My Visit to Newark to Start my Research

Method of Research

I started my research project by reviewing several articles that covered similar is-sues of the importance about teaching science in urban schools. I needed to start to be-come familiar with the community and get an idea of where the schools were located. I went to the Newark Broad of Education web site to print a list of schools and their ad-dresses. While I was on the website, I wanted to know what the district philosophy is for the science curriculum. I continue to glance at some other locations on the web site. I needed to get the address of a schools that I could visit while I was in the area. I printed the addresses of all of the schools so that I could put them in my GPS system.
I went to the area of the website that would tell me what type of materials were used in the classroom. I discovered that FOSS curriculum (Full Option Science System) materials were listed on the web site and when I do my interviews I will ask the teachers about the materials. I started my Research at the Newark Museum. I wanted to see what cultural activity’s there were in the area that a science teacher might take a field trip to. I had heard about the Newark museum from others and then I was reading the news-paper and spotted information about an exhibit that was there.
After my visit to Newark, I had lots of questions. My next steps was to talk to some teachers working in the middle school and ask questions about the curriculum, the material used and the lack of green space in the area. I needed to go back on line and
this time I started to look through the Star Ledger newspaper for articles on communities in Newark using or creating green spaces. I went to the web to research an organi-zation that donates fruit trees to schools and though that may be a future project. This organization prepares activities on gardening and creating food by growing plants.

Working on My Reflections and Conclusions

I am still work on my conclusion and reflection because I am trying to come to a decision about the information I have gathered.

I went to Newark to the museum to start my tour of Newark. I have not been in the area for more then 12 yrs. As soon as I arrived there, I traveled off the highway and headed to downtown area. I started to see some familiar site, like the path train and the prudential building. I noticed that much of the area had newly constructed buildings and roads.
The down town area reminded me of Harlem 125th street. The street in certain areas had lots of people walking. There were lots of police present. After my visit to the museum I travel to Shabazz High School. You could clearly see the area was changing. There was new apartments and new home amongst the older building, churches, and business in the area. I notice a supermarket chain that is very common in urban communities. C town is a chain of supermarkets that I grew up with in my urban communities. I have not seen that chain since I move out of Harlem. The down town area had a Sports arena, NJ Pac, pawnshops, banks and some fast foods.
I looked for places that provided healthcare however I did not notice any doctor office or health clinics. I through that was strange. Were would people in the community receive care? The ER is there community healthcare provider. I did notice a hospital sign right outside of the grounds of Shabazz.
Shabazz HS had a gated entrance. The school looks new and there are other schools located on the grounds I started taking pictures of the new football field. The school is located among homes and apartments. I was very surprise to see the school located in this area. It was very nice, but I felt like I was in a concrete city. There were very little trees and plant life. Where are the trees and the parks? The nearest restaurant was McDonald. My visit was very nice, it remind me of where I grow up in Harlem. I discover that schools in this community play a very important role in the life of the students. Much of the students learning take place in school. The school is a place where children will receive support when they are struggling in their subjects. School is also a place where the community will also rely on. It is a place to conduct business and pro-vide activity and events for the community. The roles of the teacher in this community will be a difficult one.

My Visit to Newark

I have been thinking about my inquire project. I needed to start to gather information to do my research. I decided to go to Newark to take a look at what was in the area. I had several questions about how I was going to do my research and collect data on HIV. I had information on the types of programs that provided treatment to Aids patient in the community. I had researched how much federal money was given yearly through the Ryan White foundation. I went to the Newark website and I was still trying to make the connection of HIV and Adolescents in an urban community. I did not notice any healthcare services and it was not until I arrived at Shabazz HS that I saw my first hospital sign.
Once I started to do my walking tour in Newark, I decided that I wanted to change my topic and gather information that would help me to understand what my role would be as a teacher in Newark. Once I arrived home, I kept thinking about what I observed today and I wanted to get to know the community and then I can revisit my original topic of how does HIV affect Adolescents in an Urban Community?

