sameness as fairness?

 I think sameness as fairness in schools is not a good idea. I think that as teachers, we need to look at the students who are coming into our classroom. Each year, there are going to be students with different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, so how can we give the same lessons each year? We can’t! As teachers, we need to focus on each individual student and where they come from. We have to engage our students and take the time to get to know them. Through the readings this week, I learned that it is ok as an education to demand success for your students. It is not ok to let your students fail. We need to incorporate each student’s culture and background into their learning. We also need to expand how we are teaching our students. The use of multimodal literacies is a great way to help struggling readers and writers learn through fun exercises and experiences. Once students feel confident and successful, they will be much more engaged and ready to learn. I also liked the idea of Carter integrating the use of music in his classroom of urban students. Knowing the students hated writing, he had them analyze song lyrics and create their own meaning of the song. The students enjoyed the activity because they didn’t realize they were writing out a scenario, and they were having fun. I hope to incorporate activities like this in my classroom next year. Sameness and fairness in schools does not concentrate on each individual students needs. Instead, it is ensuring the same opportunities for all students. So what happens when you have a higher level learner and a lower level learner? They are to have the same education? One is not going to be challenged, and the other is going to be extremely challenged. Both are going to be frustrated and not want to be in school. This is why sameness as fairness in American schools is not the answer.