Question

2.) "Think Postive!" That's how I've changed the most. Every culture is different, and what they do is unique to their culture... at the same time diveristy is something that should be cherished. I was recently talking to a teacher from school #50... and she was telling me that at school they don't really celebrate christmas anymore!!!!!!!!!!! There are people that don't celebrate it, so in respect for them they try not to focus on it to much. There are people that don't celebrate halloween either, but most schools celebrate it. Christmas is part of the American culture. WE don't need to teach about church or Jesus but I don't think we should get rid of it. Based upon the readings we church incorporate a little bit of everything. Other groups celebrate other things during this time, so we should help our children in becoming aware of these differences by teaching them, so they won't be so niave to the differences.

Questions

1.) This book helped me to recognize that culture... is important but it should be something that brings us together rather than divides us... It didn't matter what these teachers backgrounds were. They were able to meet the needs of the students. I don't know how my view has changed but one thing I do know is that there are no excuses... I can't say that I can't reach a student, I have to find a way. There is no time to give up, I loved how the teachers in this book went out of their way to get to know their students.That's what I want to be able to do.

S. Fess: Thoughts after reading the book:

After reading The Dreamkeepers, I will always remember that it is very important to forge relationships between families and teachers in the school setting! The basis for building family/teacher relationships is by promoting communication between home and school and by becoming genuinely interested in students and their outside interests. More importantly do not judge the lack of parents interest in their children's schooling based solely on their lack of communication with the school.



Setting high standards and expectations is also very important. As students begin to experience success they will gain confidence and will begin to believe in themselves. As a result, they will score better on tests and will be willing to work harder. It is very similar to Stanvich's (1994) "Mathew Effect," which states that "over time, better students get even better, and poorer students become relatively poorer." The more competent and motivated students are, the "richer they will become."

S. Fess: Finished with the Book & Response to Questions

1. After reading The Dreamkeepers and participating in class discussions, I believe that culture is central to learning. It plays a role not only in communicating and receiving information; it also shapes the thinking process of individuals. Teaching practices that acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates diverse cultures have the potential to provide an equitable education for every student. In other words, culturally responsive teaching is a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students cultural references in ALL aspects of learning. As a teacher, I try to incorporate students home cultural experiences as a foundation to build their knowledge and skills in the classroom. I believe that content learned in this way is more significant to my students as they will be able to transfer what is learned in the classroom to real-life situations.

2. In many ways I have reframed my perspectives on diversity by instilling the word, "fairness" in regard to teaching diverse learners. Unfortunately, "cultural norms" are ingrained in much of the curriculum that I have worked with and should be altered to teach and manage a classroom of diverse learners. I will continue to practice being socioculturally conscious, recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds, and I will continue to design instruction that will build on what my students already know while at the same time stretching them and myself beyond "the familiar."

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I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't find the extra questions that we were supposed to answer on live text... please send them to me if you can.

Essence extractor- appendix A

"The intent of the study was to document the practice of highly effective teachers of African American students."

Appendix A- Discussion Leader

So what did you think? I didn't think I would get much from it, but it actually was really insightful. It helped me understand the makings of the book, the "why" behind everything... a long with the "who." I liked the fact that each teacher was credible, they had to be selected to be a part of it. No one volunteered, they believed that they chose from the best of the best. What I also sensed though was that these teachers for the most part had prior experience with "African Americans" either through they way they were raised or where they went to school... and that was essentially what they needed to be good teachers in the urban setting. I'm not sure if I'm getting my point across clearly, but does that makes sense? Do you agree, yes or no?