Reflection #4

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.”