Compare Schultz’s Pedagogy to the Pedagogy of Poverty

As I started to think about what my response was going to be in my blog to answer the question: Compare Schultz’s pedagogy to the Pedagogy of Poverty, I believe Schultz felt that his student were entitled to receive an education that would modify progressive education and hold them to a higher expectation then what they were use to by their other teachers and peers.

In the Pedagogy of Poverty, students must be involved to show examples of good teaching going on. Character is built by students who have had practice at comparing ideas with reality in their own lives and in the lives of those abound them (Haberman pg. 6). The students in the Spectacular Things had the reality of a school with lots of problems. The students worked on helping others to see that they deserved a school that was free of the problems. There should be no excuse for the heat not working or having broken toilets and leaking water. The students were able to learn and applied school curriculum through the work being developed through the projects. The project began from questions. The students could clearly identify the problems in the school and how it affects their learning. Schultz created a cooperative and democratic classroom. All of the students had control of their education. The students learned from each other. The teacher gained knowledge and understanding from his students as well.

In the Pedagogy of Poverty students should be asked questions and think about answering the questions that may require a student to now go beyond what they were taught and discover how to apply what had been discovered. The students in Spectacular Things were able to build on what they learned about the original request for a new school building. The students took different approaches to move forward in their effort to get the new school. They applied technology and media to get their information out to others. The class used all of the students working together, the weak students worked with the stronger students to develop ideas to change their lives at school. The lesson they learned working on the project are skills that the students can apply throughout their lives.

Schultz’s sets the bar high for urban educators to create an environment that will question what is and work to change what was. Students should be encouraged to think and determine how they can change their education to meet their needs.

Spectacular Things Happen Along The Way

There were several challenges that Schultz’s students faced. The book points out some of the daily event that occurred the lives of these urban students in a Chicago school.

The students were expecting to receive their education in a building that was inadequate. The problems were a part of their school life. There was no lunchroom which means the students ate in the hallway. The restrooms leak and were dirty. The students refused to use them. There was no gym. The students had to use the facility of another school. The windows had holes. The holes in the window created a problem in the winter. The classrooms were cold and the heat and thermostat never worked. How could the student be expected to learn when it was so cold? There were so many problems facing these students. There were many promises made to the school from administration and politician’s however none were forthcoming.

In addition to the building problems, the curriculum did not meet the needs of the students. The students struggle with the basic education of reading, writing and arithmetic with no way of getting support. They did not have books. The curriculum itself and the way it was taught are often the driving forces responsible for gross an inequality that advances the unjust socioeconomic stratification in this country (Schultz 2008)

The problems the student faced in this school is a realistic view of what is being faced in many of the schools in the urban community. The curriculum is not a one size fit all. As an example, the students in Schultz’s book did not know how to react to their teacher’s style of teaching. The students were given choices and asked their opinion on issues in the classroom daily. The teacher was determined to change what was norm while empowers the students through the process.

Annotated Biobiography

Diane M. Reddy, Raymond Fleming, and Carolyne Swain
Effect of Mandatory Parental Notification on Adolescent Girls' Use of Sexual Health Care Services
JAMA, Aug 2002; 288: 710 - 714.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/288/6/710

The article discussed the use of prescribed contraceptives offered through a public health clinic in an urban community. The clinics were receiving federal funding. The study looked at the need for consent of a parent and how it would impede a girl seeking the health services. If the adolescent need the consent of a parent to receive the contraceptive, it could cause an increase in teen pregnancies, abortion, and STD because the teen would refuse to seek care if it was needed.

The study took a look at urban female adolescents, younger then 18 years old. The studies gather information form different variables of age, race and socioeconomic. The two issues being debated in the article discussed:
1. Having parents consent, which should open dialog between the parents and the child leading to a decrease in pregnancy and STD’s.
2. If an Adolescent engages in sex and chooses to use contraceptive, it should be kept confidential between the clinic and the patient.
The article at this time could not conclude any evidence that showed a correlation between having parental involvement, which will change sexual behavior of adolescent girls.

As I was reading the article, I would research further, the idea of including parent’s awareness in their daughter's choice to engage in sex at an early age. I want to further explore the idea of the effects + or – on parental influence on sexual behavior and decreasing STD especially HIV, abortion, pregnancy. I would like to see know how parent eduction in conjunction with student education would effect or have a change on adolescent experimenting with sex.

