Literacy with an Attitude by Patrick J. Finn (#8)

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 "The United States has developed two kinds of education." says Patrick J. Finn. In these couple chapters he goes in depth as to how our society has changed education to especially keep the rich richer and the poor poorer. When reading this you come to realize where you have been placed in the astounding education system of the United States of American. 

The author talks about empowering literacy and domesticating literacy. one that leads to leadership, power, influence, taking charge and another that leads to basic skill learning and taking orders and executing them. 

When I reflect back to my experience, I acknowledge that I have experienced both types of teaching styles. In a charter school I had many projects and discussions and many different forms of practicing thinking and learning outside of the typical norm of sheets of paper. However, when I entered my public high school for Central Falls it was like I was relearning all of my middle school in a different way. I was in honor classes filling out sheets of paper that were just to turn in. "turn in the paper, you get a one hundred" follow directions, tame all students, check off the box. That was it. I always knew the educations I received were different I just did not understand the form of it. I believe it has something to do with this dynamic Mr.Fin was explaining. I do have hope that there are schools that are challenging these systems. This reading has made me feel a sense of clarity and motivation. I know I am studying to be an early childhood educator; I want to ensure that my teaching methods are empowering. I have always wanted to teach in my hometown so that I can make a difference.  

I was doing some research on my elementary school to notice the difference between the public school of Central falls and the Charter school in Central falls. This is the website they talk about their forms of teaching and methods they follow. 

Our Approach — The Learning Community

 

while writing this I remembered seeing this quote and feeling more connected to it. 


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