A.
Stereo-typing is something that one may not
think is an issue in a classroom, but in all honesty, it is something that is
far too prevalent in our education system today. One stereotype I recognize is judging
a kid by the clothes he or she wears on a regular basis. By associating quality
of clothing to a student’s attitude or potential in our class is something that
can inhibit giving a child a chance. Another form of stereotyping that absolutely
infuriates me deals with inclusion. I believe every student, regardless of
race, ethnicity, or mental capacity has to potential to achieve greatness. Far
too often I have witnessed teachers treat these students as if no matter how
hard you try they are unreachable unless they are spoon-fed everything. Now
this is not to say that these students do not need extra assistance or even
some sort of differentiation in their forms of assessment, however one thing I
believe we as an educational community need to ask ourselves is: If these
students were never told they had a learning disability, or were never told
they were at a disadvantage due to something beyond their means, would they
know any different?
B.
So I’ll go ahead and hop off my soap box, but I believe
that we have to believe there is potential to succeed in every student, rather
than just seeing they have a file and assuming they will not succeed. My students
have recognized that I have very high expectations and that I want them to give
me their best effort in everything they do. There have been many occasions
where students have asked me, “Mr. Brietzke, is this good?” I simply look at
them and reply, “If that is the absolute best you can do, then that is good for
me.”