According to the article, more than half the girls interviewed, indicated that they would stop seeking health care services if their parents had to be involved. The next question would be to investigate WHY?

Election Day November 4, 2008

November 4, 2008 was a day made in history. I woke up at 5:30am to go to the polls with my family. As I was pulling off of my drive, I saw my neighbor's window opening. I stop in front of her house to asked if she wanted a ride to the polls and she said yes! My husband was asked to called several of my neighbor for a wake up call and he did that too!

When I arrived to the polling location, I could not believe my eyes!!! There was no parking anywhere. People were standing in line waiting to vote. The line extended more then two blocks. People of all ages and all cultures were waiting to cast their votes. I waited on line with my family for 45 minutes after the polls opened. While I was waiting I started to take pictures of all the people waiting and listening to all of the excitement as they were talking to people standing and waiting.

I went home feeling so happy and saying a a pray that my candidate would win and that it would be a land slide so that the vote would not be contested in anyway. I was later told that the people started to gather about 5:30am just to vote. No one wanted to miss their opportunity to vote.

As I was watching the results I started to reflected on how I am part of this historical day in history and that I am alive to see it. I can share this historical day with with my children and husband. This is a day that I never thought would happen in my life time, "A person of color would win the highest political office in the nation". Many of my friends called and text me that night. I received calls from all parts of the country.

Our new President Elect,Mr Obama has empowered all of us to help him to continue to make changes in America for all people and I will do just that as an educator!!!!!

Adolescents Issues, Facing the Youth's of Today.

I was listening to a radio program and the topic of discussion was about teenager and their sexual behaviors. Some of the information being discussed mentions the increase in HIV/AID’s in teenagers. I wanted to continue to listen to the program but I was on my way to an appointment. I kept thinking about the topic and I began to wonder how HIV/AID is affecting the urban community teenagers. I started to look up the topic on the web and I found four categories that could be starting points for a research paper. The comments are as follows:
· Why do teens feel that they are not going to be the one to be exposed?
· This is a time when teens are developing personally and sexual Identity. They will want to experiment with homosexual relationships.
· They are having unprotected sexual intercourse.
· Drug experimentation may begin.

The disease is on the increase in minority teens. I would like to reseach what could be the causes. How does being exposed to this disease effects an adolescent ablity to continue to learn in school? The next question I began to think about was: Should HIV/AID’s testing be a mandatory test for student entering into middle school and Should the testing be done in school/ privately or both? Once the testing is done, What type of intervention planning is put into place? Will there be counselors in the schools to help with the education of the student in this matter?

What Did A College Experience Provided Me?

My college experience has provided me with the skills and tools that will allow me to make choices about my future. I have learned skills like planning, organizing, finance, policy and history. Being in college has allowed me to see demonstrations and examples of how skills work and how to implement strategies effectively. College is the place where you can experience learning and think about how to become effective in your job.

College was always something that I needed to achieve for myself. My parents received high school educations and college was not an option for them. They were limited in choices of jobs. They earned decent wages but as the economy changed, so did the there jobs. There were times that they found themselves without a job. My father never wanted to go to college, but my mother did, however she never had an opportunity to do so.

When I was trying to decide on what school I would attend, I received more support from my mother, then my father. I knew I had to go to school if I wanted to have a different experience in jobs then my parents.

Going to college allows me to help share and build on the knowledge with others who are also trying to achieve. As I learn to apply the knowledge, I have gained from my education in everyday life; I will be able to share with my students. I feel the gift of education will empower other to do there best to achieve goals and I am happy for the opportunity to become an education.

How Does Class Shapes A Child Educational Experiences?

