Moving Around

It was interesting to listen to the opinions and comments made in regard to transiency in class today. We discussed how many students change schools either throughout the year, or from year to year, and its effects on children. Of course one may find it difficult to begin learning certain subject matters in a class, then go to a new school in the middle of the year, and be learning either the same thing or something far more advanced and have to catch up. Also, the child may even be bored with the subject material and feel there is not point in trying. One must take into account why the child has changed schools as well. Was it because a parent changed his or her job? Because his or her parents got a divorce? These situations may also change the way a child behaves in a classroom.

On a more personal note, I am a nanny for an eight year old(third grade) who has a few learning disabilities. This is his third school he is attending. Today we were talking about different things going on in his school, and he mentioned twice that he had made no friends, and it is hard to make new friends in a new school. He also told me how the children in his class had voted for a campaign manager, and when I asked him if he had run for office, he replied, "Nobody would vote for me, I have no friends!" This really made me feel sorry for the kid! I mean, who wouldn't?? Each year he's in a new school and has to make new friends, become familiar with new faculty, different classrooms, different schedules, etc. We all know what those first day jitters are like! I really feel that with children who have to change their school so often, it can greatly hinder their learning. It makes me wonder if he would work harder in school and be more enthusiastic about it if he had more friends. And I would think that he would be more enthusiastic to participate in school activities if he didn't have such a negative attitude about how he is looked at by his peers.

As a future teacher, I feel it is crucial to take new students under our wings, make sure they are adjusting as best as they can, and do what we can to make that child feel safe and comfortable.

To our fellow friends: The Martians

We live in a world where all are offered the same basic educational opportunities. There are other educational opportunities available, but at additional costs. These options are usually afforded to students of parents of means (money) and race (in this case Caucasian). In most cases, these parents of means and race congregate together in specific communities. The schools in these communities obviously reflect this demographic makeup. If the community is more affluent, the educational system can be better, and the children in it have more opportunities. This practice though not illegal, does tend to separate students of different races and means. For example, if you look at a school district where the majority of the school’s population is of a certain race, you can safely assume that the town is made up of the same demographic breakdown.

Our students are diverse and primarily speak or are learning a language other than English. School attendance is mandatory according to the Federal Government. The education of the students starts at age five and continues until the child has completed thirteen years of schooling or reaches the age of eighteen, whichever comes first. The public school system is responsible for teaching the vast majority of students (86%). There are additional schooling options available to students. Parents can pay additional funds to send their children to Private or Parochial (religious based) schools. They can also be taught at home, most commonly by the parents. The number who attend these types of schools are small ( roughly 14%). All public schools are not created equal though. The quality of the school and what is taught is determined by the community at large. As stated above, parents of means naturally congregate together; therefore, in most cases, they can afford a better educational experience for their children. Once the student finishes the pre-requisite schooling, they may attend a school of higher learning. They may choose the focus of this higher education but are required to pay additional funds, which can be costly. Again money is a large factor.

Unlike our students, our teachers are less culturally diverse. Due to gender based stereotypes, many men are shun from educating young children; hance, the majority of our teachers are females. They are experienced and well educated. Most of them have advanced degrees. Schools in the above mentioned “communities of means” have more qualified teachers than communities of lesser means. Again, the point is stressed that the community is the primary indicator for the racial makeup in a school and the quality of education.

First Day of Class

Thursday, September 6, was the first day of Public Purposes of Education! As usual, I am overwhelmed by the new semester, hoping that it goes smoothly. And since I know very little about computers, I hope that after writing my blogs they are actually posted! Our professor is very enthusiastic, which definitely makes me more enthusiastic about the class too. I am starting this semester with a positive outlook, and I hope that it ends just as positive.

Reaction to "A Public Education Primer"

"A Public Education Primer" covers an overview of the US Education System using data from the Center of Education Policy, including everything from who and where are the students, who controls public education, how well students are achieving, and what the public school teaching force is like to name a few. After reading this article, I question why it is that nine out of ten teachers are white, and almost eight out of ten are female. Furthermore, I can directly relate it to my subject field (dance education) as well as who the majority of who my students will be.


Many are aware that after the Civil War, it was common for teachers to be white females. As mentioned before, nine out of ten teachers are white and eight out of ten are females. Is this culturally influenced? Even though women have equal rights and may choose to perform any job they wish, why still teaching? We have equal rights but I still feel strongly that women would have a rough time in a "man's job" like construction. Similarly, it is immediately assumed that a male who is an elementary school teacher is a pervert or petifile. Why is that? As much as we would like to say we are all created equal in the US, not everyone is treated equally, especially in the workforce.


I am a dance education major, and although there are only a few of us in this new major, we are all females. The dance department as a whole is comprised of 99% (a rough guess) females and 1% males. Once again, this seems to be a female major. Why is that? From personal experiences, the straight guys who are dance majors are constantly having their sexuality questioned by others. In today's society, many men and women are against homosexuality, and the fear for being thought of as gay turns many away from this major. Male friends of mine are also disinterested to attend any sort of dance performance with me. Not necessarily because people may think they are homosexual for going, but because it is not something that interests them. I suppose this is the same as how I am not interested in sports. So this brings me to my next question, does it have to do with the way we are brought up? As a little girl I was given dolls and dress up clothes to play with, whereas my male cousins had trains, cars, and batman. It makes me wonder as to whether or not my likes and dislikes would be different if I was taught otherwise as a child. I feel society influences their children which shapes their beliefs on what is appropriate for males and females.

Moreover, I can expect to teach a class mainly comprised of females, but I hope that this will change. Is there an effort to help this change? I feel it is important to educate males about this subject, even if they wish not to dance.