Week 6 Kozol Chapter 7 Spring 1&6

"You have to do what children do and breathe the air the children breathe. I don't think that there is any other way to find out what the lives that children lead in school are really like." (Kozol 163)

This quote from Kozol describes what is involved in really understanding any group of student's reality. You must spend time with these kids for a long period of time to get a real idea of how the live and what they go through each day. I think that because this quote is truth it gave me the understanding of how there are people that are not willing to do anything for these children and their education. I was able to realize that it is easy for people on the outside who do not do what children do and breathe their air to take away what they need or to not provide what is necessary. These people don't really know what their lives are like and what kind of people the students are because they have not taken the time to do that. They think of numbers and costs but not about what is the right thing to do for people and the children in these schools. Kozol clearly is one of few who are taking to time to see what is going on in schools across America rather than looking at statistics; those are not where the answers are. 

"'I think it's a school that is in deep shit over all...The biggest problem with Fremont is over population. Teachers are pushed so far that they just give up on their students. Others trie to keep up the fight," he wrote, "but they are lossing slowly.'"(Kozol 184)

This quote is from a high school student that wrote to Kozol about the condition of his school. This student along with many others knows exactly what is going on around them. They know that it is not ok to be dealing with the conditions that they are put in. If it is so obvious to the students within these buildings then it must be clear to the adults that work there day in and day out. It is hard to put blame on a particular group because it has become so complicated and other problems seem to cause the next set of problems. For example as the student said the over population puts stress on the teachers which for some is too much and causes them to not be the best teachers they can be anymore. Instead of looking into the stresses that teachers and students are facing the blame by people above gets plopped on the teachers. The hopelessness that you can sense in the quote saddens me. It must be heart breaking to witness this type of environment or worse be stuck in it as a student just trying to learn and reach goals in life.

“Home economics courses taught cooking, household budgeting, sewing and scientific methods of cleaning. The goal was providing housewives with more free time for education and working to improve municipal conditions… A clean and cheerful house, it was believed, would reduce alcoholism because husbands would want to hurry home from work rather than stop at a tavern” (Spring 13)

This quote immediately annoyed me. I understand that these courses were created in the 1900s therefore it was considered progress for women to be receiving education, but I still feel offended that this addition to education was seen as such an improvement for women. This to me is adding to the already degrading view people had of women during this time period. To offer classes to women such as the ones listed is not offering them opportunity to really educate themselves freely. It is simply another way to limit women to their homes but make them more proficient at the only jobs they are aloud to have: serving their husbands. The second part of the quote I just laughed at because of how absurd it is! This is just one example of how women were blamed for problems that could not have possibly been under their complete control. Especially alcoholism! To accuse the wives of not keeping a clean enough house is the cause of their husband’s habit of drinking is outrageous.  I do not feel that these classes should not be offered to women because of course there are people who are genuinely interested in doing these types of activities. The problem I have is how this was the only thing that was offered and that men were not considered to have these interests. These actions that were made early in our country’s history have set us up to have a continuing problem with sexism.  Once something has been established as acceptable at one time it is hard to erase those mistakes when they have been instilled in so many people.

“To achieve these political goals, Fichte recommended teaching patriotic songs, national history, and literature to increase a sense of dedication and patriotism to the government. This combination of socialization and patriotic teachings, he argued, would produce a citizen more willing and able to participate in the army and, consequently, would reduce the cost of national defense.” (Spring 9)

 This quote is an equation for the government to make more money! It is ironic that government officials are pushing the idea of being loyal to your country and patriotism when it all comes down to just making money. That has always and continues to be the main focus that America has rather than the people within the country like they want you to think is their goal. This all seems too tricky to me and that makes me uneasy to trust our country’s actions. So far the issues that we continue to learn about in this class has sucked the faith I have had in our country to make good decisions. The people in power still seem to have dollar signs in their eyes, as did Fichte in this quote. 

Week 5 Kozol 6 Anthology 7&16 Spring 2

“In conclusion, the preceding statistics indicate that the United States income is related to educational attainment but that discriminatory factors in the labor market related to gender negate some of the advantages gained through increased education; equality of opportunity depends on equality of opportunity in the labor market.” (Pg 41 Spring)

            This is unfortunate information that I am embarrassed to admit I didn’t know pay was still such a significant difference between genders. Seeing the updated statistics is sad that it is known to the public that women are getting paid less when they have the same education. It is so discouraging as a female to know that even being equal in education doesn’t mean equal in pay when we get out into the job market. When thinking about why this is true made me think to who could let this go on for as long as it has, I could only think that the people that have the power to make this change happen must not care because it doesn’t affect them directly. Most issues that people face, are because of the people who are aware and in power do not care. People’s main focus is in the wrong place, money, which we learned in American does not equal happiness based on the amount of material things that we all possess and still have high levels of depression.

