Kozol gives readers a better understanding of her experiences at numerous schools in different states. He has given description of all the topics we covered in class thus far. For example, the idea that teacher salary should be higher. In addition, the text brought some useful information for prospective teachers, and education majors/minors to have knowledge on.
I thought this was very important for Kozol to see as a teacher:
“I decided, early in my journey, to attempt to listen very carefully to children and whenever possible, to let their voice and their judgments and their longings find a place within this book- and maybe, too, within the nations dialogue about their destinies. I hope that, in this effort, I have done them justice.”
It is important to know both sides of a story. It is obvious the performance from these low-income schools may depict the learning ability amongst the student body. However, to improve some of the underlying issues in these educational institutions students should have a voice. In order for change, feedback/ the voice of students are necessary as well as teachers. It was very interesting that Kozol understood the principle of understanding the student’s opinion while learning takes place in the classroom. As I learned in my previous education course, an intentional teacher is willing to learn from students and growth will occur from there, on.Kozol has very similar characteristics as an intentional teacher.
According to the text, a pupil funds averaged $5,500 whereas, in the suburbs funding levels were about $11, 00. Throughout the semester, the idea of socioeconomic status is quite a concern in any child’s educational learning experience. Do you think the lesser the funds put into ones education may affect their learning or performance level? I feel that is very similar to higher education For example, when in a SUNY school the tuition is approximately $8,000- $14,000.Whereas in a CUNY school the tuition is around $5, 000 per academic year. In addition to external factors (personal issues, or responsibilities) does the funding have an impact on the student’s lifestyle, their perception on school and striving for a decent quality education?
Kozol provides readers with very specific descriptions of the conditions students faced in their schools. In this article, teens in specific communities are given the opportunity to catch up with work, due to prior failure. Should programs like the credit recovery be implemented in all NY schools/grades, in lower-income neighborhoods? Then again, would students take advantage of it?