I believe socioeconomic status plays a large part on the educational experience. As I think about the question, I think about the different communities in NJ. You can travel to schools in Bergen County and compare them to schools in Hudson County. The educational system in both areas can be vastly different. There are different types of funding provided to the schools. Bergen County I believe receives less funding from the federal government but more funding from the propriety owners, whereas Hudson County receives more funding from the government and less funding form propriety owners. The type of funding will affect the types of programs, equipment, supplies and staffs needed. Some schools Hudson County may not have simple supplies like paper; pencils or books where as school in Bergen County have a surplus of supplies.In addition, the wealthier communities will receive more parent support in fund raise and provide their children with tutoring in area of weakness. In communities with less wealth and without federal funding, student may not get additional support. As you take a look at the communities there is vast differences in the race of people in the communities. The race and education of the community will have a huge advantage on the wealth of the community, therefore largely effecting the quality of the education in these communities.

Making Sense of Urban Communities

As I reviewed the information from the report and compared it to the book I can make some clear correlation and comparison to daily living items like housing, childcare, transportation and food. In the area of housing, Both Katie and Harold live in public housing and receiving public assistant. The buildings are not well keep and run down. Harold apartment has a problem with roaches and it is too small for his large family. If both of these families were living in Essex County they might be face with similar problems. The largest expense on the NJRCL report is housing. These families live below the FPL and would not be able to afford better housing. They would be living in a similar housing situation in Essex County. According to the NJRCL report there is no tax credit for child care. Katie mother tried to relocate to another state and wanted to live Katie behind with a family member however, there was no one to really care for her. Ms Brindle would have the same situation living in NJ. She would not have the funding to pay for childcare since she is on public assistance. On days when she had to go and pick up her food stamps she was face with the choice of taking her youngest child with her on the bus or asking a family member to watch him. Ms Brindle was looking for work, but if she were called for the interview, she would be stuck with the decision of deciding whom she would have to leave her son with.The NJRCL report sites transportation as and expense, however the report is only considering families with cars. In the Book, both families used public transportation to travel around. In New Jersey, owning a car is very expensive. Auto insurance is the highest in the nation and the cost of fueling the car is also very expensive. Family living below the FPL would never be able to own a car. Other basic needs would have to suffer like buying food. I believe the families in the book would have had same or similar experience living in Essex County. It makes me wonder where to you begin to try to make a change. Would education, retraining help? When I looked at the LSNJ report and compared it to the book unequal childhood, there are many similarities and differences. Both pieces of information site common information like family structure, education background, employment, housing, and food expenses. The reading compared the information by gender race and ethnicity groups.In the area of geographic location, as an example, New Jersey is a state with some of the highest cost of living expenses. Basic needs expenses like food and shelter and utilities are at an all time high. Housing is unaffordable and over price and with out a good paying job many families are now prioritizing. I find it hard to believe that incomes in the state of NJ is the highest yet families still are unable to meet there finances. The report is based on information that is reported, but what about information that is not reported. When a family is lacking resources, especially those families with children, other areas are like healthcare will also suffer. One of the ways to make a change in the socioeconomic status is to seek education. Even the cost of education has gone up. Financial aide is very hard to get. Proving that the aid is needed create more of a problem. Families are not saving money because they don’t have any to save. The link to success was education now that has change. More highly educated and skilled people are unemployed and with the financial state of the economy, that is not going to change any time soon. I see the communities of today; very similar to what I saw when I was growing up. I was faced with the reality that I needed to do well in school and work hard and that would guarantee success. I was able to change my social economic status from a working middle class to middle class because of education. As a budding urban educators working in this environment, I feel today education still what is needed for urban student to dream big and be successful but the dream are fading away. I feel that government has removed many of the program that once were available, making people are now responsible for their own success. As an educator, I want to empower children to change their outcomes in society. I will be there to guide student through the education process.Communities are what they are. I believe families’ needs to want to change their environment. Families are working harder and still unable to rise to a level of success. I feel that education systems are always changing but you are giving students tools that can be applied though out life. I see people’s differences as unique and special and it is something to embrace. Students will come to school with different cultures, languages, races, and gender. Teachers will need to be flexible with student as they get to know the students and help develop the best in a student. Not being so quick to judge a student base on what they are lacking or don’t have will be important. Some student may not have resource to do their schoolwork at home and all factors should always be considered before making a judgement call.
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Who is wearing what.......