 “ Children as young as three and a half or four are also given tests and interviews as part of the admissions process for some of these schools, and educated parents coach their children for these interviews and frequently enroll them in expensive pre-test programs which are not provided by the schools themselves but must be purchased privately.” (Kozol 136)

I can’t imagine how difficult it would be for a parent of low income and limited education would be able to put their child through this process to be able to get their child the best education like these parents do that are described in this chapter. The advantage that white affluent parents have is so significant. These parents probably don’t realize that their children right for the get go are up against a much smaller number of students than what should be possible because of the number of parents of Latino and black children that are unaware or unable to afford the steps it takes to get into a private school. Three or four is such a young age to be prepping children for interviews and testing, it seems unnatural at that point in their lives to put that much pressure on them to go to elementary school. I wish these schools put more of an effort to offering their education and opportunity to every child in the area by providing information to strengthen the awareness of parents.

“The early advantages one may have had become irrelevant to most of us once a plateau of high achievement has been reached. The years we may have spent when we were three and four years old in a superb developmental preschool, the strategies our parents may have used to win us entrance to a first -rate elementary school, and all the other preferential opportunities that may have introduced us to the channels in which academic competence has been attained -- all this falls out of view once we arrive in a position in which we can demonstrate to others, and ourselves, that our proficiencies are indisputably superior to those of other students of our age who may not have had these opportunities.” (Kozol 141)

This quote really made me think after reading it, because it says that these children have no idea the advantages that they have received the get where they are. They are under the impression that they are just exceptional children and better than others. This ego that is developed by these parent’s crazy efforts to wiggle their children into these private expensive schools is propelling racism and unawareness of  white privilege  further. Who is to say that if these black and Hispanic children weren’t given all these extras that they could not be successful. I feel like middle class public schools are similar issues at a smaller scale or advantage. What I mean is when students are recognized and placed in different levels of courses that they will stay in for the four years of high school. Those who are in AP courses can easily look down and say they are just more intelligent than those not in their classes, but if the motivation and opportunity was there I think people who be surprised.

“ Children for low income families do not attain so high a level of education as children from rich families. From this standpoint the school reinforces social stratification and contributes to intergenerational immobility.” (Spring 58)

Families that consistently are unable to move past a certain level of education will remain in poverty because of requirements in the job market that they don’t have. This again shows who has the power and who is choosing to keep people of color low from generation to generation. This solidifies that racism will live on because there are people in power that will pass down their beliefs and methods to others. You would think that at least school systems would do what they could to break through these continuing issues but this information says otherwise. Power can really skew people’s minds on what is right and wrong. 

Week 4: Kozol 5, Anthology 5&6, Spring 5, Folder 4

"Bush focused instead on the idea that a college education is not needed for success. He told the largely Mexican American student body that 'we need people to build our buildings...people who do the hard physical work of our society.' it is doubtful that he would even have considered uttering these same words at Beverly Hills High School, a short distance away." (Marlowe 59)

This quote immediately struck me when reading the anthology, because this was our President that ran our country for two terms! With these types of destructive words coming out of his mouth how can that be true? Bush being someone of so much importance, especially for young students that are preparing to enter the real world I am shocked that he would steer these children away from trying to pursue further education. These students at this school deal with poverty and discrimination and low expectations each and every day and for someone that doesn’t know them to immediately make such judgments and put them lower than others is simply unfair. His words should be motivating and inspiring not just another person that doesn’t believe in these children.

“ She found that these pre-service teachers were reluctant to discuss racism or to consider their individual or collective role in perpetuating it.  Because they saw their students primarily as victims of poverty and parental neglect, these student teachers preferred to place themselves in the relationship to their students as protective ‘White Knights.’ This patronizing stance facilitated their denial of racism.” (Marlowe 54)

When reading this quote I was immediately nervous that I would fall into this category being a female pre-service teacher. But then found my confidence to know that if I were in these student teachers shoes I would not respond in this way about the topic of racism. I was surprised that these student teachers being so close to having their own classroom would react in this way. I agreed with the statement that it was patronizing for them to consider themselves “White Knights.” Feeling sorry for these children, does not change anything for them other than make them feel poorly about their situation. Children in these urban school that are provided with very little education deserve much more than pity for their teachers. These soon to be teachers need to be more open to becoming more aware of racism and their privilege when it will be all around them in any school environment.

