Friday, September 17, 2010
Case Study Two
Choose either Vanessa or Tyrone to post your reflection and reaction to his/her interview. Please discuss any experiences you had with these type students in high school or in college. How would you interact with either situation if you were their teacher. Respond to at least two of your classmates posts.
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(Tyrone) I think its good that Tyrone enjoyed coming to school, but school is not just a place to socialize with friends. School is a place to learn. Its sad that Tyrone felt he had to watch his back at school. When a child comes to school they shouldn't feel threaten. I'm sure we all can agree that this type of environment would be hard to learn in. I can relate to this story because of high school. Every high school probably has had a star athlete. Its ok for a teacher or coach to be proud of their student for being a star athlete, but they must make sure the student is learning. Sometimes a coach can get so wrapped up in winning that they forget the real reason the child is there. Tyrone passed his classes but he only did enough so he could stay on the team. His G.P.A. dropped when the basketball season was over. The teachers and coaches should have still been working with him once the season was over. At my high school the star basketball player did not gradurate because he was unable to pass the exist exam. I can't help but to think if the teachers would have worked with him more that maybe he would have went to college or played for the NBA. By reading these interviews I have determine that the students tend to do better in classes where the teachers shows that they care about them and show them respect. I know that principals are very busy but I don't think its good that the students don't know them. A principal should take time out and visit each classroom so the students can know them. If I were the teacher I would let my students know that everyone makes mistakes and you have to make them in order to learn from them. I would also let my star athlete know that they must make good grades in order to make it to the NBA.(Lashonda Thomas)
ReplyDeleteI really don't know which one to choose because they both have points I would like to discuss but I do have a little confusion towards Vanessa. In her interview was asked "who is the best teacher you ever had?why?" and part of her answer was ..." I appreciated that so much because my mom didn't play around when it came to school".. I'm wondering how doesn't her mom play around but yet she goes to school everyday and treat it like it's a fashion fair and popularity contest and her grades are poor.---Did I miss something? and I love how Tyrone plans on getting a degree and not just depending on a sport to carry him. I think this society is turning into "get rich quick" people forget how valuable education is. If he were to break his hand or hurt his knee his NBA career would be over but at least he would have an education to fall back on and that is something I will always teach in my class.
ReplyDeleteI feel both Keisha and Marvin's stories are common in schools today. I chose the story of Keisha because I can relate to her story. I never felt that I could be successful in school until my second grade teacher, Mrs. Blackman came along. It's very important for a child to know that someone believes in him or her. It doesn't take a lot of effort to show a child that you care and have faith in them. If perception is everything in an adult world, what do we think about children. My children could replay pretty much everything that went on play by play that people did around and to them during a day. With that being said, children are very observing and pay close attention to what we do. I feel it's imperitive that we monitor what we do and say to children. They see our body language (speech without language). I love Ms. Logan for performing her job (going out of her way to make sure her students understood).
ReplyDeleteThe case I chose was Tyrone. Here is a gifted athlete who knows what to do and when he needs to do it. Tyrone keeps his grades up when basketball season is going on so he can stay on the team and allows them to fall when not in season. This young man knows what he is doing and teachers including coaches can see the pattern. This pattern should not be allowed and because the coach seems to care about Tyrone he should hold him to a higher standard. Not to be mean but to show Tyrone that keeping your grades throughout the year are important not just during the season. I believe that if this issue was addressed in the beginning not only would Tyrone have the possibility to obtain an athletic scholarship but also an academic one. In the chapter Tyrone talks about what it would take to get him to come to class every day, sit down, and do his work. I understand that young people have a hard time enjoying what is being taught because they need to now how will this help them in the future. However, as high school students they need to start to think differently. Instead of how will this help me in the future ask the question how will this prepare me now for the future because for everyone present everything learned yesterday is helping them today. In the case of Tyrone it can be compared to the skills he learned yesterday in practice having prepared him to perform today on the courts and reflected on the score board.
ReplyDeleteIn reponse to A Wilson I thought the same thing about Vanessa's mother. How can a mother who is so serious about her child's education allow her to get so far off track that the child is wondering if she will graduate. As a parent I want to know and make sure my child is doing what needs to be done to succeed which includes graduating. I want my child to enjoy school, but high school is the final grounds before full adulthood. Vanessa should have aready been preparing for college and her mother should have made sure of it.
