Still Separate, Still Unequal (Argument)

 Film Precious Knowledge : Video Analysis

The NY Times article Still Separate, Still Unequal by Keith Meatto argues that although segregation has been illegal for 65 years but American Public School are still are struggling from being largely separated as well as unequal. In recent Times article states "“More than half of the nation’s schoolchildren are in racially concentrated districts, where over 75 percent of students are either white or nonwhite.” Most Americans don't even realize that this is the reality that we are all living in separating students by their ethnicity living in these neighborhoods with one largely populated ethnicity. This article then goes on to explain six activities that correlation to the study of schools segregation and Educational Inequality. One look at data for United States Department of Education can be looked at through visualization. Second you can dive into a case study fo specific schools. For instance Charlottesville had two students who grew up in the same church, both blue collar parents, and playing on the same t-ball team the only difference was where the two girls lived one on the north side in a predominantly white neighborhood and the other on the south side in a predominantly black neighborhood. Third the relationship between school segregation and funding inequality. Meaning some districts have more money to put towards their education while others lower income area schools do not get the same amount of funding this is a direct correlation to segregation in our schools. Fourth look into legal action against segregation and educational inequality. For instance one parent went to the courts due to the fact that he believed that zoning and policies were set so that racially segregation could occur in schools. Fifth idea alternative to integration. Finding alternatives like a school in NYC that is well known for its integration in its schooling. Sixth idea would be to learn more on your own and take the action your voice could be heard through the power of writing  an essay, interview, writing a letter, and discussing the issue. Meatto's argument seems to be very valid through all of these activities. 

Connections/Comments: All in all I can see how the NYTimes has created this article and believes segregation still occurs in our society today. I think another big factor is comfort for students they also gravitate towards there own ethnicities. We need integration so that students of all backgrounds can feel comfortable together. 

 Schools Are Still Highly Unequal

What To Look For In A Classroom Khon (Connections)

    Reading and watching the video I have seen many connections to Johnson reading in the aspect of what to look for in a classroom especially in the column of good signs. Johnson's connections to privilege in power by the teachers and the superior class can be seen in the columns. In this aspect I think it's more of the power within the classroom and for the teacher. Khon speaks about how a classroom should have groups of desks making the space more open for talking for students instead of the classic rows the rows show a sense of power in the classroom setting as well as the idea that the teacher should be in the front of the classroom  to be seen right away when you walk into a classroom. This is something that I think connects to Johnson because this can make students feel silenced and that their opinion does not matter in the classroom environment creating a very serious unwelcoming atmosphere for students. Johnson and Khon both touch upon the idea that equality and equity is needed in the classroom to have success for students and having a plain environment or displaying the work of other students that did better on a piece instead of others in the classroom is not a useful thing todo especially because it can make others feel less then. As educators you should be creating a classroom that is warm and inviting that allows students to feel comfortable this wont only help them but it's also beneficial to the teacher it makes learning more fun and easier for students to engage and learn. Pros and Cons of Seating Groups 

Comments: I think that this is a stigma of just being old school and how teachers were always the enforcement and the first to be seen in the classroom he one at the head of the room. I think that this is begin to change and evolve. 

Joathan Kozol (Extended Comments)

    Today I'm doing extended comments on Matts blog. I agree with his blog I think that as a society the culture we are born into is the idea of what normal life is but in reality it's crazy to think that in this case that is someones normal its Cliffe's in his reality people being killed on street corners and situations that involve high levels of crime is normal for him thats his culture. Like Matt had mentioned his reality is very different coming from Smithfield. As for myself coming from Cranston I think I live in safe neighborhood well known area but hearing of a break in or a robbery or stabbing isn't completely shocking. We all have different normals and I think we need to remember that our normals are what makes us all different and unique. For Cliffe he grew up always checking his back and knowing that being shot was always a possibility. I also grew up in a city or environment that violence is never the answer but I did know that its a possibility you always need to be aware of your surroundings. Thats my normal and it is sad to think that Cliffe and children like him had to grow up in that environment. Again though this is what makes us all different and this world so diverse weather its where you live, your socio economic status or even your ethnicity.  https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/