This article really interested me because it makes the connection between the classroom and community. I have heard this idea before, but I never read into detail. The point that really caught my attention was comparing students to citizens of the community. The first quote that stood out to me was about individuals being judged in society. "Those who appear not to make use of these conditions (supposedly open to all), or who appear to lack the potential to accrue privileges, are systemically devalued as less than full citizens- charged as they are with having the difference that matter." I believe this quote explains not only how people are judged in society, but how they are separated in schools. If children don't meet a specific standards, even at a young age, they are put into a different learning envrionment. This relates back to the idea that is if an individual does not fit the norms of society they are automatically outcasted. Another great point that is brought up is discussing schooling and democracy. "Success in life reuires an ability to form relationships with other who make up the web of community." In schools we should be teaching children how to be successful in the community. A large factor of being success is being able to interact with people surrounding you. If students are divided based on learning ability it may not do them any justice in the long run.
I enjoyed reading the story about Shayne and her story about the children in the classroom performing Where The Wild Things Are. By thinking creativily Shayne was able to have each student, including Issac, that each student can contribute to the classroom community in a different way by using their strengths. By allowing the students to put on this production it allowed the students to interact with one another, use creativity and build communication skills. I think this story is one that each student going into education should read or hear about. There does not always need to be a clear cut answer on how to teach children. Children learn differently, at different paces and have different strengths.
A point that Shayne brings up about her students realtes back to the idea of community. "To value another is to recognize diversity as the norm. It establishes the equal worth of all schoolchildren, a snese that we all benefit from each other, and the fundamental right of every student to belong." (pg. 79)
I COMPLETELY agree with this quote. I don't think schools should separate children based on learning abilities, at least for the entire school day. In a communtiy everyone should be treated equally and taken into consideration, and not outcasted for being different. I believe that a classroom should be like a community. People spend large amounts of time together, interact from one another, and benefit from one another. If children with learning disabilities or anyone who is "different" is separated is not going to be a true member of the community. If a teacher takes the time to know her/his own students individually, then each student should remain in the class. I think the biggest benefits would include strong communication skills, respect for one another, acceptance and finding your own strengths.
I agree with your last quote, separating schools depending on childrens learning abilities would be a very bad idea. The children that aren't as smart wouldn't get smarter because they would all be at a lower level with no chance to challenge themselves. I think kids that learn slower are usually helped by kids that learn faster.
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