ReplyDeleteMs. Bonds I too believe that chilodren need to know you care. Many children don't have anyone to tell them or show them they care outside of school. So as teachers it is up to us to give them an encouraging word, let them know how special they are (not always as a group but as an individual). Most times just displaying an assignment that they did can make a world of difference in that childs life. As a teacher I want to be able to give a kind gesture or word to all the children I come in contact with. It could be the only one they receive that day.
ReplyDeleteTyrone reminded me so much of a high school classmate of mine. During football season it was a if he was playing for the NFL and homework did not exist. But as soon as the season was over, we saw his true lack of studies. He had to stay late after school, come in early and just about anything else just to keep his grades afloat.
ReplyDeleteIt was no surprise to me when Tyrone confesed that he was living in poverty. His expression about school is one that I know all too well. He said that there was no safety and that no one cares. Many people would be surprised that students notice all of this mixed up in everything else they are going through. There wa not a day that went by that I did not see my high school principal in the halls. Tyrone could not relate. He did not see any authority figure throughout the school. I am sure seeing them would have provided a lot of students a great deal of comfort. I really enjoyed the part about Mrs. Brown. I myself had a few too many teachers to come to my house. They made the effort to build that school to home bond. The teachers that are teaching this generation of students need to made that effort. It does not just stop at the classroom. We need to reach out and show the students that we care about them even though they are not our own. They are still our resposibility too.
I agree with A.Wilson on both of her points.I really liked the one she said about Tyrone.I think she is right when she said people in society are looking at ways to get rich. Tyrone was thinking of the same. Its true if you get drafted by the NBA that you will make money but in order to get to the NBA you must first get and education. What will it look like if you got drafted and could read your contract correctly or manage your money? She was also right about the part if you got hurt.Your NBA career would probably be over.Thats why if you have and education you will have something to fall back on.
ReplyDeleteI like what Ms.Bond had to say. It is important that the students know that the teachers care. If a student feels the teacher don't care they might think they shouldn't care.Its important that teachers stress how important an educatation is. Let the student know that in order to be that doctor, lawyer, and NBA player they must get and education. Every now and then you may run across a parent who doesn't care about their childs education but if the teacher lets them know its important they may want to do better.
ReplyDeleteMelissa C. I beg to differ about the high school students needing to think differently about things. I feel that the thinking needs to start well before high school. Children are way more advanced than when we were in high school and their decision making needs to well developed by high school.
ReplyDeleteA. Wilson I think I may have missed something about Vanessa too. Tyrone was a rare case in the sports world. He thought well beyond his atheletics and straight into his intelligence. Many just stop at sports and pray that their talents last forever.
Tyrone
ReplyDeleteTyrone reminds me of a lot of male athletes I went to high school. Unfortunately, when students are young it is hard to see the big picture in life. When you are only 16 years old it is hard to imagine how things in high school can affect you 20 years down the road when you don’t even have 20 years worth of life experience. I admire the fact that he realizes that he may not have the opportunity to play in the NBA even if he is a good basketball player. The fact that he is able to make good grades for eligibility purposes shows that CAN do the work if motivated to. The fact that his grades drop during the rest of the year is an indication that he just needs motivation to keep up the good work. If his coaches and teachers stressed him having good grades during the off season, I strongly feel that his grades would not have dropped as low. If I was Tyrone’s teacher I would stress the importance of his grades throughout the entire school year. I would try to offer rewards such as possibly going to a local college basketball game or sitting in on a college practice if he maintained a certain GPA.
I think that it is great that Tyrone’s school had a speaker come and talk about being an athlete and the importance of a good education. I have met a few athletes both in high school and college who fail to grasp the point that they may be the best person on the team, but still not make the pros. Believe it or not, I had a conversation with a boy at AAMU who actually said “I’m only in school to do the bare minimum and make C’s so I can pass my classes and graduate. I don’t bother studying because I’m not going to use my degree anyway. I’m going to be a professional football player.” One of the most baffling things about this conversation is that the boy is about 5’5, with chicken legs and wasn’t even on the football team. When I said that the combination of his size and not going to a big school like Alabama or Auburn could pose a huge problem he brushed it off. He just kept saying that he’s really good though and he just knows he is going to make it. The young man ended up dropping out of school after only one year.
