Holler if you hear me

If You Hear Me: The education of a teacher and his students

Tracking

Students know they are put in "tracks."

Students know they are in the "dumb" class or the "smart" class.

Students in the "low" track are taught differently, not giving them opportunities to achieve a higher level of education.

Students in the "low-achieving" class risk having a low self-esteem, resulting in acting out in class, which also results in being stereotyped by teachers and the adminstration.

Dominant culture curriculum

Students from low-income areas are disproportionately minority students (mainly African- and Latino-American), who are from different cultural backgrounds.

The curriculum that is taught in public schools pertains mostly, if not completely, to the dominant culture, which in this country is European-American.

Opportunities

Students may be distracted or influenced by the "goings-on" in their neighborhood:

...drugs

...gangs

...violence

Some students may not have parents at home who can help them with their education.

Some students may not even finish high school, so 8th grade graduation is a big deal for them.

If they do go to college, they may not be fully prepared, so they have to work harder than the average student just to keep up.

Racism

Students may encounter racism (overtly or covertly) in school, either from other students or faculty.

This can affect the students' self-esteem and willingness to participate in school activities.

So what?

Taking the time to get to know the students, and what goes on in their lives can help an educator aid the students to become more successful.

Some students know the dangers of their neighborhood, but want to go to college, then come back and help their community.

Low-income and minority students should be given opportunities to learn critical thinking skills and use their creativity.

Mock Trial

The students were focused on perceived misbehavior of teachers, so Mr. Michie let them have a mock trial. They learned about how the court system worked, and how to think critically.

The House on Mango Street

Cisneros

Students wrote a letter asking to meet the author. She eventually came and gave an inspirational speech to the students at school.

Students should be taught that they can have a voice in their community.

Reggie

Students actively participated in petitioning the police department to discipline the racist officer

Get to know your students' culture, and use their strengths to make the curriculum relevant.

Help students and parents be aware of opportunities and courses to improve their education.

Holler

by Gregory Michie

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