Turning Things Upside Down

Turning Things Upside Down 

While reading, "What if we Talked about Monolingual White Children the Way we Talked about Low-Income Children of Color", at first I didn't pick up on the tactic of the article, but as I read on it became very clear. The author even clearly states his intent at the end, which to me felt like a mike drop. I even wrote, "BOOM" on my paper. The author makes a great point- the fact that English improvement programs can be implemented into low-income communities with no problem at first doesn't seem bad; but when the process is reversed and bilingual programs are implemented into white communities, there is push back. It's as though the expected norm, again, is to have communities of different cultures and races assimilate to the white English way. I feel like one could take this the next step and assume that other races and cultures have to assimilate to the American Way. And as I kept reading this article, I couldn't help but think that maybe English improvement programs are covertly supporting the idea that English and being white is expected and norm and everyone must change and assimilate to the dominate culture.


This idea is to new to me. In the past when I've heard about interventions or improvement programs, I have thought highly about them. I have thought, "Wow! Those programs are helping provide equal educationally opportunities to all children, even children in low-income communities! How great!". Now, I can help but think that these programs, as helpful as they are trying to be, are actually pushing a white agenda onto these families and other cultures.

I also can't help but think- what really is success? And do these families and children have ideas about succeeds that are being pushed aside and belittled by these programs? I am still thinking and processing these ideas. It hasn't been until recently that I have started to question these types of programs and what their real message and meaning are.

A program similar to this one was implemented in Providence. Here is the article, I would suggest reading it, it is very interesting! https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/01/12/talking-cure

The Providence Journal piece hit home for me. Last January, I actually attended a district council meeting and spoke against this change. The district had 2 meetings to present the changes and get public input and feedback- even though they weren't going to change and listen. They are required to hold these meetings and anyone can attend. So I went because I felt as though these new policies were incredibly unfair to both the student and teacher. The meeting was very interesting. Parents and teachers from all over providence stood up one by one and expressed their angry and frustration about the new law. I am so glad I went, and I am so glad I spoke. I felt a part of something that day! My students deserve better!

The scenario the article discusses is the scenario I have been in for almost two years now. Since I am a science teacher, I am provided no ESL support and therefore teach 40 ESL students chemistry everyday with no assistance or help. It is horrible, I know 3 out of 5 days I am not teaching these students anything and they are frustrated, lost, confused, and angry. They deserve a better education than the one I can provide them!

I am astonished that there are people who believe that a regular no ESL teacher is capable to serving the students equally. Its so confusing and saddens me. I don't get it. How can they possible think this?!

Lastly, one other thought that came to my mind is that, if I learn another language and tell someone that I am bilingual, I am congratulated and seem as intelligent. When my students learn English, societies response is, "about time"!! Its so wrong!

I know I am starting to talk in circles so I will bring it back home. Both these articles hit home for me. Our society expects our students to learn English and assimilate to the dominate culture, which is horrible, and yet we wont provide them the teaching and support they need to learn anything. Our educational policy needs to change. These children deserve more and better!