I agree with mslovlie. Students need a positive authority figure to look up to in schools. If a student is worried about Johnnie shooting them over an argument, they cannot possibly reach their full academic potential. Common sense would tell most people to be more concerned about their well being than subject verb agreement for a test 4th period. I believe that if we make schools a safe learning environment for students combined with positive role models, students’ behavior and grades will improve. I know those are not the only thing students need to be successful, but it is a great start.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with ms-bonds. When students know that you care, they are willing to do a lot to please you. I have noticed on several occasions that a student may appear to be “the spawn of Satan” in one teacher’s class, but an angel in the next. I am a firm believer that all students want to be loved and to learn. If a teacher is able to show a student that they really care about what happens to them and that they believe they can do anything they set their mind to, it will go a long way as far as a student’s progress. Behavior problems will cut down and leave more room for learning.
ReplyDeleteTyrone's story is so similar to the athletes at my high school,The only reason they were interested in school and grades in order to play sports. Tyrone considered school almost as a hang out spot until it was time for basketball practice. His favorite teacher at the school was his coach mainly because he was the one who seemed as if he cared. Most athletes who are only interested in sports look up to thier coaches as almost like a father they never had.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Melissa C, yes Tyrone's pattern is one that should come to an end. Tyrone's teacher and his coach should recognize this pattern and put and end to it. His teacher should as well as his coach should care enough about him as a student to find ways to engage him and learning so that his grades will not drop.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ms. Bonds sometimes children get discouraged in school, but if they feel they have a teacher that cares then they will be eager and ready to learn. Children need to feel when they are in school they are safe, and so do parents.
ReplyDelete(Tyrone) Wow, that was a powerful interview. I believe it was powerful because of the fact that knew the situation that was placed on him, he knew that some of the things that he was doing was wrong, and he knew what he needed to do in order to get himself, as well as his family, out of the "'hood". However, I didn't enjoy the piece about his grades: he would do enough to get by when it was time to think about sports, but, when that wasn't a key factor, he didn't care what happened to his GPA. This cycle has to stop when it concerns athletes. Too many times have we seen this on TV and even in our schools in reality. Take one of my classmates in high school. He was always burdened with the fact that he had to sometimes carry the football teams to victory every Friday night, and he was criticized if he didn't and praised if he did. But one thing that he tended to do a lot was rely on other students (including myself, I'm afraid to say) to get his work turned in. Teachers would turn the other cheek sometimes, telling him things like, "Well, you played well on Friday, and I know it was an away game, so I'll give you an extension." And the mentality continued even after the season was over ("I'm a football player, I don't care what grades I make."). So, when it was time to start applying for college, people were trying to tell him where to sign, and he was listening, but he could never tell what he wanted to take up. It was always, “I wanna play ball, I wanna play ball.” This mentality has to leave the minds young men and women, because, even though it's fun to do, sports and extra-curricular activities aren't everything. If I was Tyrone's teacher, I would be the one person who would hold him responsible for everything. I understand that you have sports to think about, but you also have to think about your education. I wouldn't allow the lessons to be boring to him and his classmates, and, that way, he wouldn't have to worry about writing notes or trying to figure out when the next party will be. He'll be more focused on what's important so that, when it's time to go to college and do what's necessary for his future, he can work hard and be able to get his family where he wants them to be. (Danje' Morris)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lashonda. The principal should know what is going on what each and everyone of his or her students. The fact that Tyrone said he didn't know who his principal was shocked me. It doesn't matter if there are 500 students or 1500 students in a school, the principal, and vice-principal for that matter, should have some kind of a connection with each and every student. (Danje' Morris)
ReplyDeleteI agree with mslovlie. Having a teacher who will go out of their way for you can really boost a child's self-esteem. Tyrone's teacher, Mrs. Brown, did everything in her power to ensure that Tyrone, and any other student, had what was necessary to "make sure her little bright minds had the energy to think." I also love that quote; it shows her love, dedication, and committment to her students. She treated them as if they were her own, and a lot of students need that. I also agree with mslovlie when she said that "it does not just stop at the classroom"; teaching doesn't have a cut-off time. (Danje' Morris)
