Module Two-Blog Assignment Part 2

 

    We can educate children by providing universal access and implementing more programs that address the barriers that many face such as finance and language. The schools addressing the problem of the children in School: The Story of American Education did great which implemented programs into some cities like nyc to help such as lessons in English, special classes for children with disabilities and after-school programs. Although not the most “progressive” we can view what we need to improve. Adding more cultural classes that can teach and provide more inclusivity within the schools. Whether rich or poor, will benefit students as it will expose them to different values, ideas and perspectives as well as creating more relationships with their peers. By providing proper funding towards schools, especially to the marginalized and low-income neighborhoods. By doing so we’d be able to provide programs as such and offer them the same education opportunities as everyone else who has the money to do so.

Furthermore, implementing more family, community and mental health programs or events that can bring everyone together. Most children whose parents struggle financially often do not spend quality time with their parents or family because they work so much. This creates even more struggles for them to successfully do well in school, a child who has their family actively supporting them will do well. When engaging the parents into their child's education it can lead them to better resources and help to provide the best for their child.

    Moreover, school benefits children that are privileged, this means someone who can come from a wealthy family, speak english, be born here and is able bodied. Overall money opens up many opportunities and resources that can lead to a successful career. Someone with money can get a better education than most people by being able to attend a top private school and university that will open doors to networking and a successful career. This offers a continuation of furthering their education and career opportunities compared to those who can’t continue. Someone who speaks English in a western traditional education will get to understand all the topics being teached to them. Not having a disability is a big privilege an able bodied person can get through school easily as they wouldn’t have to deal with something that affects their ability to learn.

    Finally, It fails students like immigrants and working-class background families who have financial problems, a language barrier and different cultures. In the book School: The Story of American Education it stated that “Many children were left behind when they were unable to keep up with other children of their age, and they were considered “overage” for their grade”. Due to having that language barrier many were not and still aren’t suited for traditional American classes. Tests such as intelligence tests that were implemented by the nations’ leading psychologists of education do not take any of these factors into consideration. Later on these intelligence tests were embedded in education practice and served as the model for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT’s are very unfair, as they are not offered in any foreign language and the only way to take the test is if you know how to speak and understand english. Those who do not have access to a good education and resources may not get enough preparation for this test. As it all comes down to financial stability, when there are problems with money there are also many factors that can affect the family lifestyle and mental health of a child that may cause them to do poorly.