When we discuss equity we should always address discipline issues

[Jamie Myrick]

Too many children of color and boys get in a cycle of misbehavior. I understand the desire to have a quiet, smooth running class but those squeaking wheels that clog up the system, are actually reaching out trying to find ways of building a relationship with their teachers. I encourage teachers to turn problem situations into mini lessons. What do you think?

[Teresa Burke]

I agree. Students who engage in cultural patters of communication that are different than those of the teacher are too often labeled "behavior" problems. I do not excuse interruptions or rudeness, but enthusiasm takes many forms. I also feel that our classrooms have too often become irrelevant to students of color. I am doing my master's thesis on teacher knowledge of key names of achievement in African American history. I think it will make a great Google form survey. What do you think?

[Jamie Myrick]

Yes, I think it would be interesting. I know when I visit schools to give assemblies even black educators come to me surprised about the contributions blacks have made in science, technology and in medicince. The same is true of our understanding of the contributions of native Americans and Latinos. On the surface it seems like a waste of valuable teaching time, but when our content is simply adds short antedotes about people of various different cultures and women it keeps all students engaged.