ReplyDelete(Tyrone)When I read about Tyrone I though about my younger brother. Like Tyrone he is 16 and school s not his focus for the right reasons. He is great at basketball too but he doesn't show any effort at school and it makes me feel horrible. I have always known guys who felt this way but I never imagined that it would be my own brother. While I was reading about Tyrone I began to think about what I could do as a teacher to help young men have the same interest in school that they have in sports. I began to think that maybe I should incorporate sports in the classroom. I could tie it in to any of my subjects by turning my lesson into a basketball game. I know that this may be unconventional but I just want to reach my male students as best I can.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lashonda when she says that sometimes coaches get too wrapped up in the fact that someone is a star player. I have had that experience where a star football player who never came to class passed the class with as good a grade as other students who showed up for class regularly and participated. I had seen it on television before but I never really thought it would happen. I also see that same thing going on with my brother. The teachers and coaches at his school are too wrapped up in the fact that he is good at basketball but they need to focus on how good he can be when it comes to his school work.(Courtney Fudge)
ReplyDeleteIn response to A. Wilson, I think that the answer to your question about Vanessa was that her mother has so many other children that when she said she doesn't mess around about school she probably meant as far as attendance goes. With her mother having so many children she probably is just happy to know that her children have such good attendance but she probably does not have time to worry about there grades. Also with all the responsibility that her mother has she does not have time to worry about her kids schoolwork and that could be the reason that Vanessa is turning to her friends.(Courtney Fudge)
ReplyDeleteTyrone was a typical male student who loved sports, he went to school to keep his grades at a certain level just to play ball, nothing else mattered to him but playing basketball. It has always been like this ever since in elementary school guys that plays sports gets special privilege treatment from faulty/staff members. It’s very disappointing to have the same adults that says study hard and make sure you understand the materials, are the same ones that says its ok to slack off or forgot to do homework because of those that plays sports. I honestly believe there should be no special privilege given to anyone. This is a form of discrimination in my point of view. We are taught to be fair to each student in our classroom, so when I start teaching whatever my rules may be they apply to each student and not just some. If down the line I need to give any sort of privileges it will apply to everyone in the classroom. It doesn’t matter if they play sports they are still responsible of their work to do and understand, they are held accountable for their grades. If they can remember sports they are able to remember class work/homework that is important as well. I have always and still dislike teachers that give special privileges to athletes. It’s not fair and will never be fair to those that don’t play any sport.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Melissa C, I agree that Tyrone knew what he was doing because when basketball season was over his grades drop because he allows them to drop. He left there was no point in trying anymore because the most important season of the year was over, so it was pointless for him to do work. If I was the coach or the teacher I would not have allowed Tyrone to get any extra time to do or turn in his work at a later time. Tyrone failing purposely has no excuses whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kiera J, children need to know that their teacher cares because when they do that’s when students bring out their best. They are more prone to trying harder with materials they aren’t sure about. They will seek help in any kind of way just to impress their teacher. Their level of respect for the teacher will increase whereas on the first day they planned to make that teacher class a living hell. It is very important when we become teachers that we imply our regulations and rules on the first day of class.
ReplyDeleteThe story of a star athlete falling to the wayside once the sport season that they excel in is over for the season is one that happens no matter where the student athlete attends school. When Tyrone told of how his grades dropped when the season was over says a lot of what the coach, teachers, and facility are really interested in, and it isn’t the welfare of the student. We see the feel good stories of the athlete that defies the odds and makes good, but would those be so popular if the story was commonplace? For every feel good story how many high school and collage Friday night and Saturday afternoon hero’s ended up on the streets homeless or just dropped from sight and couldn’t get a decent job because they couldn’t read well enough to fill out a job application. If the coaches were held accountable for the students grades in the offseason as well as during the sport season, and make the athletic department accountable as well maybe we won’t lose as many good kids.
