Ry Andella - Schooling For Social Justice

School should be a place where kids are excited to learn, but most classrooms feel too strict and controlled. Alfie Kohn, in his article "What to Look for in a Classroom," argues that education should focus more on curiosity rather than strict obedience. He believes that instead of making students sit quietly and follow orders, schools should encourage discussions, group projects, and hands-on learning. When students have choices in how they learn, they actually understand and remember the material better. Kohn also talks about how traditional classrooms are set up to make teachers the ones in charge of everything. The problem with that is it stops students from thinking for themselves. If kids were allowed to move around, work together, and ask more questions, they would be more engaged in learning. A good classroom isn’t just about keeping everything organized, it’s about creating an environment where students feel comfortable exploring new ideas. In the end, schools need ...

Schools today still have a lot of rules and restrictions, just like the article talks about. Security has gotten even stricter, with cameras, metal detectors, and even police officers on campus. While these are meant to keep students safe, they also make schools feel like places of control instead of learning. On top of that, schools monitor students online, sometimes even outside of school, which takes away privacy. Instead of encouraging curiosity and independence, schools often focus on making sure students follow rules without questioning them. Discipline is another big issue, especially for students of color who are punished more harshly than their white classmates. Even though people talk about fixing the school to prison pipeline, suspensions and expulsions still happen way too often. Schools also rely heavily on standardized testing, which makes learning feel more about memorization than creativity. A lot of schools have even cut down on recess and arts programs just to make m...

 Ethnic studies are crucial because they help students, especially those from marginalized communities, feel more connected to their education. Carlos's experience with Chicano studies shows how these programs can completely change how students see themselves and their potential. Unlike traditional classes, which often overlook the realities of people of color, ethnic studies offer perspectives that make learning more meaningful and relatable. In most schools, mainstream courses mainly focus on Euro-American perspectives, leaving out the histories and struggles of many racial and ethnic groups. Textbooks mostly highlight White narratives, giving little space to African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans. This creates a false idea that racism is just a thing of the past, rather than an ongoing issue. Without a more inclusive education, students don’t get the full picture of how race has shaped society. Ethnic studies became a movement in 1968 when students of color demanded an...

I have a student in my classroom who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. They were members of an integrated classroom and were seen as a disturbance. On the first day of my placement, I was cautioned about this student and informed the reason was "Asburgers syndrome." However, I frequently discover that the teacher's refusal to allow the student to speak is what causes the student to become more disruptive. This child is a 7th grade student in Pawtucket, RI. This child is a male student with brown hair and glasses. I was told he has a greater gross income and was homeschooled until last year. Because of his needs, transitioning from homeschooling to a traditional school system may be difficult. One instance of my teacher perceiving him as a problem was when he called out for the third or fourth time in one class. She then moved his desk from the others and faced it towards the wall. He was having problems watching her teach in the front of the classroo...