After a long day of traveling through Chicago our class ventured out to Altgeld Gardens, which was an experience I will never forget. The day was filled with travel, schools and food. When we arrived it was hot and we were tired from all of our visits to the other places. We sat down in the front office and Marguerite Jacobs began to tell us her story. The stories she told us almost made me, and some of my classmates, cry. She spoke to us about the injustices of the neighborhood. She told us that there were more than 4000 residents at Altgeld Gardens. She described the community as very close knit. She described the schools to us and what the children are dealing with. Her home and life work revolves around this community. Not only does her community view her as the mother hen of the neighborhood but they look to her for change.
Marguerite Jacobs is a representation of everything that is needed in this world. She told us about the conditions of the schools that the children attend. There is asbestos in the walls of one of the schools that the district wants to remodel. A remodel would mean tearing down the walls with the asbestos in them, but Marguerite Jacobs is trying to stop that. Children are already getting sick at the school and exposing them to more harmful chemicals would be murder.
I do not remember who asked her, but someone asked her a question similar to “how do you find the strength to do what you do?” She responded with that she cares. She said that if someone else didn’t do what she was doing, no one would! Marguerite Jacobs is a woman who makes things happen. She doesn’t let a limited education, money, or lack of faith get in her way. She is the type of woman that works harder when someone tells her it can’t be done. She is a voice for those who cannot, or will not speak. She is an inspiration to society and I wish her all the best in her endeavors.
What I learned about Altgeld Gardens is that it is not one of the projects of Chicago that is poverty stricken. It is a community with great leaders that fight for change and human rights, who just happen to be living in poverty.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Southwest Youth Collaborative
Getting to the youth center was as much of an experience as hearing what this place had to offer. Once we left our tour of Paseo Boricua we again used public transportation to get to the youth center. This involved four buses and two trains. We almost lost Cari when switching to the 72 bus because she wanted some ice cream and we got a four minute warning which was 30 seconds in reality. We had to walk slow and let the other people get on so that we didn't lose one. This was one of the longest days because of all the travel and all the heat. The buses were hot and the trains did not provide the cool that they had on the previous days. So, after what seemed like a full day of traveling we got off the second train and every one looked and felt groggy, not to leave out that we went the wrong way on one bus which caused the trip to be sooooo long. The bus from the train station to the center wasn't long at all, which was a big plus. Once we made it to the youth center they had been expecting us and we were put in a room with NO A/C....
At the center we got to meet 3 important people to the center. Mrs. Odeh, who was the executive director, Charity Toliver, who was the lead organizer and also noted that we all looked very tired, and Chris who was a volunteer at the center. At the center I got a great feel of community from all the people that talked to us. One thing that was mentioned was the fact that many if not all the kids were from the local community and the fact that they stayed involved with the program into their 20's. Mrs. Odeh gave us an overview of the community and how they came to be. The area they are located in was not always populated by the African American community. They started off by being a heavily German dominated area and a very racist area. The park located at the end of the block was the same park that Dr. King walked in and was stoned by the people from the area. After time and time again of the community being broken down and built up again we have what it is now. The room we were in held a piece of art that told us of how much the community has changed over time. The first two slides told of what kind of people have populated the area over the years. The middle piece told us of the present and the last slide told us of what the future was to bring, Peace or Destruction.
The Southwest Youth Collaborative is a center for the local kids to escape the violence of the area. These kids here face and see violence on a regular basis and are, with the help of the center, working towards a future of success. This was seen when we heard the young man Chris tell us of how the center has helped him throughout his life. He was a 23 year old that had been in the center when he was a very young child. He got into much trouble in his teenage years because he worried more about taking care of his family and had to do what ever it was possible to provide for them. After some years away from the center he said he returned so that he could better himself as a person and provide himself as a role model for other kids of the community. Chris is a very inspiring young man that expressed his future steps towards going to college and receiving a college education... Maybe even at Coe..
After Chris was done talking we were invited to join the center in their bake sale. Outside they had grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs and all sorts of candy. I bought a Hamburger and I must say it was well worth the cost. Much better than McDonalds! The stop at the Youth Collaborative was the most exciting for me because of the fact that I was offered a job from the center. This isn't a for sure thing if I don't take the steps towards it, but the idea of moving to Chicago became greater and my interest increased a great deal. The Southwest Youth Collaborative has the full support of the community and should be around for many years to come and continue to provide a beacon of hope in the lives of these young children. To leave we had the joy of riding back in the van and didn't need to use Public Transportation, and when we found that out everyone in the group seemed to end the trip a bit more excited!
