Colorblindness and black lives matter too

Colorblindness and Black Lives Matter Too 

This was the one of the most challenging assignments I have had in a long time. I cant right about it because the pain is real. 

Rethinking Schools

 RI Laws and Policies 

 I appreciated going through the policies and laws that are set up to support and  protect the students in RI. Personally, I have never been exposed to this document, so thank you for sharing.

I brought this document to my Director of Middle school and she has never seen it but did know it existed.  Moving forward, all of our teachers will have a copy but we will also go over this as part of our PD in the beginning of the next school year. 

I am also grateful to get a better understanding on the terminology and I appreciated that as well. Often, I have found myself confused and unable to name or articulate what to say, in hopes of not offending anyone. Another thing that stood out to me was the Education and Training section. I love that they encourage schools to incorporate education and training and professional for teachers and schools.  It states. " As with other efforts to promote a positive school culture, it is important that student leaders and school personnel, particularly school administrators, become familiar with terminology, best practices, guidance, and related resources and that they communicate and model respect for the gender identity of all students." 

I will always keep this document and share it with students and parents'.

Woke Read Aloud

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I actually love how Ms. Akien starts off talking about what she likes to be called and how it makes her feel. Immediately she was engaging. They also encouraged kids to speak up and talk to their parents when people make them feel uncomfortable. Ms. Akien's teaching methods are full of energy, excitement and understanding. I love how she started out making sure students understood the structure and design of the book. I love that there are books like these in the universe. But most of all, I love that there are teachers out hear creatively engaging students in courageous conversations.

Going to School Blog #6

 

Going to School video by Richard Glen

This video was very inspirational in that it showed the challenges as well as the victories of these families. I think on so many levels exposure to the discrimination and isolation is pertinent. As a country, I thin k we need to be mindful of the ways we treat people with differences or disabilities. Afterall, they are people just like you and I. and their lives matter, I was particularly moved by the strength of Richards mom. She  fought to for inclusion and respect. She made sure that Richard was getting what his IEP said her would and also went as far as going to school everyday with him for three years. That is both admirable and sad. Sometimes I get so upset at the things our schools get away with. They violate the civil rights of students as if they don't matter or they are invisible. 

These stories remind me of the school my granddaughter went to. The Grace school in Providence have inclusive classrooms. Their classrooms are small, with about 12- 15 students but they all include atleast two students with disabilities. I love this school. My granddaughter learned so much from the students with disabilities. The one thing that stood out was her empathy and willingness to make sure her "friends" felt included. Our families became friends and still we keep in touch. 

I am grateful to have learned about the Individuals  with Disability Act of 1975. I knew there were laws set in place but I did not know about this. I have a sister with two special needs children and I watch her fight endlessly for there rights. I know its a tiring effort but I'm glad she has the strength and knowledge to get my niece and nephew what they need.

In conclusion, I believe no student should be isolated, discriminated against, or treated with hostility. We live in America, a county whose Pledge of Allegiance states that liberty and justice should be for all. As educators, our goal should always be to make sure that all students get what they need.

                              

Teach Out Project

 TEACH OUT PROJECT

I chose to do my Teach Out Project on identity. I am pairing up with Caitlyn to present this project to her summer camp.  The theme of the camp is "Understanding my Identity and my Impact on the Environment." We would like to focus our teach out on personal identity, power and how it shows up in a classroom.

The two sources we will be using are, "Delpit's Other Peoples Children and Wildman and Armstrong's Colorblindness is the New Racism." These articles offer a wealth of information to support our project.

This topic is important to me on many levels.  I believe that when people are making  a choice to work with young people, they should understand that there is an internal work they need to do themselves. What I mean is, as adults it is vitally important that we do the work of understanding who we are, how we identity, what power we hold, and how it shows up in spaces.  (Intent vs Impact)

Caitlyn's goals are for my staff to leave with knowledge of self identity that they can bring into their classrooms and explore with youth. Hopefully, they will gain an appreciation for each other's values and the skills they each bring to the table. My goal is to assist her in this meaningful work and that we model what it looks like when you respect and collaborate with a diverse people.

As a black and indigenous women I don't have choice in how people perceive me. Just because I'm black assumptions are made before I even open my mouth. Because of this, I have a heightened awareness of how I show in spaces and how I use my power. I am also very aware of how my "showing up" can impact spaces. So I want other educators  to be aware of this as well, especially when working with the BIPOC community.