This American Life

"This American Life -- The Problem We All Live With" interview with Nikole H. Jones was so interesting, not to mention how very naive I am to this type of research and political power. As I was listening to the interview, I felt glued to my computer and was filing this new information into my schema, while attempting to rationalize what I was hearing. As a teacher in Johnston, who teaches to a diverse population, I had no idea there were schools in the United States that have teachers who are under qualified. As I read here, (Less Qualified Teachers Hinder Schools with Black and Latino Kids). "......students of color and low-income students were more likely to attend schools where teachers were not certified or failed to qualify for their advanced-level certification following the 5-year expiration of their entry-level certification. I'm confused as to why schools are hiring those without a teaching certificate. Is it because of a teacher shortage or because the schools are not desirable to teach in? Perhaps it Is because of poor administration. 

 The article above also points out that "separate can never be equal," and called on the Department of Education to, "prioritize school diversity as a way to address the resource gap at schools." According to the interview with N.H. Jones, this is the way to lessen the learning gap.  The following link provides some claims and evidence regarding the interview with Ira Glass and Nikole Hannah Jones, an investigative reporter at The New York Times.

(This American Life — The Problem We All Live With)

Here is another article that discusses the importance of not treating all students as if they are the same and to individualize instruction to better serve each individual. (The Growing Diversity in Today’s Classroom)  As the article states on page 8, "Personalized learning needs to be aligned with interests and abilities of each learner."  If the majority of a student body is categorized as "living in poverty, have a disability or learning difference, are English language learners, are gifted or talented, are experiencing challenges at home or in their communities that result in trauma, or some combination of the above—each of whom research shows needs personalized approaches to learning." Perhaps the teachers do not have the necessary training or resources to assist students or perhaps school districts want to keep status quo to continue to receive funding.  

In reference to how communities shift from culture to culture, I have witnessed a community's gradual cultural change and although this change has been subtle, the population has grown into one other than what once was. The majority of the ethnic background, in one specific community, has shifted from predominantly Italian to Spanish.  The generations before lived and worked in this specific area, and spoke Italian freely.  Many families and friend's of families moved to this general area because they felt safe and welcomed amongst others who were similar to themselves. (I often wonder who/ what culture was pushed out when the Italians moved in.)  As the years passed, and the older generation passed on, more people, other than Italian backgrounds moved in to this exact area. It is pretty awesome how cultures, other than the ones originally situated, have built their homes and families in the surrounding areas and most likely feel that same sense of security and acceptance.

I know that I already published; however, after reading some awesome blogs from our class, I decided to continue on with my research and when I did I came across this report.(More K-12 Funding for White Students vs. People of Color)  Again, I am shocked that this is even something to report on.  And then this (School Segregation is Getting Worse)  How naive I am.