Getting to the youth center was as much of an experience as hearing what this place had to offer. Once we left our tour of Paseo Boricua we again used public transportation to get to the youth center. This involved four buses and two trains. We almost lost Cari when switching to the 72 bus because she wanted some ice cream and we got a four minute warning which was 30 seconds in reality. We had to walk slow and let the other people get on so that we didn't lose one. This was one of the longest days because of all the travel and all the heat. The buses were hot and the trains did not provide the cool that they had on the previous days. So, after what seemed like a full day of traveling we got off the second train and every one looked and felt groggy, not to leave out that we went the wrong way on one bus which caused the trip to be sooooo long. The bus from the train station to the center wasn't long at all, which was a big plus. Once we made it to the youth center they had been expecting us and we were put in a room with NO A/C....
At the center we got to meet 3 important people to the center. Mrs. Odeh, who was the executive director, Charity Toliver, who was the lead organizer and also noted that we all looked very tired, and Chris who was a volunteer at the center. At the center I got a great feel of community from all the people that talked to us. One thing that was mentioned was the fact that many if not all the kids were from the local community and the fact that they stayed involved with the program into their 20's. Mrs. Odeh gave us an overview of the community and how they came to be. The area they are located in was not always populated by the African American community. They started off by being a heavily German dominated area and a very racist area. The park located at the end of the block was the same park that Dr. King walked in and was stoned by the people from the area. After time and time again of the community being broken down and built up again we have what it is now. The room we were in held a piece of art that told us of how much the community has changed over time. The first two slides told of what kind of people have populated the area over the years. The middle piece told us of the present and the last slide told us of what the future was to bring, Peace or Destruction.
The Southwest Youth Collaborative is a center for the local kids to escape the violence of the area. These kids here face and see violence on a regular basis and are, with the help of the center, working towards a future of success. This was seen when we heard the young man Chris tell us of how the center has helped him throughout his life. He was a 23 year old that had been in the center when he was a very young child. He got into much trouble in his teenage years because he worried more about taking care of his family and had to do what ever it was possible to provide for them. After some years away from the center he said he returned so that he could better himself as a person and provide himself as a role model for other kids of the community. Chris is a very inspiring young man that expressed his future steps towards going to college and receiving a college education... Maybe even at Coe..
After Chris was done talking we were invited to join the center in their bake sale. Outside they had grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs and all sorts of candy. I bought a Hamburger and I must say it was well worth the cost. Much better than McDonalds! The stop at the Youth Collaborative was the most exciting for me because of the fact that I was offered a job from the center. This isn't a for sure thing if I don't take the steps towards it, but the idea of moving to Chicago became greater and my interest increased a great deal. The Southwest Youth Collaborative has the full support of the community and should be around for many years to come and continue to provide a beacon of hope in the lives of these young children. To leave we had the joy of riding back in the van and didn't need to use Public Transportation, and when we found that out everyone in the group seemed to end the trip a bit more excited!
Roosevelt High School
On Monday the “B” Team headed north to learning how to get around Chicago using the Public Transportation System. We made it to Roosevelt High School with no problems. We met with one of the Assistant Principals, Ms. Josefina Melendez. She explained to us the community surrounding the school, the diverse student body, and the extra programs provided through the school for the students. Refugees from all around the world come to this area and this makes Roosevelt a very diverse school. Because it is so diverse, Ms. Melendez explained that students tend to not form cliques. The school also has many programs in place to help their students, including ELL programs to a health center available for free to students and their families.
Ms. Melendez shared many experiences about different students who have come into the school over the years. The struggles that these students face coming into a new country and a new school. Many of the students haven't been at school recently and have to deal with the cultural differences.
Roosevelt realizes how the community and home life of their students is directly related to their school and providing the free health care program is a way to help their students' have one less thing to worry about.
Ms. Melendez shared many experiences about different students who have come into the school over the years. The struggles that these students face coming into a new country and a new school. Many of the students haven't been at school recently and have to deal with the cultural differences.
Roosevelt realizes how the community and home life of their students is directly related to their school and providing the free health care program is a way to help their students' have one less thing to worry about.
Barrel of Monkeys Presents "That's Weird, Grandma"
Monday night we ended our long day with "That's Weird, Grandma," a theater production by Barrel of Monkeys. It was such a fun way to end our second night in the city. I am pretty sure everyone really enjoyed themselves. I sure know I did! The Barrel of Monkeys teach creative writing in the Chicago Public Schools and then the actors perform first for the school where the student attends and then for the public. The school program is six weeks where they go into the classrooms and work with students and allow them to write whatever they wish. They follow a curriculum and give young students the opportunity to use their imagination and put their own stories to life. Barrel of Monkeys has worked in 32 Chicago Public Schools and more than 7,000 low-income students have had the opportunity to work with the Barrel of Monkey staff. They also have an after-school program. The goals of the after-school program are to build the students’ self-esteem and their enthusiasm for creative writing and performing.
