Historical Context and Sharing Personal Experiences Discussion Thread

Discussion Thread: Historical Context and Sharing Personal Experiences

Select and respond to one of the questions below:

perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors?

development of positive interethnic relations?

molded by my ethnicity and culture. My mom and dad were both born in the Caribbean and

immigrated to the United States in the late 1950s. They were grounded by their strong faith, and

lots of cultural traditions that included food, drink, music, and medicinal practices. For example,

I was taught to honor God and be respectful and kind to our neighbors, especially to our elders.

They were committed to educational achievement and a strong work ethic. Many of the customs

and traditions were adapted from Africa and Europe, some of which were of religious origin.

Folklore also has a defining role in Jamaican culture. I have fond memories of folk stories such

as&River Mumma, the story of a woman who safeguarded Jamaica’s rivers (Friedman, 2011).

Christianity and folklore continue to play a defining role in Jamaican society today. I raised my

children with the same values and cultural traditions that were taught to me. My attitudes,

good…No, I experienced some prejudice and was exposed to stereotypes at a young age. Having

the opportunity to explore different cultures was most beneficial and allowed me to appreciate

similarities.

As an Adjunct Instructor and collegewide program director at a state college, there were many

challenges with equity and program policies and procedures. I sought direction from key

administrators and leaned on my Christian values and life experiences to guide decisions,

emphasizing equity, particularly with funding. I taught Service-Learning courses. These courses

required volunteer service with a non-profit organization and reading and writing to understand

the service and its connection to social issues. Students had to challenge themselves and analyze

their perceptions and gain a greater understanding of other cultures, beliefs, and customs. In

conclusion, I am thankful for the values, cultural traditions, and the many lessons learned that

EMY Discussion Responses

Great post! I applaud you for teaching middle school students. I have taught

students from elementary through higher education and can honestly say middle

school is my least favorite. Theoretically, the middle school you served seemed like

it had all the right elements for positive interethnic relations. Based on the balanced

student and full-time teacher demographics mix, as well as the administrative

leadership composition, training and development for teachers, and curriculum that

includes Father Gutierrez’ liberation theology and Paulo Freire’s philosophy The

influence of liberation theology today extends far beyond Latin America and

Catholicism. Liberation theology is influencing African American, Islamic, Hindu, and

Jewish liberation theologies. In addition, Paulo Freire’s philosophyis still relevant

standards, what steps has the Virginia Department of Education implemented to

reverse the under-performance? Have specific action steps been developed that the

Department of Education uses to ensure accountabilities for all students equitably?

As a resident of Brevard County Florida, I can attest to the lack of equity for all

students in Brevard County Public Schools. Compared to Fredericksburg City Public

Schools and the middle school you served, Brevard Public Schools serves 24,481

students at 43 public middle schools. Minority enrollment is 41% of the student

body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public middle

school average of 65% (majority Hispanic). Middle schools have an?average math

proficiency?score of 55% (versus the Florida public middle school average of 49%),

problem is because of a lack of a centralized office that handles discipline. Instead,

responsibility rests on teachers, principals, and administrators. In addition, behind-

the-scenes problems contributed to Brevard Public Schools interim superintendent’s

removal. There is no plan of action to address the discipline concerns at this point.

(Florida Today, 2023).

References

Brevard County Public Schools. (2023).?Top 10 Best Brevard County Public Middle

Schools

(2023).

www.publicschoolreview.com.

public-schools-discipline-audit-what-did-it-reveal/70121229007/

Hello classmate TB,

I also chose question 1 and I wholeheartedly agree with you. My experiences have

undoubtedly shaped my perspective personally and professionally. At the core of

my perspectives are the values that my parents instilled in me. My parents

immigrated from Jamaica West Indies and had many cultural traditions. My mother

and father had strong faith, strong work ethics, and believed in academic success. I

grew up in a racially diverse community in New York City, which further solidified

my understanding of different cultures at an early age. For example, the

demographics of the elementary school I attended had a balanced mix of ethnicities

that included African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Whites of Italian and Irish

provided you with understanding, respect, and the ability to value similarities rather

challenges you face that include the language barrier. I also respect and admire

your ability to hold an administrative leadership position in a middle school and face

the challenges I also respect and admire your ability to hold an administrative

leadership position in a middle school and face the challenges to prepare the

students with the skills needed to not only be academically successful but also

provide students you face that include the language barrier. I also agree with you,

“not all students will benefit from traditional instruction. As educators, we meet

students where they are, and guide them on a journey of becoming productive

citizens to the best of our abilities”. Integrating technology in the classroom has

revolutionized teaching and learning. It is an excellent way to inspire and motivate