Reflection Part IV (Daniela Parra)

Reflection of Part IV

This part of the book shows that the 1983 report A Nation at Risk made individuals believe that American schools were failing, but many people disagreed. It showed that the performance of students was improving, and more people, including minorities and disabled people, were becoming educationally accessible. The report also blamed schools for economic problems, as it did in the 1950s when the United States lost the space race to the Russians. In reality, larger problems like international competition and changes in industry affected the economy more than education. One of the most significant results of the report was high-stakes testing and stricter school standards. Schools had more pressure to achieve higher standards, but the government reduced its role in schools, and it was left up to states and local schools to take the heat. Ultimately, while improving education is a need, it is wrong to blame the schools for everything that's going wrong in economics. Instead of merely dumping in more tests and rules, we have to address real issues like equal funding and access to education for everyone.



As I'm trying to connect part IV to my major, which is social work, I found that childhood trauma is important and it can have an impact on literacy and learning itself. Trauma can affect a child's ability to concentrate, process, and develop language skills. It can make them struggle with reading and academic performance. Also, it can affect the focus that they can use for learning and gaining some education, just because they are affected by whats going around them, something that shouldn't even be bothering them. Social workers can help create a safe and supportive learning environment that can see the effects of trauma and build resilience. The changes in East Harlem’s schools connect to social work because they both focus on helping people by creating fair opportunities and making the community overall better. There is one connection, which is personalized support. For example, just like smaller schools give students more individual attention, social workers help people based on their needs and wants. They both want to make sure no one is left behind. Another example is how there is fairness and access to resources. Before the school changed, a lot of students didn't have good opportunities. The new system gave them a better chance for better choices, just like social workers fight for people to have that advantage. Also, I like how East Harlem's schools let the families choose what worked best for their kids.


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