Schools today are more segregated than many might think. I for one, learned a great deal about our education system and how schools have yet to earn the title of being fully "integrated" from this module.
When the question comes up if our schools are as segregated as they were in the past, my immediate response was, of course not. However, as I began to research, uncover and educate myself I began to realize we are actually in the same boat and its sinking. Though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally prohibited racial discrimination, this doesn't mean we don't still see this take place day to day.
Red lining separated whites neighborhoods from black and Latinos neighborhoods. Black and Latino families were not allowed loans, benefits and could not cross over to the white neighborhoods simply because of the color of their skin. Therefore, as one side grew and prospered, the other struggled and fought. This carries on into todays world and we still see the repercussions of it.
In schools, we see teachers separate students for a "variety of reasons" and this causes questions to come up. Students have yet to become fully integrated into schools due the continued segregation, myths and constructs that have continued to circulate. In order for schools to become fully integrated, we must look past one another's differences and offer the same education opportunities for everyone. Every student deserves the respect and the time to be heard and seen in schools. They deserved to be seen and heard not only from the teachers and the school but also from their peers, which is why it is important for teachers to have a philosophy in class that is grounded upon respect and unity. Without this, success for every student will be missed.
Hi Kenzie! I also was recently educated about how schools are still segregated. The system fails students when they see their family may be struggling more than others and puts them in different schools. Every student deserves the same education, a high quality education even. I hope to see the change soon. It's so sad when you think about how long racism has occurred in the school system and has yet to change.
ReplyDeleteHey Alyssa! I am very grateful for this module because it has opened my eyes to a lot. I hope to see change very soon as well because I we have learned how vital it is for the success of all students!
Delete-Kenzie Jones
Hi Kenzie! After going over everything in this chapter, I agree that schools are more segregated than many people want to believe. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 may have legally prohibited racial discrimination but that didn't mean people were actually going to stop doing it. If anything it made the White Americans mad and gave them more reason to act out towards African Americans and other minorities, and then just simply deny it. At that time, who were the cops more likely to believe or even just side with no matter the situation? It's sad that even in today's school system we're still seeing segregation from teachers. I agree with you, in order for us to be fully integrated, we must look past one another's differences and focus on giving the children an equal and fair educational opportunity. I know in my future classroom that is my main goal.
ReplyDeleteHey Kady! Thanks for commenting on my post!
DeleteNot only has this module shed a light on segregation in the school systems but it has also reminded me of our past module about teaching philosophies. I love that you are already thinking about what is going to be a priority in your classroom because that is crucial to a successful classroom!
-Kenzie Jones
Hi Kenzie! I had a super similar experience going through the module. My initial response in thinking about if schools were still segregated as they were in the past was no. However, as I watched the first few videos, my opinion began to quickly change. It is insane to me that our education system is still so far from equitable and integrated. There is a great deal of work to be done if we are to achieve this goal. The lines that separated Black and Latino individuals from white individuals has kept them in a cyclical, generation poverty that continues to have grave effects on the level and quality of education available and accessible to their children. Even if Black and Latino children are able to attend a school that is well-funded and rich in opportunity, the likelihood that their White peers will receive preferential treatment is high. Many teachers who have internalized harmful narratives will dumb down material for students of color, operating under the assumption that they are unable to perform at the same level as their peers. Such stereotypes continue to plague our education system, resulting in classrooms that are divided rather than united.
ReplyDeleteHey Naomi!
DeleteYes! That first video that was provided for us, truly gave me a much better understanding. These stereotypes that have been circulating do continue to have a negative light on students and school systems and it must change.
-Kenzie Jones
Hey Kenzie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about what you learned in the modules. When the “are schools still segregated?’” question is asked, just like you I thought they were not. I thought that because Brown v. Board of Education overturned segregation in schools, there was no segregation. But that is just what they teach us from the textbooks. Teachers teach history lessons about segregation and end it with things like “that is why we are all able to be in school together” without talking about the segregation that continues to happen. Segregation is talked about like it is a thing of the past but that is far from true. To make schools more integrated, everyone involved in the education system needs to be on the same page. They need to have the same goals for making the schools more integrated and they need to implement plans that will benefit all students. They also need to realize the difference between equality and equity and know that both are needed. The people who hold the power of a child’s education should prepare and educate themselves as much as they can so they can be able to do whatever is needed to give all students the same opportunity. As Dr. Tiffany Anderson said in Equity Now: Realizing the Promise of Brown v. Board of Education, “we need to change the mindsets before we change practice.” What is inside will be what is poured out.
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