautiful moments that could shape who and how they choose to represent themselves. 

3. Text summaries: 

the 2 articles I choose to summarize are;

The Academic and Social value of Ethnic Studies by Christine Sleeter      and     

Colorblindness is the New Racism Raising Awareness about Privilege Using Color Insight by Margalynne J. Armstrong & Stephanie M. Wildman

4.  Research: 

I want to do some additional research on ethnic studies here in Rhode Island and where we stand in regards to it.  I want to look at how it is represented in all levels of education elementary, middle , secondary, and undergrad as well as graduate.  

5. Create:  

I want to create a lesson plan for a 10 week art session called World of Art and teach it this summer at the camp I will be working at and also at the school after school next school year.  World of art is art projects the kids do themed after international celebrations, beliefs, festivals, entertainment, etc.  The lesson also will include a take home fact sheet about the country and the people who cherish these traditions.  The lesson will include domestic flight parody while enjoying a flight snack and reviewing the "country (fact sheet) procedures" for the lesson.  

6. Reflection:

What is Cultural Education- Tilting Futures

I want to reflect on how much we can impact acceptance with just a simple art project that appreciates things we may not have the pleasure to be exposed to.  Allowing the kids to see that there is so much out there in this world that we can learn about and end up loving.  I want to teach kids to appreciate what someone else values, with hopes of it teaching the value in diversity in people.  

7. Present:

I will present my syllabus for the World of Art and my proposal that I will sit and discuss with the camp director and the school principal in order to have this be my program I am running this summer and next school year.

6/10 rethinking schools......."Superachievers" vs "Superpredators"

"Superachievers" vs "Superpredators": How the Racist Love of the Model Minority Is Weaponized against Black and Asian American Students.

By Wayne Au 

( click the author to read the article)

The author's main point:

That systemic racism holds up one race in a positive light to shame other races and invalidate the presence of racism in America.  A positive light that hides within it a infra-red laser that is slowly burning a hole in the "host race" damaging it all while it is using it for "dirty work".  Intentionally causing racial tension among the non white cultures.  All negative attention/action is diverted and shared among non white races, who are all suffering the same mistreatment, instead of directly routing to the systemically racist system that created all this mess in the first place. It is not even good to be the model minority, it suffers the same painful existence in silence, because lets face it being an achiever, may not be "heaven" is better than being a predator in America.

Why I choose this article:

I understood ethnic studies to be the study of races and culture and the history that comes with them.  I supported learning about non white culture and the history of exploring this world. I supported including this in our education foundation.  I will be honest I did not fully understand the ideology of ethnic studies until I read the article last week for home work, The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies (sleeter).  This article stood out to me after watching the Precious Knowledge documentary. The video brought the article to life.  It was this video that helped me process all that ethnic studies is about and the powerful impact it can have as a part of the education curriculum.    I read this article and I am so interested in the idea of spreading cultural awareness and historic race  truth.  

Just a few things that stood out in this article for me were: 

1.  It must be recognized that the Chinese and other Orientals in California were faced with even more prejudice that faces the Negro today....The Orientals came back, and today they have established themselves as strong contributors to the health of the whole community." ---------  Chinese Americans are moving ahead on their own- with  no help from anyone else because they are willing to work at any job, "don't sit around" moaning about their situation, are good citizens with strong families and they are obedient and hard working at school and employment.----- all while implicitly suggesting that Black people were the opposite.

This is the model minority, the Asian race known for their intelligence and family morals among other positive titles they are allowed to carry.  But is it fair to compare the races to shame and mentally abuse another race.  Did these articles mention that most Chinese immigrants are degree holding professionals with families that are allowed to come to America to utilize their achievements obtained abroad.  That wealthy immigrants from Asia were also allowed entry once they funded a business or some other capitalist dream, therefore given certain privileges upon arrival that would "protect" them from the poverty in America.  Asians not necessarily happy about being the "model" but not opposed to the limited access to privilege (not the real privilege by the way the non-white privilege) 

DO WE SEE A COMMON THEME IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS........ another distraction, lies and hiding the truth.

2. Further, by both tacit and explicit implication, so-called "problem minorities"- especially Black Americans- just need to stop complaining, take note of Asian American success, and simply realize that racism is not really a problem.  This the model minority stereotype was born in 1966 of racism, white supremacy, and anti-blackness.

This article was so interesting and I was flabbergasted at how much systemic racism hides in everything!  I was amazed at how what I thought was a positive light being shined on a race here in America was a good thing.  Only to find out that that same light is only allowed to shine on this non-white population for the benefit of systemic racism.  A ploy to deter the anger and blame for oppression of black Americans.  The stereotype of the good hardworking Asian model minority has not stopped them from being seen as a threat to American whiteness, at times turning the "praiser" into the "abuser." Asian Americans become a target of violence and bullying due to titles they did not ask to have or in many cases want!

3. Asian Americans do not ask for help, since needing help means they are imperfect and potentially misaligned with social, community, and even their own expectations of themselves as Asian Americans.  Asian Americans are less likely to report bullying or seek mental health supports.  One Asian American psychologist stating "we(Asians) self harm, quietly continuing to do our homework even though we are super depressed.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Asian Americans ages 15-34

For Asian Americans, the model minority stereotype is literally killing them.   I grew up with this stereotype, that Asians are super intelligent and all they care about is education and super high achiever jobs.  I assumed that they did not like or cherish anything else.  I never imagined an Asian person having "fun", growing up just always serious and professional.   I had to check myself after reading this and realize that I too play a role in this beast called systemic racism.  I now want to learn more about Asian history to understand the culture and look into what they enjoy and do in leisure.  I feel stupid that I never asked anyone Asian what they do for fun in their culture.  I am realizing that the internet has exposed many of our children to the joys of Asian culture, K-pop, Kawaii figures and stuff, hello kitty collections and also anime.  This is just a few cherished hobbies and interests that Asian people enjoy in their culture.  I am excited to learn about more. 

America is operating on LIES and MISINFORMATION in so many areas that I don't understand how we are the superpower of the world!  How do we lead above other Nations that are in line behind us when we are all delusional by allowing the lies to dictate how we run things.  Lies that most people seem to be able to identify but not hold up to be accounted for.  Are we all victims of America,  have we had the horse blinders on for so long that we can not even see that majority of whites are not a part of the systemic plan(capitalists)  and therefore are fighting to keep intact the very thing that will eventually exclude them ( non capitalists whites) too.  How do we uncover these deeply ingrained lies and hidden messages that encompass the "American Way of Life" so that we can see the truth behind Capitalism and who it is really helping.

I now have a stronger desire to know about those who make America what it is.  I want to know the truth about the people I have the pleasure of meeting.