On Tuesday we had our first really intense class discussion about discrimination. Some of us are more touched by the situation for obvious reasons and so are much more emotional.
I find it hard to ignore and in the reading it says that people sometimes act in racist ways without knowing it or even trying consciously to do so. This not only goes for white teachers of black students, but any teacher of any student. There are so many black teachers who have distanced themselves from their past or come from a different background that are having a disconnect with students who already feel undervalued and ignored.
They know that their schools are "poor" to use their words and "broke." They know that students at other schools have more amenities and perhaps receive better instruction. They know that their books are old and there aren't enough for everyone. I taught a class where there was only one social studies book and I had to make copies for everyone and there was no science book. They gave me the standards book and I had to research my lessons accordingly. Ever since then I always make my own work and tests and my students really appreciate it. They don't feel like I'm lazy and all I do is make copies. They see that I work too.
When I was in school, and I received a stellar education we still found ways to feel less than. They took us to a Beachwood school and they had carpet and a pit lounge and pizza hut as a lunch choice everyday. We were just really feeling neglected after that, so I can't imagine how these children feel.
What can we do to eliminate the rich vs. poor education?
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