You can tell the actors that work with the students are very enthusiastic and very motivated to have fun with the students. They have wonder personalities and you can tell they love their jobs. Some of the stories we talked about after we left were Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich/Red Black Dragon. This story was about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that came to life into a red and black dragon. Another one that was stuck in my head along with Danielle and Emily’s was I Am Foggylog with a Long Tail. We found ourselves walking through downtown Chicago singing parts of this poem. Some of the stories are written with so much imagination and I think that’s what makes them so great. Students need time to use their own imaginations and write about something they like. No two weeks are the same. They let you vote at the end of the show what stories you liked the most and what ones you could go without seeing. This would make me go back every week to see how it changes. At the end of the show some of us supported the non-profit organization by buying Barrel of Monkey t-shirts!
I think everyone was very impressed by the stories and production put on by the Barrel of Monkeys. I would for sure go back in the future when I am in Chicago.
Kenwood Academy
On Tuesday, June 25th we visited Kenwood Academy. Kenwood Academy is a neighborhood school located in Hyde Park. It was recognized as one of the nations Best High Schools and received a Silver Medal from US News World Report. It's mission is to engage students toward, one word: college. Students at Kenwood take rigorous classes that prepare students for college level work.
On Tuesday, we entered the building and went through the metal detector and gave our ids to the security guard before being escorted to the library. The Library was beautiful, two story building with tons of books, computers, and quiet places to study. While at Kenwood we had a chance to talk to the assistant principal, Mr. Narain, who was a fellow student of Kenwood Academy, math teacher, and now part of the administration staff. He had three very different perspectives on the school which were very interesting to hear about. Mr. Narain received a great education from Kenwood Academy that prepared him well for college. After college he came back to his high school to teach high school math. He mentioned that the need for teachers right now are in math and science areas. He went back to school for his masters in education and became an assistant principal. Mr. Narain was young as an administrator, but other staff respected him because of his knowledge and background of Kenwood. One problem that the school has are people enrolling in school but lying about their address. Because Kenwood is a neighborhood school to be enrolled in the school, the student's housing must fall within the premises of the school's district. Kenwood has a great reputation and many parents try to get their students into the school so that they don't have to send them somewhere else.
We also talked to people who run the GEAR-UP Program. The program has ran for five years starting in 6th grade and 7th grade and now the counselors are with same class who are current sophomores and juniors this year. The GEAR-UP Program is to help students to prepare for college and keep students on track for graduation and course prep work. The program also helps work with parents helping them with fininacial aid opportunities, FASFA form and preparing the parents for when their students leave for college.
We also meet with the local community members who are on the school board for Kenwood as well as other staff members. They all love where they are at in life and their community and they encouraged us to find something that we are passionate about and something that we love to do.
On Tuesday, we entered the building and went through the metal detector and gave our ids to the security guard before being escorted to the library. The Library was beautiful, two story building with tons of books, computers, and quiet places to study. While at Kenwood we had a chance to talk to the assistant principal, Mr. Narain, who was a fellow student of Kenwood Academy, math teacher, and now part of the administration staff. He had three very different perspectives on the school which were very interesting to hear about. Mr. Narain received a great education from Kenwood Academy that prepared him well for college. After college he came back to his high school to teach high school math. He mentioned that the need for teachers right now are in math and science areas. He went back to school for his masters in education and became an assistant principal. Mr. Narain was young as an administrator, but other staff respected him because of his knowledge and background of Kenwood. One problem that the school has are people enrolling in school but lying about their address. Because Kenwood is a neighborhood school to be enrolled in the school, the student's housing must fall within the premises of the school's district. Kenwood has a great reputation and many parents try to get their students into the school so that they don't have to send them somewhere else.
We also talked to people who run the GEAR-UP Program. The program has ran for five years starting in 6th grade and 7th grade and now the counselors are with same class who are current sophomores and juniors this year. The GEAR-UP Program is to help students to prepare for college and keep students on track for graduation and course prep work. The program also helps work with parents helping them with fininacial aid opportunities, FASFA form and preparing the parents for when their students leave for college.
We also meet with the local community members who are on the school board for Kenwood as well as other staff members. They all love where they are at in life and their community and they encouraged us to find something that we are passionate about and something that we love to do.
