Day 1 of High School
I am an “intern.” I will briefly explain- I have a mentor (a teacher with a full course load) who guides me by giving me two classes whenever I feel “ready.” Hopefully sooner than later. He will sit in on the class initially as I teach, and gradually will give me the classes, while always offering assistance and help if I ever need it.
This is considered an urban school, and 65% of students are eligible for free lunch. The school is also highly diverse, and I love that aspect of it. As I watched students from various backgrounds enter the building it made me wish I had that experience in high school.
background- I come from a decent sized town that was exceptionally ignorant. It is considered middle class to upper middle class. My town was 98% white 2% “other.” I’m still not sure what that other is. As soon as more “others” moved in people began to get upset. I don’t go home too often. Fortunately my family has never been like that. Must be the Jew in us- we understand exclusion.
First period economics walks in- they are a class that will receive college credits, I can’t teach these courses. I sit through the class, though it isn’t mine, and I introduce myself. The kids are primarily white. Quite a different scenario than outside had shown.
Period two economics walks in- no college credits. My class! Primarily African American and hispanic.
Period four global studies- A good mix, but mostly AA, Hispanic, one student that is Middle Eastern (though not sure where), and a few white students.
Period five is an honors level class, also not my class- Primarily white.
Do you see a trend? I know what statistics have shown, but it was so visible. They are all students in one school. They were all technically given the same opportunities in education.
I feel as though this is some case study that I am destined to follow. I want to examine this. I don’t know enough about my students or their backgrounds and situations. They come from suburban homes, urban homes, and rural, and filter into this school district. They have 1 school and equal opportunities provided within these walls, but what about home?
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