A personal blog dedicated to reflecting on sociological theories of education and their applications to my personal life, through critical responses to material and examination of relevant media topics.
While searching for materials relevant to the course, I came across this article in the National Post, written by Tristin Hopper, which followed the passing of the vote to introduce afrocentric high schools in Toronto. Afrocentric schools are schools that are designed with a curriculum that recognizes and caters to African Canadians. The criticism is that public school curriculum thus far has concentrated on European history while most of the time, ignoring the cultures and histories of minority races. The proposed high school will value students backgrounds and cultures, and teach them about their histories. Though the board voted in favour of the school, many criticisms were voiced by both sides of the debate. Those that were in favour of the school, stated that it should be a temporary fix to a problem with the educational system and that if Afrocentric schools exist in the future, it will be a shame. Those opposing the schools, state issues of segregation and moving away from the multicultural nation that we promote and should embrace. The school is not segregated though, as it is not limited to African Canadian students. Other races are welcomed to attend, though curriculum will focus on African Canadian culture. In fact, Toronto's city counsellor opposed the vote, writing on Twitter, while “done with the best of intentions,” it is “very wrong for our city and society”
In my
search for course-related materials, I found this website and related videos of
a class discussing the importance of education that focuses on community. The
videos come from an organization in Oakland called “Roses in Concrete” in which
Jeff Duncan-Andrade teaches a cohort of 26 students through their 4 years of
high school. The approach is described as, “quite simple; encouraging students
to take pride in their histories, cultures, and communities in order that they
might share personal and collective commitments to grow healthier communities”.
The organization is determined to achieve their goal of building a whole school
in Oakland following the same program, that encompasses the needs of the
society, which motivates their children to become successful students who will
go on to college and then give back to their community in order to bring higher
development to urban areas.
