The Problem of Equity: Culture, Class, and School

1. The Problem of Equity: Culture, Class, and School Chapter 9

2. Anybody can make it in America, if they only try • I totally agree with • Is way over simplified • Is true for “normal” people

3. Anybody can make it, if they have the right parents and $$$$. • I totally agree with • Is way over simplified • Is true for “normal” people

4. In America, social class is more important than race for success • I agree • I disagree

5. The uneven educational playing field • The best and the brightest here versus abroad • America is unique in how it attempts to educate its citizens • How schools are financed • Achievement gap…NCLB holds to the same high standards

6. What is race? • Historically has changed definitions • U.S. Census Bureau: white, black, Hispanic, Asian, Native • Many are bicultural or multicultural • Racism: an attitude that results in an action of discrimination

7. In America • It’s impossible to not be racist • Older people are much more racist than the young • Racism is getting much better than before

8. At U.M.D. • Racism is not a problem • I see racism every day • Racism happens, but is rare

9. The Achievement Gap • At every level black children score lower than white, and the gap widens with time • Same with reading, but lower rate of widening • The gap between blacks and whites in college has increased in the past 20 years • Explaining the difference between Cuban/Mexican and Vietnamese/Cambodian

10. Social Class • Generally speaking refers to a group of people with a shared economic and social status…the two are linked • Primary factor in the quantity and quality of education that a child receives • Curriculum based on social class (to maintain the order)

11. Theories Explaining the Achievement Gap • Biological Explanations • Arthur Jensen…80% of intelligence is inborn, Herrnstein and Murray The Bell Curve (60% inborn) • Analytical intelligence, versus creative or practical intelligence (Sternberg) • Cultural Explanations • From cultural deprivation to cultural fit • Voluntary and Involuntary Immigrants

12. Political Explanations • Jean Anyon…five schools in a range of socioeconomic levels • Teaching-learning…huge differences, from rote learning, following rules, little choice, little explanation to finding the right answer with explanation to creative and independent activities, critical thinking, problem solving, application of concepts • Preparing children for their future “place” in society through the hidden curriculum

13. More reasons for the Achievement Gap • Unequal school resources • Digital divide • Ability grouping and tracking • Teacher expectation effect

14. Culture • A dynamic, creative, and continuous process including behaviors, values, and substance learned and shared by people that guides them in their struggle for survival and gives meaning to their lives • Affects ways of thinking, Family, Authority, Language

15. Equitable schools • Addresses the racial/cultural/social-class achievement gaps • Multicultural curriculum • Insures all students are involved • Respects the local community • Celebrates diversity • Seeks out family participation • High academic expectations

16. Equitable schools • Holds students and staff responsible for their work • Advanced classes and extracurriculars that students choose • Many opportunities for informed student choice • Ensure students learn skills to thrive in the mainstream • Participatory democracy • Establishes norms of community and practices them • Advocates for students and the community • Employs teachers interested in learning about cultures other than their own