What “Counts” as Educational Policy? #3

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In this week's reading we read 'What “Counts” as Educational Policy? Notes toward a New Paradigm' by Jean Anyon. This author, Jean Anyon explains that throughout the past years educators have tried to help fix school performances by constantly changing educational policies inside of the school, she argues that we have been looking at issues symptoms and not the complex roots. The problem is not in the school, but on the outside. Therefore, educational policies include economic, transportation, income, neighborhoods, community. "Rules and regulations regarding teaching, curriculum, and assessment certainly are important, but policies to eliminate poverty-wage work and housing segregation should be part of the educational policy panoply as well." This quote states the importance of both, but it does explain that one lacks attention that it needs. When I read this, it really spoke to me and the experience I had in high school. I went to Central falls High School. It is a public school in a really small town of Rhode Island. Central falls has the highest rate of poverty in Rhode Island. From firsthand experience I noticed that all high school students were working jobs almost full time while being in school. From freshman year when lots of students joined extra curriculums such as a sport, as we got older more and more upper class were no longer doing the sports. Because if it came between a sport and work, they chose work. When you do sports you have more reason to do good in school. There are rules that keep you in line to be a student athlete. For me, that is what kept me in line with grades. I wanted to succeed in school to be able to play my sport. When you cut that expectation out and do not have something, or someone like a coach, then you do not give it as much attention. Once senior year comes around you are 18 and they stop calling parents when you do not come to school. Many old classmates of mine would say they work and would help out at their house. pay a bill etc. This reading helped me realize the struggles I witnessed were not just a choice a student had to take but much greater than that. It was part of a greater systemic issue. 

A question I can bring up in class would be, has anyone else felt or seen specific example they would like to share. I know It is a personal question but I am interested in seeing the different views from all over Rhode Island. 

When I look at an image like this, I wonder what they are thinking of. I know that every child has their own story and goes through their own path but what ensures them to stay on topic and keep their attention in school?


10 Poorest Cities In Rhode Island [2024] | RoadSnacks 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/99506bfc-a21d-497d-80f7-9580c195aebe 


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