Post 3: Wealth & Society!

 I just recently completed reading "There's too much to teach: Cultural Wealth in an Age of Scarcity" by Jane Roland Martin. 

The title of the article intrigued me. As I read, there were things I agreed with and others I thought were a little "old school" so to speak; however, I see the correlation of this article with curriculum because how can schools do it all?

What struck me most was how much the article talked about society, culture and wealth. The article suggests that schools do not teach about wealth as suggested "To say that this nation needs to give school responsibility for wealth it once disdained is not to say that school should try to transmit all our culture's wealth by itself" (p. 6). It started by talking about the three R's and how culture and family knowledge was passed down, especially during the time when women stayed home. Culture, care, family were abundant and taught at home. However, as times have changed and both parents work, it seems that schools are tasked with doing more.

Martin, went on to state that: "School cannot possibly do it all" (p. 6). As a fifth year teacher, it is helpful to hear this statement. I often feel that we are being pressured as educators to do more and more. I find time is the biggest constraint, as there is never enough hours in the day. The article does not mention about the social/emotional well-being of students which is something that has taken over curriculum in some schools I have worked in. 

How are teachers expected to meet the needs of the student, push the student, set reasonable boundaries and teach the curriculum? When I state "push the student" I mean set goals and encourage the student to overcome barriers. 

Over the last year more than ever I have noticed that parents have taken a much different role than the article states. Parents leave the teaching to teachers however, if something goes awry parents will often take their child's side. An example I can share is students not doing their homework. While I am not a big believer in homework, I do believe that if students choose to not do work during class time, then as a natural consequence they will have homework. Well, it seems that parents believe their child should pass or have extensions even without doing the work.

I do think education is evolving, the more experience I get and my eyes open I agree with Roland in that "school needs to start sharing some of its present functions and custodial responsibilities with other educational agents: for instance, vocational education with industry; science, social studies, and art education with museums; music education with symphony orchestras and opera companies; and physical education with health professions" (p. 7). 

I think if schools could be more practical and vocational especially in the High School area (this is where I think it makes most sense) than not only will society benefit but it will bring greater wealth to society.

Overall, I see where this article was going and it brought and discussed a societal point of view. I do think society has a big role in curriculum and what/how things are taught. Teachers are left with the expectation of doing more and more. I have come to the resolution that I can only do my best, and I am at peace with that.