Bad Boys

This article shows how students are placed into certain categories in schools. They are educated in coordinance with their categories they are placed in. African American males are victim to this categorization of being trouble makers. Horror stories precede students into the clasroom and create reputations that may not fit the student. These boys are more likely to be singled out and punished than other students. School personnel argue whether these boys should be given access to the special programs which are designed for those who are failing in school.

I think there are problems with these ideas, already preceding these students into school and creating a stigma against African American boys. This is creating a reputations and preparing teachers to treate students in a certain way.

Identity

Identity during adolescence is one of the most important steps to go through. This is the stage where we determine who we are and what our place in the world is. "In the social jungle of human existence there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity." (p. 253) I can remember my claim to identity starting in 8th grade and branching all through the 4 years of high shool. I moved to a new school, made new friends, and somehow fit in with them. I came to school wearing a Silverchair t-shirt, hoping that someone liked them as much as I did. I found a group of girls that also wore band t-shirts similar to what I wore. They were very welcoming, and we became immediate friends. I can remember after becoming friends with these girls that the other girls who wore Tommy Hilfiger or Old Navy t-shirts, or whatever was popular at that time in the 90's, making fun of me for the "skater" clothes I wore. I didn't care though, because I had found my identity and had made friends. As I entered high school I continued to dress the way I did, but noticed that I didn't necessarily attract too many boys. The few I dated were friends that we already hung out with, and I didn't find an attraction to them as much as I did to other boys. I also became more environmentally aware and branched my music tastes to that of my parents, such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, etc. I started having a more mature taste in clothing, chosing a nice figure-fitting pair of cords rather than a baggy, men's-size pair of cords, and form-fitting shirts and sweaters. I chose colors that were more neutral and reflecting my love for the natural world around us. Blacks, greens, greys, tans versus the rocker-skater black and red with band t-shirts I used to wear. I started to talk to more than just "my group of friends" in my classes, and ended up making many friends. By the time senior year of high school ended, I was definitely labeled a "hippy chick" (minus dreads). There were many rough patches with finding my identity during these years, but I did find my true identity. I stopped copying the identities of others and branched into what I thought was my "own." I now feel completely comfortable with who I am and will always stand by my beliefs.

Group Projects

One item that I will be bringing to the attention of the class during our group is the book Make Me Wanna Holler by Nathan McCall. It is an amazing book I read years ago for an intro sociology class. I believe it pertains to our subject of self-esteem, drugs, gang activities, and growing beyond these distractions as a young adult. The author goes through all these troubles as a young adult and grows up to become an author and a writer for the Washington Post.

Importance of Middle School

"The National Middle School Association believes that: Successful schools for young adolescents are characterized by a culture that includes: 1) educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so, 2) courageous, collaborative leadership, 3) a shared vision that guides decisions, 4) an inviting, supportive, and safe environment, 5) high expectations for every member of the learning community, 6) students and teachers engaged in active learning, 7) an adult advocate for every student, and 8) school-initiated family and community partnerships.

Therefore, successful school for young adolescents provide:
1)Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory, 2) multiple learning and teaching approaches that repsond to their diversity, 3) assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning, 4) organizational strucutres that support meaningful relationships and learning, 5) school-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety, and 6) multifaceted guidance and support services. (National Middle School Association, 2003, p7)" (Brown p. 152)

With these guildelines, a middle school teacher is trying to create an intellectual person, a person to create meaningful work, a good citizen, a caring and ethical individual, and a healthy person. Good self esteem and healthy habits are created at this time, and it is up to a teacher to help provide the knowledge for this creation.