Betty Shabazz International Charter School
Tuesday morning we woke up early to leave our floor at 7:30am heading to the Betty Shabazz School. This was a charter school that was created in order to create future African-American leaders for the African society. In comparison to all the other schools we visited Betty Shabazz was by far the most interesting once it comes to school culture. Arriving in the morning we were instructed to the cafeteria. We initially were crowded in a corner, but when the more and more kids started to trickle in we were instructed to join in by being a part of the outer circle. Inside the cafeteria there was an inner single and outer circle was a combination of students and staff. There were drums that had an African culture to it. They were wearing African type clothing and the beat they were playing was recognizable as African culture as well. There was a series of clapping and signing that I could not recognize because it was in African language. During the ceremony they brought in an African Flag and with one fist risen in the air they, in unison, said their pledge to their future. I did not get the pledge words exact, but it spoke of liberation and being risen (power). Also during the ceremony there actions that all the students did to stand at attention when it was called. They stood at attention by clutching your right hand in a fist and then crossing arms and tucking the fist under the arm and the other hand grasping your right arm. They even had a relaxed 
state, where their fist would be held by their hand in front. After being introduced in front of the whole school in the middle circle we moved in to another room where we sat in a big circle for personal introductions and asking questions. The older lady that seemed to be the host for our discussions greeted everyone in the room with a hug and there were about 30 people in the room. I really loved how she hugged everyone individual in the room and even connected with each person by looking into their eyes. Giving the hug is an action of caring that was huge in showing the amount of care she possessed for everyone, but looking into each person’s eyes showed I see you the individual and each hug is special. After our group discussion the 8th grade class was split among each Coe student and we went on a tour of the classrooms. Once walking into our first classroom we were introduced by our 8th grade hosts in the African language. I was introduced as Babba Kevin, which Babba represented me as being respected by the students. Then the entire class at a stand and in attention stance welcomed me in the African language. I felt stunned to be given this much attention and felt like I was taking away from their education and being a distraction. Another thing that gave me an uncomfortable feeling was the eerie feeling I got when thinking about the amount of control the teachers had on their children. It definitely had a military feel for a school, but it some cases structure and control is something that is needed in students’ lives. It seemed that these were really successful students with high test scores, but with the high test scores it seemed that a majority of the students had career goals in performing arts. I remember my middle school days and how I wanted to become a college basketball player, but I also really wanted to become a coach and teacher. These are the careers I’m still aiming for and it seems in a couple years I will be in position to accomplish my dream. Talking with the students after the tours I asked about their homes and if they lived near each other and who they hung out with after school. They seemed hang together for the most part since some students lived somewhat close to each other. I didn't get a great perspective on how they saw their public school friends and whether they spent time together. Since I play basketball at Coe College it was easy to talk to Glen, who seemed to be the basketball stud for the Betty Shabazz team. He is off to Saint Francis and he seemed to realize just how good of a foundation he had to build up on as a result of his schooling. I really hope to check up on Saint Francis in a couple years and see Glen Williams play, because most likely I will be doing a grad assistant position or just helping out with recruiting for the basketball team.
state, where their fist would be held by their hand in front. After being introduced in front of the whole school in the middle circle we moved in to another room where we sat in a big circle for personal introductions and asking questions. The older lady that seemed to be the host for our discussions greeted everyone in the room with a hug and there were about 30 people in the room. I really loved how she hugged everyone individual in the room and even connected with each person by looking into their eyes. Giving the hug is an action of caring that was huge in showing the amount of care she possessed for everyone, but looking into each person’s eyes showed I see you the individual and each hug is special. After our group discussion the 8th grade class was split among each Coe student and we went on a tour of the classrooms. Once walking into our first classroom we were introduced by our 8th grade hosts in the African language. I was introduced as Babba Kevin, which Babba represented me as being respected by the students. Then the entire class at a stand and in attention stance welcomed me in the African language. I felt stunned to be given this much attention and felt like I was taking away from their education and being a distraction. Another thing that gave me an uncomfortable feeling was the eerie feeling I got when thinking about the amount of control the teachers had on their children. It definitely had a military feel for a school, but it some cases structure and control is something that is needed in students’ lives. It seemed that these were really successful students with high test scores, but with the high test scores it seemed that a majority of the students had career goals in performing arts. I remember my middle school days and how I wanted to become a college basketball player, but I also really wanted to become a coach and teacher. These are the careers I’m still aiming for and it seems in a couple years I will be in position to accomplish my dream. Talking with the students after the tours I asked about their homes and if they lived near each other and who they hung out with after school. They seemed hang together for the most part since some students lived somewhat close to each other. I didn't get a great perspective on how they saw their public school friends and whether they spent time together. Since I play basketball at Coe College it was easy to talk to Glen, who seemed to be the basketball stud for the Betty Shabazz team. He is off to Saint Francis and he seemed to realize just how good of a foundation he had to build up on as a result of his schooling. I really hope to check up on Saint Francis in a couple years and see Glen Williams play, because most likely I will be doing a grad assistant position or just helping out with recruiting for the basketball team. Chinatown
