Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Chapter Two Reflection
I thought this chapter was great because it introduced the test scores of students around the country. I liked how they compared the scores of different grade levels, content levels, and race. Based off the information, the largest gap was between African American and Caucasian students. On page 26 in the textbook the authors included a diagram that explains all the Multiple Worlds and all the variables that that effect test scores and looking at the big picture a child's life. A goal of teachers is to help close the wide gap of test scores, but it takes a movement of society to drastically change this. Since it is a big circle, every portion of the circle must contribute. The authors suggest instead of looking at a specific race, teachers need to start looking at the individual student and that student's needs. Once teachers become in tune of how their students best succeed, I believe the gap will begin to close.
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I completely agree with your last statement. I was so glad to see that the authors pointed out the importance of viewing each student as an individual with his/her own unique set of motivations, customs, beliefs, family and community ties, etc. In discussing the need to appreciate and embrace the diversity present in our nation (and in this case our classrooms), we often lump groups together based on their ethnicity and overlook the diversity within each of these groups. This is stereotyping, which comes with its own set of problems that might well lead to just as many setbacks and misunderstandings in the classroom as ignoring diversity entirely.
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