May 23 (post #1)…The Competing Purposes/Aims of Schools

Are there any major purposes of schooling left out by Labaree? What do you make of his conclusion (Is there any hope to push back against the predominant notion of education as a private good?)?

May 23 (post #2)…Teaching as a Profession

Do you think of teaching as a profession? If so, what does this mean to you?

May 30…Ruby Payne

Are Payne’s critics being fair?  What did you find that was useful or illuminating in Payne’s text? Comment on whether/how deficit thinking has been present in your own thinking. 

June 6… Richmond Schools and Race

Obviously, there is a great deal of the Pratt text that is upsetting, disappointing and flat out disturbing...what has troubled you the most so far?

June 8… Richmond Schools and Race

How do you see this history affecting your work as a teacher in RPS (please be as personal and specific as you can)?Given where Pratt's account finishes and anything you happen to know about RPS today, do you see any hope for the future?      

June 11…Privilege, Power and Difference

Johnson defines privilege in an unusual way. If, upon reading about his version of privilege, you recognized its existence in places/situations you hadn’t previously, please share (provided you feel comfortable sharing). Note: This can be a situation in which you are the beneficiary of privilege or one in which you are not.

June 13...Privilege, Power and Difference

A few semesters back, a student asked how he can be sure not to work on the side of those who created and enforce this privilege and oppression…please write about Johnson’s efforts to provide an answer to this question (Chapter 9 is his overt answer, but understanding Chapters 1-8 are crucial to paving the way toward his recommendations in the final chapter). I encourage you to answer this question in as personal a fashion as you feel comfortable. In other words, feel free to write about it from your particular vantage point.

June 18...Teaching toward Freedom

Relate this book to anything we’ve discussed so far during this course.  If you see no relation, then react to Ayers’ ideas.

June 20…Education and Social Change

Do you think that it is the educator’s role to overtly work to make the world a better place?  What are some things that you could/will try to do as an educator to work toward social improvement/justice? Be as specific as possible. (Yes, I know we have a lot to do at the course's end, but I think it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about it!)

Book Talks

Use this space to extend the dialogue regarding the presentations. Note: there is no required posting here, it’s just a way for you to be in touch with your group…use it if it’s helpful otherwise, no worries.