It was the first night in Chicago and already being hit by new culture in Chicago. We went to Chinatown! We didn’t have a ton of time for exploration throughout Chinatown, but rather grabbing a bite to eat and maybe stopping in some tourist gift shop traps. After a block in we decided the safe bet for a restaurant would be choosing the one with the biggest sign. That restaurant was called Won Koh. Once getting our table the environment was very oriental and almost everyone that worked in the building was Asian as well. Then entire area was predominantly Asian and that was to be expected, since it is a tourist attraction and there are deep Asian roots in the area. This area was selected for Asians to settle in Chicago, during the time much of the city was being divided by ethnicity. I personally have not been really treated to Asian cuisine in my lifetime and only have and want one thing. General Tso’s chicken is my favorite and I was not going to budge when my classmates were trying to convince me to get the family meal plan. I didn’t think I could still get the only Asian food I liked and went and ordered a single meal while everyone received a family meal plan. Once the food came out they placed all the family meal plan meals on this rotating huge plate in the middle. It could be rotated to get a taste of all the different foods. I was amazed by this creation of a rotating middle section, but since I was lost in communication I did not receive the family meal plan with General Tso’s Chicken. Luckily the Asian waitress was a good sport and felt bad for me due to my stupidity and allowed me to share or basically other people’s meals. This is just another point towards the importance of communication in life and when working with others. After everyone seemed done with the meal there was a huge amount of leftovers. It was to the point that I thought we might be eating Chinese Food the rest of the week. About 5 or 7 boxes full of leftovers! Once officially done with the meal we had limited time to explore the area and so we went our separate ways. Personally I love the sucker gift shops. I went in and got a Shiny Buddha and an authentic bamboo hat. How do I know it’s authentic? Because it was made in China the sticker tells me so. After the quick round of shopping and exploring we all met back up outside the Chinatown archways entrance and headed back to Hyde Park for the night.
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Air-Conditioning? Really?*
Today, we got "oriented" to the CTA, or Chicago Transit Authority--which means the buses and trains. It began with a great overview from Tiffanie (with Lane's help) at the Chicago Center offices in Hyde Park. State Street and Madison form the basis of the Chicago "grid" and Tiffanie taught us how to use the grid to get around. My family and I come into Chicago a few times a year but this was ALL NEW to me so it was great to get the lay of the land.
After the overview was the test: we split into two groups and headed out on adventures. Each group was sent to a CPS (Chicago Public Schools) high school; to a unique, local dining experience; and back to our housing on Hyde Park Blvd. What the Chicago Center folks didn't tell us was that our schools were not right around the corner: our group took a bus and two trains to get to Roosevelt High in the north part of the city. The trip took over an hour. But, of course, like all good pedagogically thinking educators, there was a method to their madness. By the time we returned to our housing in Hyde Park at 4:15, we had the system down. No bus scared us; no train intimidated us; we even weathered a somewhat overt display of bravado from a group of young girls on the bus who tried their hardest to lure us into a bit of loud horse-play. And Kevin was flashed by a young woman sunning on a roof-top in the northside as we traveled on the L. All in all, it was an educational trip.
We visited two high schools--one "small school" with an emphasis on engineering and a neighborhood schools with a center for recent immigrants right in the school. We got a chance to meet with people at the schools and ask questions. At Roosevelt where my group went, we entered through the metal detectors (they weren't activated but we did sign in with security at the door). The presence of security was something new to some of us. We observed in the hall for a while and Kevin was struck by the posturing of confrontation that seemed to be the root of the relationship between the security guards and some of the kids. It was as if the joking challenges were a way of forming a bond.
After getting back to the Boulevard (our housing unit), everyone struck out and ended up at the Lake. It was a beautiful day so it was a great day to check it out.
Finally, we ended the night at "That's Weird, Grandma"--a theater production by Barrel of Monkeys.
* Today was a bit toasty--by 9:00 a.m. it was 75 degrees with 71% humidity and rising. Last night, we slept comfortably in our beds...until around 1:30 a.m., when we all started waking up in pools of sweat. Heat rises, so we on the third floor were starting to cook. Fortunately, Amy and the crew at the Chicago Center got air-conditioners in this afternoon so our bedrooms are nice and cool.
After the overview was the test: we split into two groups and headed out on adventures. Each group was sent to a CPS (Chicago Public Schools) high school; to a unique, local dining experience; and back to our housing on Hyde Park Blvd. What the Chicago Center folks didn't tell us was that our schools were not right around the corner: our group took a bus and two trains to get to Roosevelt High in the north part of the city. The trip took over an hour. But, of course, like all good pedagogically thinking educators, there was a method to their madness. By the time we returned to our housing in Hyde Park at 4:15, we had the system down. No bus scared us; no train intimidated us; we even weathered a somewhat overt display of bravado from a group of young girls on the bus who tried their hardest to lure us into a bit of loud horse-play. And Kevin was flashed by a young woman sunning on a roof-top in the northside as we traveled on the L. All in all, it was an educational trip.
