section II response: student life

Schools and Society, a course which aims to expose and challenge systems of oppression in larger society towards social justice for all, has shifted in focus recently from a heavy emphasis on theory to an emphasis on practice and application in the classroom. Theory with a strong focus on critical pedagogy provides a solid context for critically reading and analyzing our current text, Teachers, Schools and Society by David Sadker and Karen Zittleman.

School Pressures Teachers and students alike face a number of challenges and barriers to effective teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers may face restrictive schedules that limit the size and scope of the material they hope to cover with their student and may also struggle against increased classroom time preparing for and taking standardized tests. Teachers too often become mangers in classrooms as they strive to serve the majority at the expense of the individual. School programs that track their students based on ability work against values of community and collaboration, key components of a democratic society. In such systems, schools of color are disproportionally under represented, working to further exacerbate achievement gaps.

Peer Influence Both inside and outside the school, students are influenced by peer groups. Perhaps more powerful that teachers, parents and other adults, positive peer relationships can "make" a school experience. Hierarchical systems within schools that reinforce societal norms work against students. The critical educator must create an inclusive classroom culture in order to empower all students to work and live beyond superficial societal stratification.

Social Challenges The chapter concludes with a focus on social challenges students face outside school. Social systems like race and class, directly affect issues like student health and access to basics like food and shelter. Students must learn to react appropriately to issues with drugs, alcohol and sexual identity. For students to navigate these challenges with grace, understanding and knowledge, teachers and schools first must know their students. As teachers learn to recognize and work against bias in the classroom, student's individual stories are heard, empowered and shared. As students become teachers, power in the classroom moves from one to all. Positive social change on the larger scale, begins in the classroom with one.

Check out the chapter 4 word map here ---> Student Life