“ ‘We are giving kids less and calling it more,’  ‘limiting what we teach’ to what ‘we can measure,’ pushing our students ‘ to focus on memorizing information, then regurgitating fact.’ The student’s job, he said should not be only ‘to absorb information, but to make connections, find new patterns, imagine new possibilities…’” (Kozol 131)

This quote being from the former state commissioner of education in New York makes me happy to know that this quote came from someone that can make positive change. His words show that it is recognized that these tests are not providing the students with the learning that they need. These high risks test seem to be the root of a lot of major issues in these urban school systems. Because these students are at such a disadvantage from the very start how can they be expected to get goal scores on these test when they don’t have the same materials and environment that students of suburban school are fortunate to have. The part that Sobol says is missing in these student’s education is the part that is fun and inspirational! Students who don’t have this opportunity to have fun with learning are not going to have much motivation.

“What kind of childhood, it may be asked, are we designing for these children, who already have so little opportunity to play in safety in their neightborhoods… pediatricians and psychiatrists may be disturbed to hear of schools where recess is truncated or abolished in the desperation to carve out a bit more time for drilling children for exams.” (Kozol 120)

This quote gave me the realization of how much these children are losing by not having recess its not just a break to use up that extra energy its for some the only time they have to play safety and on a playground with their friends. I now see what a luxury I had as a child to have so much space and time to play all through my own yard and the neighborhood. These children cannot do that they are forced to stay in doors where it is stuffy and limiting. These children need to have that time and freedom to run and play with one another.

Kozol Chapter 3&4

Quote 1- "... but I found no references to any child's traits of personality or even physical appearance... the uniform activities and the teacher's words controlled my own experience perhaps as much as they controlled and muted the expressiveness of children" (Kozol pg 71)


       Children need to learn from one another and visa versa the teachers need to learn from the students. With this type of authoritarian dictatorship these children true beings are hidden away and lost. Kozol referring to  his notes not including any traits from the students he observed was so surprising to me. Whenever I meet or observe new children I always notice one or two children at least that have bold personalities that stay fresh in my mind. This tells me that these children are being suppressed a great deal which can only result in less meaningful learning. If you are unable to express yourself as a learner how can you reach your potential. And the point of this type of strict structure specifically in schools heavy populated with black and hispanic children is to  keep order and kids out of trouble by providing no opportunity of freedom. To me, type of environment does not promote independence and self learning. Overall, creating zombie robot children and teachers is so harmful stifles their identities and creativeness that people naturally possess and want to exude. 


Quote 2 - "The listing of objectives in a lesson....it isn't the practice in itself, it's the remorselessness with which the practice is applied to almost every little possibility for natural discovery, and pleasure in discovery, the many teachers in these make clear that they dislike." (Kozol pg 76-77)


The requirement to have to prove and specify the exact purpose according to state standards can only be exhausting and redundant and hindering the students experience of learning. It is almost as if musicians or singers had to tell us what chord they are using after each note they sing or play. Wouldn't that completely ruin the beauty of the music being created. Yes! To me, that is no different from teaching. In the cases that Kozol explains these students are being interrupted  by these objectives and jargon that they should not have to understand. Children are children and no harm comes from speaking and using language that is more understandable to them.  This requirement is also draining to the teachers without  the rewards that should come with all the effort that is being put into the preparation for the lessons. 

Quote 3- " So a curriculum that was imposed, in part, to compensate for staffing needs of schools that had a hard time in recruiting teachers ends up by driving out precisely those well-educated men and women whom school systems have worked so hard to attract into these neighborhoods." (Kozol pg 85)

That is so aggravating to read about how the opportunity for significant improvement was wasted. When the school is in such desperate need for help and change it is hard to believe that these teachers were driven out by this curriculum. Of course you can't blame the teachers for leaving such an environment but what the reality is these children do not have that option to leave for something better. People that work with children need to be devoted to the children and their ability to constantly make steps forward for the children they commit to. Not to blame these well-educated teachers that decided to leave, no one's philosophy no matter how different it is, would be to create an environment that these students and teachers live in everyday. 