We visited two high schools--one "small school" with an emphasis on engineering and a neighborhood schools with a center for recent immigrants right in the school. We got a chance to meet with people at the schools and ask questions. At Roosevelt where my group went, we entered through the metal detectors (they weren't activated but we did sign in with security at the door). The presence of security was something new to some of us. We observed in the hall for a while and Kevin was struck by the posturing of confrontation that seemed to be the root of the relationship between the security guards and some of the kids. It was as if the joking challenges were a way of forming a bond.
After getting back to the Boulevard (our housing unit), everyone struck out and ended up at the Lake. It was a beautiful day so it was a great day to check it out.
Finally, we ended the night at "That's Weird, Grandma"--a theater production by Barrel of Monkeys.
* Today was a bit toasty--by 9:00 a.m. it was 75 degrees with 71% humidity and rising. Last night, we slept comfortably in our beds...until around 1:30 a.m., when we all started waking up in pools of sweat. Heat rises, so we on the third floor were starting to cook. Fortunately, Amy and the crew at the Chicago Center got air-conditioners in this afternoon so our bedrooms are nice and cool.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Chicago, Here We Come!
At noon today, we boarded the MegaBus in Iowa City and headed east to Chicago. MegaBus is a double-decker bus and we rode on the "top floor." Let me just say this: that top floor sways like a prop plane in a storm! I was SURE we were going to tip right over. I told the students that our assignment on this trip would be to write our wills so, when the bus tips on the trip home, we'll have our affairs in order.
We're in Hyde Park, just blocks from the Obama home. We walked by this afternoon when we got here. It's a great neighborhood and we have lots to do and see. However, it was almost 90 degrees today and super humid so we're kind of just soaking in being here. We had our first adventure on the CTA to get to Chinatown for dinner--one bus, then the red line. It was nice to have our first trip be pretty low stress.
Right now (10:30 at night), there are two very intense games going on: Euchre (card game) in one corner, Apples to Apples [and I believe it's the dirty version so I'm trying not to listen too much] in the other corner. It makes it possible to forget that the heat hasn't broke and won't until Thursday...
Tomorrow, we are off exploring the city.
We're in Hyde Park, just blocks from the Obama home. We walked by this afternoon when we got here. It's a great neighborhood and we have lots to do and see. However, it was almost 90 degrees today and super humid so we're kind of just soaking in being here. We had our first adventure on the CTA to get to Chinatown for dinner--one bus, then the red line. It was nice to have our first trip be pretty low stress.
Right now (10:30 at night), there are two very intense games going on: Euchre (card game) in one corner, Apples to Apples [and I believe it's the dirty version so I'm trying not to listen too much] in the other corner. It makes it possible to forget that the heat hasn't broke and won't until Thursday...
Tomorrow, we are off exploring the city.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Hoop Dreams
Today we took the morning to watch Hoop Dreams, a documentary following the path of two young boys, William Gates and Arthur Agee, who dreamed of becoming professional basketball players. As we followed their two different paths through high school, we saw how important family was to them, role of the school, and the community they grew up in.
As we watched the journeys of these two boys, it made me think about how sports are seen in our society as a whole. Playing basketball at the high school level was called a “career” numerous times throughout the movie. When William gets hurt, it is almost seen as if he doesn’t have a future, unless his knee can be fixed.
I see school as a place to prepare students for their future. I don’t think either of these boys was prepared for their future. They were always thinking basketball and never thought of other career options. They didn’t want to follow in the paths of their fathers, but when it seemed that times were tough, would they follow through with their plans.
William was given the opportunity to succeed in a private high school because of his abilities, while Arthur was sent back to the public school when he didn’t meet expectations. We have been talking a lot about school choice. By creating competition through school choice, how does this affect the quality and type of education provided to students and the students personally?
As we watched the journeys of these two boys, it made me think about how sports are seen in our society as a whole. Playing basketball at the high school level was called a “career” numerous times throughout the movie. When William gets hurt, it is almost seen as if he doesn’t have a future, unless his knee can be fixed.
I see school as a place to prepare students for their future. I don’t think either of these boys was prepared for their future. They were always thinking basketball and never thought of other career options. They didn’t want to follow in the paths of their fathers, but when it seemed that times were tough, would they follow through with their plans.
