The first point I would like to make is "wow" 1 in 5 students under the age of 18 lives in poverty. 16 million young students live in poverty. That is incredible in the worst way possible. Some of the other facts proposed in the beginning of this paper are also shocking. I read that she believes there is segregation in school now a days but I don't believe that to be one hundred percent true. I understand how it may look like segregation with predominantly black and Latino children attending inner city schools but it is not by some outside power or law putting them there. Yes it is their demographic but demographic can change at any point its just about how hard you try at it.
When I got to the sections on myths I will say that I found some of them to be interesting. I do believe that anyone can bring themselves out of poverty that is not a myth and there are so many cases of people coming from nothing and becoming something. I believe that the second myth is actually a myth though because some people in poverty are in no way lazy. Children are much smarter then people give them credit for so the myth about children in poverty being stupid is 100 percent wrong. People in poverty share a common culture is also one hundred percent wrong because every person is different and we all live different lives. Just because some scenarios seem similar doesn't mean that its true.
I realized after reading this article that a lot of this information ties back to all the social work classes that we are taking as part of this degree. Not only does this involve a lot of victim blaming but it also make note of self fulfilling prophecies and negative stereotypes. Personally I thought the chart with all the different issues was very interesting because it put poverties effect on children into perspective for me and I could see many different ways
The one thing I took away from this article is something I have learned a lot through my time in the school of education at RIC. This is that every student is different and they should always be treating as individuals. When you bunch students in poverty together your already failing them as a teacher.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Post #3 Lets Change The Education System
After reading Costello’s writing I realized right off the bat that that the ever evolving need to be more educated is still affecting people today. How hard is it to get a job now a days? Without a degree from and institution of higher education it is extremely difficult to get a good stable job. This is the system that our schooling system was built on according to Costello (pg195) and I don’t see the ever growing need for specialization changing any time soon. I also agree with the statement that if children are in school then they are less likely to cause mischief but if they are struggling or don’t enjoy school why wouldn’t they just create mischief in the school environment.
The next point of interest was when Costello introduced Lightfoot’s research on the six successful high schools. When they talked about how well such a large school can do I thought to myself, if a school of 5,300 students can work together in a cohesive way with the faculty then why are their problems in other schools with more or less student. Shouldn’t it be simple enough to follow the model of John F. Kennedy High School? I do tend to agree with the idea that school should be able to manage themselves instead of having many schools managed by a board or outside source. If a school is responsible for itself then there is no one else the school can blame when it comes to problems. If the school was invested more in itself then maybe it would be invested more in the students and involve them in the decisions that shape the school. On pg 199 in the scenario about Brookline High School they mention a “Fairness Committee” when students and teacher serve to handle disciplinary problems. This is by far a wonderful idea because it allows students to see the consequences of their actions from the point of view of their peers. If a student is like oh well I guess if bob and mary made up this punishment then it must be fair. This is obviously not a perfect system but I do believe that it is a good start to student involvement.
I’m not so sure how I feel on the segregation of age and ability because I think that the grade system that is in place now is effective and I also feel that staying back and moving forward works well. But I do believe that students shouldn’t be in a group with just people of their same abilities because when students can go to each other for help it fosters interpersonal relationships and allows for students to become more involved in education.
In conclusion I think there is a lot you can take away from this article when it comes to youth work. First I would like to say that the Youth in Action ideology is the only model that I have seen that comes close to Costello’s ideas. In youth work it is going to be important to make the youth feel as though they are a part of the group and not just a member. They are going to want to know that they are influencing what is going on around them and not just sitting through it. Youth will want to know that you are working with them and not just running things by yourself. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable then you’re not doing your job right and getting them involved is a great way to make someone more comfortable.
