From the syllabus:
Course Description
This course examines the ways in social inequality and educational opportunity are connected, and how inequality in educational opportunities reproduces social inequality in the broader society. Students will examine how race, income, class, and geography have influenced and been organized by American educational policies, systems, and environments. In exploring these topics, students will examine social inequality and its connections to education, particularly the extent to which schools are a mechanism for social mobility and how the structure of schools has affected individuals and society. Course readings and discussions will be grounded in a historical review of opportunity gaps and the policy solutions proposed to address these differences, as well as critical analysis of existing and proposed policies, programs and resources intended to close these gaps.
(Dr. T. Kolbe Fall 2021)
The final exam for this course was to compile the reading, discussions, presentations, and overall learning into a reflection post-assessment. I believe my reflection serves to demonstrate the incredible learning that I had the privilege of participating in this semester. It is fitting that this was one of the last two courses I took as part of this degree program. It serves as a beginning, not an end to my learning and efforts to create more equitable learning outcomes for students in rural parts of Vermont.
A significant assignment was to examine our own experience through education in an autoethnography. It was eye-opening to do this reflecting after learning about so many unfair policies and practices in our society.
A call to true inclusion using co-teaching for special educators and generalist teachers.
This book starts and ends conversations about financial equality and outcomes in the United States. I have cited Rothstein's compilation of all of the formal and informal policies and political decisions that have led to a resegregation of towns across America at dinner several times. A highly accessible, yet thorough read, I highly recommend this book!
This book was heartbreaking in the ways schools are often not particularly helpful for Black girls facing external pressures and difficult circumstances. Additionally, the biases that were brought to light regarding Black girls' behavior, appearance, and intent was eye-opening.
While completely well-intentioned, this book highlighted the problematic role teachers and schools play in increasing segregation and inequality of outcomes for students of color. Opportunity hoarding begins in the earliest school experiences and access to early learning continues through high school and college prep classes. Biases regarding parental involvement, ability, and future planning prevent many highly capable, Black and Brown students from even accessing the same courses as their White peers.