William was given the opportunity to succeed in a private high school because of his abilities, while Arthur was sent back to the public school when he didn’t meet expectations. We have been talking a lot about school choice. By creating competition through school choice, how does this affect the quality and type of education provided to students and the students personally?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Home Schooling
Today we had the chance to visit the MHSAP office located in Marion. Home schooling is one of few things that I don't know if it's really a benefit or not. The way this program is set up is a very inviting way for a person that knows nothing about the benefits and drawbacks of home schooling. This program was set up and described as more of an off campus school. They really didn't tell us much of how things are run at the home but mainly focused about how their center helps the students. The way they help is through providing the students with extra resources, extra help, and even house visits. When I was doing all my research I didn't find many Home Schooling programs set up like this.
I still have some issues with home schooling. I was hoping that some of these concerns would be whipped out after visiting the MHSAP today. Since the questions I had would of been against home schooling I felt that it would have been inappropriate for today so that is what this blog is for. The first issue I have with home schooling is the fact that you don't follow a traditional lesson of learning. The lessons you learn are the same and the way you learn are almost the same but there to me is a big advantage to a person that is home schooled than anyone else. When you are home schooled you are not on a time track so you get more attention and more help than one would receive in a public, charter, or private school. I don't know anyone that was home schooled and I wanted to know exactly how long do the students have to complete a school term. Because what if they are late with the mastering of a subject, do they receive the extra time needed to complete it or do they receive a failing grade. That is my second issue, do they fail? The administrators never really talked of how a student could fail. If the student cant fail than that is another big problematic advantage. I understand they do have to take the standardized tests but where are these taken... At home, or in an actual school setting?
The biggest issue that I have with the idea of home schooling is how do they prepare you for college. Home schooling is independent but how would one prepare for the pressure of college and trying to socially fit in? It takes some skill to survive in a competitive college and I don't think home schooling prepares you for the pressure that is put on one in this intense social environment. A big university would be a huge challenge for a person that is home schooled because the classes are very large and it would be hard to stop the classes to ask a small question. Above all how does some one that has had individual help all through their schooling learn to survive with little to no individual help in college. Now I know this is not how it is at every college because Coe would be the perfect fit for a person that is home schooled because of the small class sizes, and the help that every professor is willing to give. At the same time not every class at Coe is small and not every teacher is the same, or willing to take the extra time out to attend to one persons needs.
Now I'm curious to know the opinions of my classmates and if they agree or disagree with me. So feel free to say what ever and present any opinion that you have so that we may see every ones' opinion on if home schooling is the way to go or is not the way to go.
I still have some issues with home schooling. I was hoping that some of these concerns would be whipped out after visiting the MHSAP today. Since the questions I had would of been against home schooling I felt that it would have been inappropriate for today so that is what this blog is for. The first issue I have with home schooling is the fact that you don't follow a traditional lesson of learning. The lessons you learn are the same and the way you learn are almost the same but there to me is a big advantage to a person that is home schooled than anyone else. When you are home schooled you are not on a time track so you get more attention and more help than one would receive in a public, charter, or private school. I don't know anyone that was home schooled and I wanted to know exactly how long do the students have to complete a school term. Because what if they are late with the mastering of a subject, do they receive the extra time needed to complete it or do they receive a failing grade. That is my second issue, do they fail? The administrators never really talked of how a student could fail. If the student cant fail than that is another big problematic advantage. I understand they do have to take the standardized tests but where are these taken... At home, or in an actual school setting?
The biggest issue that I have with the idea of home schooling is how do they prepare you for college. Home schooling is independent but how would one prepare for the pressure of college and trying to socially fit in? It takes some skill to survive in a competitive college and I don't think home schooling prepares you for the pressure that is put on one in this intense social environment. A big university would be a huge challenge for a person that is home schooled because the classes are very large and it would be hard to stop the classes to ask a small question. Above all how does some one that has had individual help all through their schooling learn to survive with little to no individual help in college. Now I know this is not how it is at every college because Coe would be the perfect fit for a person that is home schooled because of the small class sizes, and the help that every professor is willing to give. At the same time not every class at Coe is small and not every teacher is the same, or willing to take the extra time out to attend to one persons needs.
Now I'm curious to know the opinions of my classmates and if they agree or disagree with me. So feel free to say what ever and present any opinion that you have so that we may see every ones' opinion on if home schooling is the way to go or is not the way to go.
Friday, May 14, 2010
North Lawndale College Preparatory High School
Three Questions
Here are mine:
1) Can we see it? :) Is the charter on file? How closely related is the charter to the school mission? Is the mission an adaptation of the charter?
2) Why? Why do all the work and all the research to apply for the charter without set knowledge that you will get the charter?
3) Do students fail? How does NLCP handle students who fail?
Here are mine:
1) Can we see it? :) Is the charter on file? How closely related is the charter to the school mission? Is the mission an adaptation of the charter?
