standards for a culturally responsive school

Recently in my ED 420 class, which some of you are in as well, we went over the Alaska Standards for a Culturally Responsive School. While I was reading the text I couldn't help feeling pressured. The document presented the standards as "guidelines" for educators to follow, but oh what aspiring goals to try to reach! If only I could be a teacher as well rounded as the guidelines suggest. Without a doubt, every single guideline was a brilliant suggestion for educators to follow in order to provide a better chance at success for the rural student. While some are definitely feasible, ("continually involve themselves in learning about the local culture), my concern is brought upon by the enourmous undertaking that following ALL the guidelines would require of educators, not to mention students and community members. I would love to be that teacher, it's just that it seems like it would take me another 4 years (at least) of school to even gain the kind of knowledge that the guidelines wish us to have. I hope that those who are educating us, the future educators, will realize that there have got to be some major curriculum changes for us before we can confidently and successfully apply the guidelines. Thank goodness that we have community members we can rely on for help if we need it.

Practicums

Well, the 5th week of school has started, along with the the first snowfall (to stick) on Saturday. I've been visting three different classrooms each week to satisfy my practicum requirements. I've got a fun group of first graders, a 7th-8th mixed group at Effie Cochran, and an intensive resource room with kids ages 5-11. Surprisingly, the resource room is my favorite. I have such a great time with those little guys that I've decided to entertain the notion of possibly pursuing a degree in special education. One thing I wanted to mention...I'm reading a book for another class and it mentioned that over a hundred years ago professional educators realized that Indian students were doing better academically when they were first taught in their own language, yet the government insisted that English-only assimilation was still the way to go. Just a little thought. Have a great week and Stay Warm.