I was reading an article (US News and World Report Aug 4/11 2008 pp.69) about the medical effects that tattooing has on the body. Part of the article talked about the removal of the tattoo and the other part of the article talked about tattoo causing skin cancer as a result of the dyes used. Other illnesses associated with tattoos are Hepatitis C and the transmitting of HIV in addition; there are concerns with having tattoos and having an epidural performed during pregnancy.

There is stigmatism associated with having tattoos. In certain professional job, exposed tattoos are considered an unacceptable form of body expression. As I started working in middle and high school, I noticed that this fade has appeared more visible in places on exposed areas of teacher’s arms, legs, and shoulders, necks, and ankles. Young students are talking about their teacher’s clothing, underwear’s (thong) and their tattoos.

I don’t think that the teachers realize that their students are studying more then the lesson for the day. Teachers are seen as role models. As a role model, the examples of learning are learned in many ways. Schools are seen as places of business were learning is taking place. An employer will never state the reason why they did not hire you especially if it has to do with an impression being made at an interview. As an example, Sean Combs (puffy) is a very successful businessman and he clearly understands what is the appropriate norm for a business environment. However, in a different setting, he might dress and speak differently amongst his friends/peers.

Tattoos are a form of body expression that will never be accepted in all work environments. The stigma is changing but the facts are that tattoos can be un- healthy and their could be long term side effects if a person decides to have them removed.

How does class shape a childs educational experience?

How does class shape a child educational experiences? I believe socioeconomic status plays a large part on the educational experience. As I think about the question, I think about the different communities in NJ. You can travel to schools in Bergen County and compare them to schools in Hudson County. The educational system in both areas can be vastly different. There are different types of funding provided to the schools. Bergen County I believe receives less funding from the federal government but more funding from the propriety owners, whereas Hudson County receives more funding from the government and less funding form propriety owners. The type of funding will affect the types of programs, equipment, supplies and staffs needed. Some schools in Hudson County may not have simple supplies like paper; pencils or books where as school in Bergen County have a surplus of supplies.In addition, the wealthier communities will receive more parent support in fund raise and provide their children with tutoring in area of weakness. In communities with less wealth and without federal funding, student may not get additional support. As you take a look at the communities there is vast differences in the race of people in the communities. The race and education of the community will have a huge advantage on the wealth of the community, therefore largely effecting the quality of the education in these communities.

Old ways vs New Ways

Someone said, “We are not doing enough for our children of color in the area of math, reading and science, never mind in bilingual and special education”. More children are being placed in remedial class for support than ever before. The students just don’t get the subject matter. There is total disagreement amongst the teachers and the parents are left completely in the dark when it comes to education choice made for their children.

If a child comes home with homework and does not understand how to do it, parents often are unable to offer any assistance.

The old way of teaching as and example math is long gone and a new analytical approach is being used. I say, how can we apply this math to everyday life. I have gone into stores to purchase food. I find the cashier can’t perform calculations that are independent of the cash register. They just look at the money in their hand and I tell them how much change I am supposes to get. I also heard that remedial math course are on the incline in college because students are not making the grades on entrance exams. What are we going to do to a system that is failing so many students?

There is hope?

I was reading an article by Harold Hodgkinson that presents the argument; the culture demographic in America is changing. The dominant races will be Hispanic and Asian. As people of these cultural backgrounds classify themselves into the culture groups that they identify themselves is base on skin color, it will have a huge effect on society. Hodgkinson states in the article that the growth has occurred in states like New York, New Jersey and Connecticut just to name a few examples.

As the demographic change, new education programs will have to be implemented to support these cultural groups. More schools will have full time preschool to encourage early education.

The part of the article that I found most interesting is the comments about baby boomer and the need to replace the financial resources that they contribute to society. The young families and the number of children will increase while the baby boomers in the community will decrease. This change will have a dramatic effect on the finances in the area making it unbalance therefore taking away resources that are needed.

Hope versus despair can only be keep in balance when racial line are removed and this country stops seeing minorities as part of the problem. The hope will be to have minorities educated and for them to contribute to society as independent, productive and successful in areas that need it the most.