2) Why? Why do all the work and all the research to apply for the charter without set knowledge that you will get the charter?
3) Do students fail? How does NLCP handle students who fail?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Day Two: The Emotion of Reform
Today, we met at the Iowa City Public Library and discussed the introduction and first essay in Mike Rose's book, Why School? In particular, we discussed the idea of collectivism versus individualism as a basis for public education policies.
We then went to a local Iowa City elementary school and talked to the principal about the climate in Iowa City as the school board prepares to change enrollment boundaries to meet the needs of the community growth and redistribution. This principal shared with us the complicated and emotional process of accommodating upwards of 60-plus students last August as two schools were put on the SINA list in town. This principal's school was the destination of all the students of schools on the east side of town who opted out of their SINA schools. The principal shared with us stories of helping families, staff, and--most importantly--kids navigate the changes involved in school growth. She lamented her lack of time to work with her staff to address everything from physical space for new classes to cultural competency about new students, as the changes to her school came fast and furious within two weeks of the start of the school year last fall. The principal told us that only in the past two weeks (with less than four weeks left in the school year) has she felt like the atmosphere at the school has settled and the apprehensive tension she felt all year had subsided. I was grateful for her time, her candor, and her honesty about the pain, anger, and frustration associated with policy decisions that touch some many lives.
[I'm DISTRACTED by hour FOUR of the Iowa City School Board meeting currently running live on public access television. I just watched the board members spend 30 minutes voting and voting against another work session to discuss boundary changes. Once it was determined that they would NOT have a work session, they are now...getting to work. :) Hour FOUR!!]
Tomorrow: A Right Denied. Secret Readers. And considering private versus public school teaching.
We then went to a local Iowa City elementary school and talked to the principal about the climate in Iowa City as the school board prepares to change enrollment boundaries to meet the needs of the community growth and redistribution. This principal shared with us the complicated and emotional process of accommodating upwards of 60-plus students last August as two schools were put on the SINA list in town. This principal's school was the destination of all the students of schools on the east side of town who opted out of their SINA schools. The principal shared with us stories of helping families, staff, and--most importantly--kids navigate the changes involved in school growth. She lamented her lack of time to work with her staff to address everything from physical space for new classes to cultural competency about new students, as the changes to her school came fast and furious within two weeks of the start of the school year last fall. The principal told us that only in the past two weeks (with less than four weeks left in the school year) has she felt like the atmosphere at the school has settled and the apprehensive tension she felt all year had subsided. I was grateful for her time, her candor, and her honesty about the pain, anger, and frustration associated with policy decisions that touch some many lives.
[I'm DISTRACTED by hour FOUR of the Iowa City School Board meeting currently running live on public access television. I just watched the board members spend 30 minutes voting and voting against another work session to discuss boundary changes. Once it was determined that they would NOT have a work session, they are now...getting to work. :) Hour FOUR!!]
Tomorrow: A Right Denied. Secret Readers. And considering private versus public school teaching.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day One
Today, we met as a class and considered some of the over-arching issues related to education and schooling in terms of reform.
Those ideas included:
Dual Language Schools Daniell
Single Sex Schools and Classrooms Liesl
School Choice Emily
Positive Behavior System Danielle
Year Round School Keri
Home Schooling Cedric
At-Risk Education Cari
Afrocentric Education Kevin
One of my goals this month is to constantly ask why: why is dual language schooling criticized? why do we no longer use the term "at-risk" or at least no longer use it as much as we used to? why does school choice challenge the core fundamentals of our democratic society?
As we proceed, I encourage you as students to ask the same types of questions. For better or for worse, I am pretty comfortable saying there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to finding what works in schooling.
[Why do I use the term "schooling" as opposed to "education"? Is there a difference? Should there be?]
Those ideas included:
Dual Language Schools Daniell
Single Sex Schools and Classrooms Liesl
School Choice Emily
Positive Behavior System Danielle
Year Round School Keri
Home Schooling Cedric
At-Risk Education Cari
Afrocentric Education Kevin
One of my goals this month is to constantly ask why: why is dual language schooling criticized? why do we no longer use the term "at-risk" or at least no longer use it as much as we used to? why does school choice challenge the core fundamentals of our democratic society?
As we proceed, I encourage you as students to ask the same types of questions. For better or for worse, I am pretty comfortable saying there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to finding what works in schooling.
[Why do I use the term "schooling" as opposed to "education"? Is there a difference? Should there be?]
Welcome
This is the blog for the Coe College May Term '10 Equity in Education class. Follow along as eight students and one fearless leader tackle topics ranging from the social, political, and legal history of school segregation to the current trends in educational attainment by race, class, and gender, in order to better understand the complicated nature of educational reform and educational stagnation in American schools.
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