The third chapter of Made in America actually made me really sad as I read it. Think about it -- this is high school we're talking about. I feel like it's a miniature version of the Civil Rights movement going on inside this high school. What does that mean for the future for these kids? This is their reality. This is all they know. I was emotionally engaged from the beginning of the chapter when the students were having their conversation in Lisa Stern's sixth period history class. I hate that the students feel like their teachers and district don't care about them and only want the kids "out of their hair." Aren't we, as teachers, supposed to make them feel the opposite? It breaks my heart that these students feel like this way and on top of that have to worry about not seeming like a 'wannabe' and still be accepting. This lifestyle is forcing them to grow up too fast and enjoy their youth.
Demographic Myths
In Ch 1 of Myths and Realities, we learn that the 3 largest states in the U.S. with ELL learners as of 2003-2004 are California, Texas and Florida. I'm surprised that both Illinois and New York are not included in that list because of cities like Chicago and New York City. Later in the chapter, it indicates that in 2005 the highest distrcits with ELL enrollments include L.A., NYC, and Chicago.
I'm not surprised to learn that about 1/3 of ELL learners are born in the United States. With our nation's increasing diversity and immigration of families that come here that do not speak English, I very much expect this statistic. However, ELL learners are not just located in urban areas, they are everywhere.
I think this will be an interesting read!
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