In Chapter 14, there were many different topics mentioned to better understand the globalization of America and its affect on the American schools. In my opinion of the most important text, is the idea of “deculturalization of minority cultures” and how it could affect any Non-American individuals.
Throughout the text, we focused on the concerns of minority groups. Some of the most prominent issues they faced were discrimination, poverty, etc. In Chapter 14, I noticed the determination amongst these groups, Native Americans per say, to better the school system, with the understandings of their cultural heritage and languages; also known as “indigenous people.” According to the text, these were individuals who “have a group and cultural identity distinct from dominant national societies.” In 2007, the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People, it planned to restore the importance of schooling to natives. According to this plan, indigenous people had the right to:
-establish/control their own institutions with information similar to their culture, using specific teaching methods
-children of these individuals have advantage of all grade levels without facing discrimination
-children received an education in their own culture provided with their own language
This seems like a very good idea for immigrants from the past to present. However, in American society diversity is important in educational settings. As the schedule for this class states, the most learning will happen in the classroom, along with the readings done prior to the class session. Learning from our peers and the individuals around us is very important. In my opinion these Native Americans would lack the experience of meeting new individuals from different countries and learning new ideas to further assist them in class and their future. Most of my family members are from South America, Guyana. They are now a part of the “Melting Pot”, America. Upon arrival, cultural traits still existed. However, over the years they have adapted to the fast /educational lifestyle we Americans live. The outside appearance of American society has taken over, but mentally cultural values still exist in the household. I feel that’s how the Native Americans should have practiced. They were discriminated against but being secluded in one area, one school setting gives them the opportunity to isolate themselves from the outside world; with no space to broaden their horizon on the issues surrounding them.
As I previously mentioned, one of my family members who was well-educated in Guyana, came to the U.S and was held back a grade then her current grade status. It was very shocking that this had occurred. There was never exactly a clear description as to why it occurred, however she was from outside of the United States. So I can understand why Native Americans wanted to take the route of being their own learning system, life would be much easier and set perceptions of non-Americans would make life much easier. Do you think the American classrooms (teachers and other students), to this day intimidate children who are from different countries, and affect their performance? If so, in what ways? Is there a set perception for students who are from other countries in the school system, today?
As we discussed in other classes, having same sex gendered schools can affect/ or not affect the individuals learning. However, do you feel same cultured classrooms affect students in a positive/negative way? Would this process of repetitiveness in immigrants cultural classrooms, set them back for job opportunities which demands a strong sense of experience in different skills and diversed environments? Or do you feel an American style education is more beneficial for any student?