Quote 4- " Shorn of unattractive language about "robots" who will be producing taxes and not burglarizing homes, the general idea that schools in ghettoized communities must settle for a different set of goals than schools that serve the children in the middle class and upper middle class has been accepted widely." (Kozol pg 98)

Thinking about the amount of school systems that accept and continue to exercise this type of curriculum and the number of teachers that follow through with something that is so clearly racist and unfair adds up to a very large number of people just going by the examples and information that Kozol provides in the book is gross. Then that next step further the even larger number of students that must be involved and affected should be at least raise some kind of commotion against this. But people are silently protesting within their minds but do not make steps to improve or stop it.

Kozol Chapters 1&2

pg 18 Kozol "The Shame of the Nation"
 "Schools that were already deeply segregated 25 or 30 years ago, like most of the schools I visit in the Bronx, are no less segregated now, while thousands of other schools that had  been integrated either voluntarily or by the force of law have since been rapidly resegregating both in  northern districts and in broad expanses of the South."  

Reading this is a big realization for me, that just because there has been what seems like great progress from past events in history, it does not mean that it has been accepted and enforced across the country. It is sad to see this type of information which is why most people are not aware or chose not to acknowledge. I wonder how over this large amount of years that things still remain the same if  not worse. " While thousands of other schools... have since been rapidly resegregating..."  This is beyond nonsensical to me for this to happen in so many schools. How has this been allowed to happen?  When thinking further about the reasoning behind this I see that people of power have to go to great lengths to go against the law and allow for schools that have gone from being diverse to such a large percentage of one race. 




pg 28 Kozol "The Shame of the Nation"
   "I asked her if she truly thought America did not 'have room' for her or other children of her race. 'Think of it this way,' said a sixteen year old girl sitting beside her. " If people in New York woke up one day and learned that we were gone, that we had simply died or left for somewhere else, how would they feel?'  'How do you think they'd feel?' I asked. 'I think they'd be relieved,' this very solemn girl replied."


This one girl expressing this to Kozol after some questioning  makes me think about how many people of color feel similarly but just have not had confidence to speak (with good reason) these feelings to anyone.  When first reading this  honestly my initial thought was that must be an exaggeration but even if it were for anyone to any feelings remotely close to these is incredibly telling. This first thought that I had shows how unaware I am because of the privileges that have being a white female. By feeling like people of New York would be relieved to have children of her race gone tells us that the treatment of this child and many of her peers can not be acceptable and would be seen especially unacceptable to most if this poor treatment was being done to white children. 


pg 41 Kozol "The Shame of The Nation"


" four kindergarten classes and a sixth grade class were packed into a single room that had no windows"


This statement brought me directly into the classrooms that I grew up in and wanted to take back all the complaints that I might have made through my years of public schooling. I distinctly remember the rumors that went around my high school about whether or not we were getting air conditioning the following year or a number of new TVs. The debate of which would be better is sickening to think about now when there are schools that exist and have conditions like these to deal with each day. The number of students that must be in one room has to be an enormous distraction to the learning and productivity that these teachers try to accomplish each day. Just thinking about the teachers in this situation makes me have a small sense of the frustration they must experience. Overtime the teachers in this room inevitably get discouraged resulting in the students lack of motivation. This countless number of added issues that must be ensuing within this one room is simply unfair to the students involved. 




Tim Wise, "Reflections on Racism and Reasonable Suspicion: Immigration, Arizona and Anti-Latino Bias"
"They will have to follow every rule to the letter, for fear of being otherwise legally harassed by cops, even as those of us belonging to the dominant group will be able to nonchalantly go through our days, unconcerned about having to prove our identity just because a piece of our taillight cover was cracked, or because we went a few miles over the speed limit, or because our muffler wasn’t working sufficiently to reduce the noise from our car within legal limits in our communities."


Tim Wise here writes to make people with privilege aware of their privilege which I feel is a constant struggle because it is one thing to know that you are a person who receives different more beneficial treatment than people of other races, genders or sexuality etc. but it is more important to be aware of in what situations does this happen and what do these people have to do differently to overcome these differences. This quote reveals one specific topic where latinos are discriminated against and how hard it is to avoid this and the consequences. This quote is important for readers because it explains not only the privilege that most people have of not worrying about breaking the law essentially but also explains what latinos do have to worry about when they are even in the slightest way breaking the law.