tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37479226543514165102012-02-15T23:47:52.247-08:00Susan Luishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17101549554701848818noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747922654351416510.post-50837480804311806802008-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:25:54.551-07:00Listening to Ruby Payne today was refreshing. Although she indicated that she has many critics, she was able to bring to focus the diversity, in terms of perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs based on economic status. Students of poverty are forced into a school system which model the mainstream culture of middle class norms. Students living in poverty often times, do not understand the hidden rules in which school exists and teachers often times come into conflict with the hidden rules of poverty. Being able to teach our students and teacher the importance of understand diversity, as well as developing an understanding of the beliefs, values, and behaviors correlated to up-bringing and level of economic status will provide our teachers and students with a better opportunity to build lasting relationships. Students of poverty are often the ones sent to the office, because teachers refuse to allow for the disrespect and negative attitude they display when confronted. However, this behavior is often developed as a reaction to confrontation and pride based on hidden rules in poverty. Teachers must establish relationships and respect for students while developing an understanding of who they are. Teachers must make home visit and connect to families so that they will be able to connect to the students in their classrooms.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3747922654351416510-5083748080431180680?l=ryhtluis.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Susan Luishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17101549554701848818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3747922654351416510.post-11386026907885150862008-07-21T20:07:00.000-07:002008-07-25T20:17:41.550-07:00Today was an incredible day. We listened to wonderful speakers talking about the research and the aspects of leadership. The culmination with Norman Kunc demonstrated true leadership as he taught us how to look through the real meaning of diversity. The question we need to ask ourselves is, "Where does belonging get erroded in our school?" Being able to understand and believe that students with disabilities must be provide complete and full access to educational opportunities in the regular classroom. The example of students playing musical chairs brought to focus the intent of winners and losers. Modeling inclusion, Norman shared ideas and activities demonstrating ways in which to include special education students into the regular classroom. By establishing a new rule for musical chairs through the elimination of the chair and not child, provides students with a more enjoyable game as they try to figure out how to put 7 people on one chair. Truly hilarious picture. Yet, this demonstrates the reality that we can change the rules of the game so that all children are winners and have the opportunity to participate without exclusion. Inclusion is everyone's right and education is not just for the able minded and physically fit. Children with disabilities show us everyday the unique gifts and contributions to our world. We all have faults, no one is perfect. I thank Norman for an incredible journey into inclusion. There is more to come...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3747922654351416510-1138602690788515086?l=ryhtluis.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Susan Luishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17101549554701848818noreply@blogger.com0