1. The Problem of Equity: Culture, Class, and School Chapter 9

2. Anybody can make it in America, if they only try 1.I totally agree with 2.Is way over simplified 3.Is true for “normal” people

3. Anybody can make it, if they have the right parents and $$$$. 1.I totally agree with 2.Is way over simplified 3.Is true for “normal” people

4. In America, social class is more important than race for success I agree I disagree

5. The uneven educational playing field The best and the brightest here versus abroad America is unique in how it attempts to educate its citizens How schools are financed Achievement gap…NCLB holds to the same high standards

6. What is race? Historically has changed definitions U.S. Census Bureau: white, black, Hispanic, Asian, Native Many are bicultural or multicultural Racism: an attitude that results in an action of discrimination

7. In America 1.It’s impossible to not be racist 2.Older people are much more racist than the young 3.Racism is getting much better than before

8. At U.M.D. 1.Racism is not a problem 2.I see racism every day 3.Racism happens, but is rare

9. The Achievement Gap At every level black children score lower than white, and the gap widens with time Same with reading, but lower rate of widening The gap between blacks and whites in college has increased in the past 20 years Explaining the difference between Cuban/Mexican and Vietnamese/Cambodian

10. Social Class Generally speaking refers to a group of people with a shared economic and social status…the two are linked Primary factor in the quantity and quality of education that a child receives Curriculum based on social class (to maintain the order)

11. Theories Explaining the Achievement Gap Biological Explanations Arthur Jensen…80% of intelligence is inborn, Herrnstein and Murray The Bell Curve (60% inborn) Analytical intelligence, versus creative or practical intelligence (Sternberg) Cultural Explanations From cultural deprivation to cultural fit Voluntary and Involuntary Immigrants

12. Political Explanations Jean Anyon…five schools in a range of socioeconomic levels Teaching-learning…huge differences, from rote learning, following rules, little choice, little explanation to finding the right answer with explanation to creative and independent activities, critical thinking, problem solving, application of concepts Preparing children for their future “place” in society through the hidden curriculum

13. More reasons for the Achievement Gap Unequal school resources Digital divide Ability grouping and tracking Teacher expectation effect

14. Culture A dynamic, creative, and continuous process including behaviors, values, and substance learned and shared by people that guides them in their struggle for survival and gives meaning to their lives Affects ways of thinking, Family, Authority, Language

15. Equitable schools Addresses the racial/cultural/social-class achievement gaps Multicultural curriculum Insures all students are involved Respects the local community Celebrates diversity Seeks out family participation High academic expectations

16. Equitable schools Holds students and staff responsible for their work Advanced classes and extracurriculars that students choose Many opportunities for informed student choice Ensure students learn skills to thrive in the mainstream Participatory democracy Establishes norms of community and practices them Advocates for students and the community Employs teachers interested in learning about cultures other than their own