Seeing Sue's Point of View

 As I read through the article  Law and Order in School and Society: How Discipline and Policing Policies Harm Students of Color, and What Can We Do About It,  this statement really summed up all three reading/films for this week, "In the narrow focus on teacher and school-based accountability for test results, they minimize attention to student's social, emotional, mental, and physical health-factors that determine students' academic and life outcomes to a much greater degree than high-stakes sanctions."  This reminds me of last week's discussion on policies. How policies are put into place for so many different reasons, such as legislation, communication, material effects on structures and practices, testing/standards, distribution  of funding, wealth, goods...YET policies more often contribute to the distribution of harms such as toxic practices and toxins. According to the recommendations made in this article, "Policymakers at all levels of educational an...

  As I watched the film "In Sickness and in Wealth" from Unnatural Causes and read thru the articles, I began to wonder if we will ever close the gap of inequalities in our society. The vast differences among the many districts across one state are quite obvious. This wealth/health gradient shows itself across America today but also for many, many years.  Flash back to the 1950's, this is when the income inequalities began expanding. Flash forward to the 1960's. At this time, Civil Rights laws were being passed, anti-poverty progress, along with medicare/medicaid. This brought benefits of prosperity to those who hadn't yet shared in it. During this time period, policy makers had the chance to level the playing field for all races. They chose to drive a wedge between Americans instead. The symbol for this is known as the ladder which represents a fine gradation of health and wealth between races. Policies are set up to keep you where you are. This is why social eco...

  I am a teacher who stands up for my students against those who do not , who is in favor of speaking up against the powerful voices , who is a supporter of speaking against  those who do harm , and who is a defender of America against those who wish to tear it down . I am a teacher who favors the permanent struggle against division   and against oppression . I am a teacher who rejects  hatred , because it is responsible for so much pain in this world . I am a teacher full of light , in spite of darkness . I am a teacher who refuses to be swayed . I am a teacher proud of the success of my students . If I do not struggle for my students , then I will no longer be the educator I strive to be.