Do schools mirror the society we live in?
Do we have equitable educational systems in place to support our student’s future?
Check out Part 2 of our episode today on Spotify!
And make sure you go back and listen to Part 1!
“The reason why things are taboo is because people in power don’t want you to talk about it.”
Lina Ragin
Today, in our episode, we talked about:
- Making Test Prep fun and differentiating instruction
- How schools “turn kids off” to learning
- Highlighting people of color in music class
- Taboos in education
- Charter Schools reinforcing the penal system
- Schools that lack social emotional learning don’t create stable, healthy adults
- School wide, connected curriculum
- The importance of understanding the community you work in
- Understanding the developmental levels of children
- How to better understand and involve families in school
- And lastly, how we need more social workers in our schools
What I learned from our interview!
In order to create and equitable community for students and families, schools need to:
- create sincere connections with the families and the students they serve
- invest their time in the inner, emotional lives of their students
- dedicate time to understanding the surrounding neighborhood and community
- take time to learn about a families traditions and culture
- connect school life to home life and have a curriculum that reflects the connection
When honest connections are made, schools become nurturing communities for students to grow and thrive.
Unfortunately, most schools mirror the inequitable society we live in…
Many schools refuse to create these environments for children. Therefore, emotionally unstable children eventually become emotionally suppressed adults. In addition, school environments may feel police-like. Student voice and choice may not exist! These relationships are damaging for the adult and the child as they are not sustainable, comfortable or worthwhile.
Many students feel powerless in these systems but are not allowed to express their discomfort or share their culture. They internalize these feelings, and as they grow, fall into a similar pattern. The cycle of abuse continues.
High Test Scores above Emotionally Competent Humans?
Schools that dismiss the importance of emotional intelligence are typically driven by high achievement, standards and test scores. Sadly, most teachers are better prepared to help kids find the answer to a word problem then support them developmentally. This is very clear in many charter schools where teachers yell in the faces of Kindergartners and tell them to “act like a professional”. True story. This poses the question, should all teachers understand basic psychology? YES!
These types of schools are becoming more and more popular in low-income communities where parents don’t have many options. Parents may have to choose between a failing public school or a militant charters focused on standardized tests. This can be dehumanizing on both sides!
Lastly, school can be a sanctuary for children. Most of the time, schools miss the opportunity to bring connection into their schools. What can we do to start connecting kids to the material and fostering open connection with family and students thinking differently about our educational system! Listen to our conversation BELOW!
Check out Teachers Inspired for more information on our mission!
Interested in more resources on social justice?
Check out our article on Black Lives Matter at School, Social Justice Books for Kids, Social Justice Resources of Teachers.
Also ,check out our conversation with Wendy Cole on Teaching Social Justice in Pre School!
Lastly, check us out on Instagram and Spotify!