Reflection 7/21

I must admit that I was not always totally aware of the class/caste issues that may affect our education system. Traditionally I have always looked at race to be the great equalizer. But the truth is even when you put people of similar races together, they will find a way to separate by class. It reminds me of the public schools in Washington DC versus many of the public schools in surrounding Prince George County (both predominantly black areas). There is a huge disparity between the resources offered to the students in a typical DC school (less resources) and Prince George County School (more resources). The same goes for economically diverse White, Latino and Asian communities! I feel as educators we have the potential to influence the playing field. We are sort of like referees. We can help our students move up the socio-economic ladder. But we must also encourage them to go back to their communities and help educate and guide the people who's shoes they were once in.