angryThe other observation, though, has to do with privilege. I never had the chance to live in a dorm. I worked my way through my first two years. Then, I married and continued to work and commute until graduation. I am not asking for sympathy. I just want to note that dorm life is not something all of us had the chance to experience. Ditto summer camp and lots of other "extras." Do not assume we have all had the same opportunities or privileges. BH and I have done all we can to ensure the former residents of the back bedroom DID have some privileges. We were happy to do so; we know their importance.
I guess this niggles at me because it is the beginning of the school year. Not all of our kids will have had the privileges some of us take for granted. I remember one student tell me she did not have a TV at home when I asked the class to examine some commercials for propaganda. And I recall how many times our own kids had to surf the net for an assignment or produce a project or use a computer program. Yes, BH and I made it happen. But I cannot help but think of those kids who do not have access. Access to infinite supplies, access to internet at home, access to books, access to the public library, access to the privileges.
How I wish all kids had all the privileges they need. How I struggle with the fact that ed deformers somehow manage to keep their blinders on so they never see that they have privileges that so many others do not. I am angered by the denial of the role poverty (lack of privilege) plays on the part of these reforministas. I am appalled that so many of the talking heads in education elect to place their own kids in more privileged settings, too.
As the new year begins, I hope we all take some time to think about the privileges we will extend to all our kids.