The next point of interest was when Costello introduced Lightfoot’s research on the six successful high schools. When they talked about how well such a large school can do I thought to myself, if a school of 5,300 students can work together in a cohesive way with the faculty then why are their problems in other schools with more or less student. Shouldn’t it be simple enough to follow the model of John F. Kennedy High School? I do tend to agree with the idea that school should be able to manage themselves instead of having many schools managed by a board or outside source. If a school is responsible for itself then there is no one else the school can blame when it comes to problems. If the school was invested more in itself then maybe it would be invested more in the students and involve them in the decisions that shape the school. On pg 199 in the scenario about Brookline High School they mention a “Fairness Committee” when students and teacher serve to handle disciplinary problems. This is by far a wonderful idea because it allows students to see the consequences of their actions from the point of view of their peers. If a student is like oh well I guess if bob and mary made up this punishment then it must be fair. This is obviously not a perfect system but I do believe that it is a good start to student involvement.
I’m not so sure how I feel on the segregation of age and ability because I think that the grade system that is in place now is effective and I also feel that staying back and moving forward works well. But I do believe that students shouldn’t be in a group with just people of their same abilities because when students can go to each other for help it fosters interpersonal relationships and allows for students to become more involved in education.
In conclusion I think there is a lot you can take away from this article when it comes to youth work. First I would like to say that the Youth in Action ideology is the only model that I have seen that comes close to Costello’s ideas. In youth work it is going to be important to make the youth feel as though they are a part of the group and not just a member. They are going to want to know that they are influencing what is going on around them and not just sitting through it. Youth will want to know that you are working with them and not just running things by yourself. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable then you’re not doing your job right and getting them involved is a great way to make someone more comfortable.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Technology and its Relationship with Us
The YouTube video posted by Wesch pretty accurately answers the question What is our relationship with technology? Technology is us and there is no way around, unless you are one of those people who lives off grid so to speak. I mean face it, without technology I wouldn't be blogging this response. I would be handwriting my answers and handing them in. I would be posting my response on the web allowing anyone and everyone to see what I am thinking. This isnt even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology. A blog is simple posting of ideas and words but is just a smaller part of the big picture. In the palm of your hand right now or incredibly close by is a small device called a cell phone. This little device can do almost anything when it comes to the range of technology and it is so small but so powerful. Resourcing is the best way to use technology to your advantage when working with youth you have the ability to reach out to anyone and research anything you need with technology. Prensky mentions that this generation is the first generation to grow up with the new technology that we are all becoming so fond of. This means that they are growing up with a deeper understanding of technology and they are under the assumption that tech nonsense powers our society. They are right but it does but the older generation isn't accustom to that. Youth love technology and by identifying with them you are more inclined to reach out to them better. Its pretty simple, you identify with your audience and by understanding them you can better work with them. If we as adults educate ourselves on technology then we are taking a step to better understanding the youth. That is the best way to use technology to your advantage to reach out and connect.
Blog Post #1 Youth in Action
*I would just like to mention that this post was on time and was sent in an email prior to finally getting BlogSpot to work.*
First I would like to begin by addressing the problem on the second page. When youth feel that there have been no opportunities accorded to them their path is not set it stone, although many may feel that way. This is where choice comes in because they can choose to accept the self-fulfilling prophecy or they can keep pushing forward and working towards their goals. (End thought)
Second thought comes with page three. I never came to realize that kids are seen as property because they haven’t realized their true potential as individuals yet. Ms. Ofokansi’s thoughts make a lot of sense when you think about. Unless someone gives you the opportunity to been seen as more than just a child then not many people will ever realize your potential in that way. (End Thought)
I also wanted to speak on the Positive/Delta version of individual analysis. I don’t agree with it. I know giving someone positives and areas of improvement may sound good on paper but I think as leaders we are just sugarcoating to protect the individuals being analyzed. Positives and Negatives are the things that were originally looked at but with criticisms we have become softer and that’s not how it should be. When we say areas of improvement, it’s just making it easier to swallow so to speak whereas telling them forward may be a way of making them realize what needs to be improved more urgently. Just a thought. (End Thought)
I agree with Ms. Chatelin about the ability to voice your opinion amongst your peers which gives you and outlet to be heard but I also want to go on record as saying that unless you are able to voice your opinion to someone who isn’t willing to listen then you are not growing as an individual. (End Thought)
Adeola Oredola has one of the best stories in this article in my opinion. She was able to get into Brown after being told she probably couldn’t. The olny person who should have been able to tell her that she couldn’t do it was herself and with drive and perseverance she did it which is very impressive. I hate the fact that she questioned her identity once in college because of the population around her. I don’t believe that this should have affected her as much because you are who you want to be and no one can change that. I feel as though her drive and perseverance should have been the guiding light in her life but she let public influence affect her. (End Thought)
I would say that after reading this article I agree with a lot of the idea’s that are the driving forces behind the Youth in Action organization. I want the record to show that even though I have my disagreement I do agree with the movement of youth individuals making changes and becoming driving factors in the community. Youth leaders are a huge benefit in the Reslife community that I am a part off and I firmly believe that the YIA organization reflects these values.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
It's My First Post For My Blog About Me and This Post Is About Me.
