The one teacher that you always remember...

His family just moved to the U.S. He is a Latino male entering the 7th grade. His teachers, the administrators, the counselors expect him to fail; their reasons are simply because Latino males either drop out of school, then go to jail or drop out, then go into the labor working field. Yet, there was one teacher who daily told her class that did not matter what their race is, all received the highest expectations from her. She was the only teacher that had expectations of him.

• What are other methods for teachers/administators and other students can do to change the racial stereotypes in connection to school achievement?
  


• Please feel free to share comments/questions on the issues of race and school achievement, and what we as a society can do to change it.

Why so surprised?

Background Info: I'm a half-white and half-Mexican girl, but I'm often perceived to be completely Mexican.

Situation: It's the beginning of my junior year in high school, and I walk into the career center to see about information on potential universities, scholarships, etc. As I walk in, the counselor looks up at me and says "The tutoring center is across the hall." I mention to her that I'm actually here to pick some information on college, and by the look on her face, she is surprised. So without asking important questions like, What kind of college? Where?, she hands me some pamphlets on nearby community colleges. Looking at the pamphlets, I think to myself, "I'm one of the top students at this school, shouldn't I be getting more options other than Mt. SAC and Chaffey. Where's the colleges like UCLA, CSU-Long Beach, etc.?"

• Would this interaction be different if I was different race?


• Has this ever happened to you?


• Please share your thoughts and questions about the impact teacher/counselor stereotypes have on students' expectations of themselves and their attitudes about school achievement.
  

Adolescent Identity Turmoil: Is it imaginary or real?

Adolescence is a time of turmoil and change for every young adult, especially for students of color and other minorities. As our world becomes increasingly global, there is a disconnect between our students and academics.
Image: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/kung.356/files/children.bmp

• Do some students do better in Math or English because of race?

• What are your perceptions and experiences around the world? How do you define yourself?

• Does your self-identity change based on your interactions with a particular group or race? How does it impact your sense of self-worth? Did you have multiple personalities (i.e. one for school, one for home, and one for your friends)?
  

• How did doing well in school, participating in class discussions or participating in school activities and clubs impact your identity?

• As a parent, have you asked "What is going on with my son or daughter? What is behind this sudden change in behavior?" If so, what did you determine? In answering these questions, please let us know how you resolved these conflicts and emotions?

• As an educator or policy planner, what have you done to ensure the success of all students in your classroom? Have you asked your students if it is working?

Please feel free to answer all, some or only one of the questions above. If it intrigues you, please let us know why. Do you have a personal story? If so, please let us know.