Social Control in the Schools

In my school, tests are a big means of social control without teachers realizing it. Students future classroom performance is often decided by their test performance. Also, students who are in special education carry with them a stigma of how they will perform. The curriculum also follows as a means of social control. The curriculum follows the middle ground of students capabilities leaving behind the low and high students. Differientiated instruction is a great way to work on this issue, but many teachers are unsure of it stating that they don't have the time or really don't know how to make it work. Students are taught to seek the middle ground. This tells the low students they are not good enough and tells the high students they should "dumb down" unfortunately.

My school system is a small school system filled with students who fall into the category of have and have nots. Sadly, the school focuses more attention to the higher ranking students which sadly leaves others out. For example, one of my special education students made the honors society and teachers actually complained saying he was not worthy of the award because his work was not the same as the others! The audasity! This student worked far beyond his potential to reach these grades even if they were modified. I personally worked with him myself after school for hours, days at a time, to figure out science, social studies, and other subjects. He really felt so proud and this may be one of his biggest accomplishments in his life!!!!! It really tears me up that someone would dare say that sweet child was not worthy of the award because he didn't fit the mold. This carries greatly into points mentioned in the articles about how minorities are left, and diversity forgotten. While this child is white, he is also mentally retarded with many social issues. He needs a teacher to stand up for him. MANY STUDENTS JUST LIKE HIM NEED TEACHERS TO STAND FOR THEM!

My bottom line is that we should include all factors when including mulitculturalism in schools. This goes along with what Waxler is saying in his article. Teachers should teach to help all students, not simply point out the ones who do it wrong. The same goes with multiculturalism. We need to blend things, study the facts, and allow for personal opinions.

A great site for differentiated instruction. Hope this helps!
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/di.htm