We Real Cool

After reading the article, “We Real Cool” by David Kirkland and Austin Jackson, I developed my own observations about ways to incorporate such a specific dialogue into the world of education and using it to teach disciplinary literacies. Understanding and respecting all cultures is vital, not because it is politically correct, but because it is right in the meaning of fairness to all individuals. Young Black males, regardless of where they are from, need to be empowered while in the early stages of their academic career, because it can inspire in them a vision to succeed in avenues in life, they may not have thought of before. There is no need to discount any individual because they are “Too energetic” or “Do not care about academics”. They may have things going on in their personal life that may cause them to lose sight of their academics. It is not they do not care; it is because they have bigger problems in their life that need to be accounted for when making a lesson. In the world of pre-service teaching, we talk about accommodation and differentiation for students who are exceptional, but never about students who may be tired from not sleeping at a broken home or so hungry they are unable to focus on what is going on in the classroom. Too many times in my own field experience have I seen young Black males be discounted because they are not as academically successful as their peers. The teacher never looked inward and said to themselves “Maybe I am failing the INDIVIDUAL” instead of “How come the student is failing me?”. I was in a mid-west charter school on a career day when the most shocking admission came from the teacher. An elevator operator came in to discuss his job and how he did not need a college education. When he was finished, I approached the teacher and said, “Wow that career day was fantastic!” with the upmost enthusiasm and appreciation for all the careers I had witnessed. The teacher said to me “Yea, it is great! I am happy someone without a college education came into class to let students like (Name Omitted) know that there are avenues for individuals like them.” I was stunned because the teacher was referencing one of the more energetic, young Black male students in his classroom. He was already casting the student out as someone who may not have what it takes to become someone who is “Successful” from a perspective who defines success like the rest of society; college educated and making a lot of money from a high paying job. I am just a pre-service teacher, but I understand the importance of all human life and the basic civil right that all individuals deserve a free and appropriate public education. The best teachers in the world have recognized the differences of their classroom and taken a multicultural approach that accepts and embraces all people and inspires the minds of the classroom, regardless of the color of their skin, their culture, or their gender. To tie all this into the article, it is vital to bring all cultures into the classroom and make lessons and activities that are culturally relevant to the students of the classroom. Use the societal discourses the students use in lessons and embrace what they discuss. Not only will it increase their interest but will show them that you care about their lives outside the classroom and are in the loop with what is going on in the world today. Students find it pathetic when teachers have no idea what is going on in modern society, because they find the teacher to be dated and out of touch. It is not the worst thing in the world, but definitely can be the beginning of a loss of respect for a teacher. Building a positive relationship with students can allow the teacher to have personal conversations with students that may be going through a tough time. There is no need for students’ troubles to continue over into the classroom, but they do. The classroom/school environment needs to be a safe space for all individuals and all students need to feel they can come to the teacher and discuss personal things with them or point them in the direction of someone who can. There needs to be shift in education from testing and grades to teaching the necessary disciplinary skills in content areas so students can talk control of their education and be put in the best position to succeed. Students will need help, but it is the role of a public educator to do whatever they can in their power to provide all students with equal opportunities to achieve success and maximize their potential. Every student has the willingness to succeed and have the genuine hunger to achieve great things, but when they are discounted, then they become discouraged and give up.