Hello ya'll, my name is Zachery Edward Raso but you can call me Starlord. Just kidding I stole that from, Guardians of the Galaxy. You can actually call me Zach or Raso or Razzle Dazzle or in extreme cases monkey (not kidding). I am a sixth (yes sixth) year student at Rhode Island College but I will be graduating this May. I am obviously a Youth Development Major with a Minor in Coaching and a Concentration in Education. I have been here so long because I wanted to originally be a teacher but found I hated the classroom setting.
When I graduate in May my first career move is to become a Hall Director for Residential Life and Housing at an institute of higher education. Unfortunately it will have to be somewhere other then RIC because they like you to leave a few years before working here again. I am actually quite excited for this opportunity and can't wait to start applying. I have been a Resident Assistant for four years and I feel as though I love the job so much that I don't know what I would do if I didn't move up in the field. So when it comes to Youth Development I want to focus on young adults. I am also in charge of the Gender Inclusive Housing on campus where students can live in suites of four regardless of there gender. It is a living learning community and it is my first year in charge of it.
Not only am I an RA but I am also a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team on campus, RICdiculous. Yes that says RICdiculous, its a pun. I have captained the team in the past and this year I have stepped into the role of educator more then captain, mainly because I wasn't elected but who dwells on those things. I consider myself a pretty athletic person who is very injury prone but all and all I am a good teammate and I love playing the sport. I also play soccer recreationally and am a fan of many other sports.
I have an amazing girlfriend named Gretchen and a wonderful group of friends from the frisbee team and RA staff. I do in fact have more friends then that but I like to think of those people as my family and I would have to say I am closer to them then I am to most people. I also have a great family at home.
In closing I would like to say that I am a season ticket holder to the New England Revolution Soccer team and I love to play FIFA. So watching soccer and playing video games is what I do in my down time.
Sincerely, Starlord (Zach)
When I graduate in May my first career move is to become a Hall Director for Residential Life and Housing at an institute of higher education. Unfortunately it will have to be somewhere other then RIC because they like you to leave a few years before working here again. I am actually quite excited for this opportunity and can't wait to start applying. I have been a Resident Assistant for four years and I feel as though I love the job so much that I don't know what I would do if I didn't move up in the field. So when it comes to Youth Development I want to focus on young adults. I am also in charge of the Gender Inclusive Housing on campus where students can live in suites of four regardless of there gender. It is a living learning community and it is my first year in charge of it.
Not only am I an RA but I am also a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team on campus, RICdiculous. Yes that says RICdiculous, its a pun. I have captained the team in the past and this year I have stepped into the role of educator more then captain, mainly because I wasn't elected but who dwells on those things. I consider myself a pretty athletic person who is very injury prone but all and all I am a good teammate and I love playing the sport. I also play soccer recreationally and am a fan of many other sports.
I have an amazing girlfriend named Gretchen and a wonderful group of friends from the frisbee team and RA staff. I do in fact have more friends then that but I like to think of those people as my family and I would have to say I am closer to them then I am to most people. I also have a great family at home.
In closing I would like to say that I am a season ticket holder to the New England Revolution Soccer team and I love to play FIFA. So watching soccer and playing video games is what I do in my down time.
Sincerely, Starlord (Zach)
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