“Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work.” By: Ruby Lazo
by Jean Anyon
1. “Simple punctuation is all they’ll ever use”
An observer at the “working class” school quoted a teacher saying this. How are students supposed to succeed when their teachers don’t believe in them enough to teach them anything beyond “simple punctuation”?
2. “”Shut up, “Shut your mouth,” “Open your books,” “Throw your gum away – if you want to rot your teeth, do it on your own time.””
These were disciplinary examples noted by observers in the “working class” schools. As future educators were supposed to create a safe learning environment for students, by respecting and empowering them, not by belittling them. Statements like these turn once determined, talented students into discouraged, broken young adults.
3. “These children’s opinions are important – it’s important that they learn to reason things through”
This is a quote from one of the teachers from the “executive elite school”. It is great that a teacher validates his or her students, but why are these students’ opinions valued while others continue to be disregarded?
While reading this article it became very apparent just how easy it would be for a student who isn’t getting an “executive elite” education to just fall through the cracks. Students in the “working class” schools were continuously deprived of important opportunities while students in the “executive elite” schools were given invaluable tools and skills for their futures. What was most disheartening was the self-realization that the students in the “working class” schools were being set up for failure while the students in the “executive elite” schools were being set up to be future executive officers and politicians.
Why is it that we believe that every child has the potential to be successful, yet our education system continuously denies certain students their right to an equal education? Is there anything being done to change this?
I think change is happening, Ruby. But, it's going to be slow. Classes like this one for prospective teachers are definitely a step in the right direction, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThings are changing, but it takes time. This essay was written in the late 70s, and I do think things are different today. We still have a long way to go, but we'll get there.