ReplyDeleteIrene is right that if a student has a gift that helps them excel at a sport that that "student" athlete gets special treatment concerning education the key word is student. If the student is one of the special few that makes it to the highlevel of their sport they will appreciate that they had to work for what they have,and with a degree to go with it maybe keep what they earn.
ReplyDeleteMelissa tells the truth of the matter with Tyrone, if the student realized what the information learned in class has an impact, not only on later life but how this information help them assimilate for their current life problems, then they might be more engaged for classes. The thing to do would be for the coaches and teachers and school in general should provide for the help these students out of season as well as during the season to show the student that academics is important all year as well as during the sport season.
ReplyDeleteTyrone reminds me of so many people that I have met or still know. It's like he is the perfect example of how most African Americans ae viewed when it comes to sports and academics. I have a classmate from high school, whose only plan was to play football. He wanted to play football in college and then go pro, but unlike Tyrone my classmate was expecting a baby and grades were GREAT! Tyrone seems to know that he is only doing enough just to get by when it comes to his grades during the season, and when the season is over he has the "whatever" mentality. In order to handle that situation i would have a talk ith his coach and all his other teachers, and suggest that his grades should be atleast a C+ year round because if no one is showing that they care about his grades off season, as he stated he will not put forth an effort. I believe that would make a big difference. The outcome of my classmate who had big dreams of becoming a pro football player is that he is stil at home with two kids now. So many people doubted him because he was expecting a child made him start doubting himself, and eventually just gave up. I would have been the one teacher telling my classmate that your child, and living conditions(hood) is the reason you should continue to push forward! You should want a better life for the new life you have created, but he didn't have that. I applaud Tyrone for not having kids and for looking at the big picture of his grades not being the best, and wanting better for himself, and his family! Tyrone even said in his interview that students really do care whether they pass or fail or not. That proves to me that Tyrone knows what he wants and what he has to do. It just goes back to his support system. His teachers and coaches have to care or show that they care both on and off season. That is how I would deal with Tyrone. He has GREAT potential!
ReplyDeleteMsLovlie made a point when she said you can't say that just high school students view things in a different way. You have to start enforcing that education is a must, and football, cheering, etc. is a plus. This is my brothers first year of kindergarten, and he knows if his grades are not the best, and his conduct is unsatisfactory that there is no more tball, wii, or anything else. You can not wait until student gets to their junior year in high school and then try to enforce that their grades won't allow them to play a sport of course they will rebail.
ReplyDeleteKiera J also made a point about the student knowing that you care. You can't expect for a student to give their all if you are acting as if you really could care less. In Tyrone case I would say "Hey if I show that I care enough and come to all your home games, you have to promise me to show that you care enough to do your best in academics both on and off season"! Caring really helps the student-teacher relationship!
I chose to write about Tyrone's case study. Tyrone was interesting to me, because although he was a star athlete; he still had realistic dreams. I like the fact that he didn't rely wholeheartedly on basketball, but knew that he needed to finish school and get a degree. He seemed to be mentally overwhelmed with stresses an eleventh grader didn't need to be concerned about, like taking care of his family. I think that is why he was so consumed with basketball, because he thought it was his responsibility to get his family out of the 'hood' and into better living conditions. Although he felt like school was a social network, there were teachers like Ms. Burke and Mr. Wiggins that were effective with their teaching strategies. I'm also glad that I learned from this class that it is okay to let your students 'take a break' for a few minutes and get up and move; because noone wants to go to school, sit down, and hear lecturing all day. So, if Tyrone was in my class, he would appreciate that aspect because all of us need a mental break opportunity in school. I also liked to know from a students point of view that all students really care about whether they pass or fail, no matter what they say or do. I have come to realize that we, as teachers, should meet our students where they are in school and out of school. Then they are more likely to know we care about them as a person, care about their future, respect us as their teachers, and put toward an effort in our class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lashonda that students seem to do better in school, when teachers respect them and show that they care. I also agree that students should know their principal and vice-principal, and that they should take time out to get to know the students that attend their school. Principals are not just at school for a title, but to show their presence and concern to students. If students don't know who their principal is, then what purpose do they serve as a leader.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jeffrey that coaches, as well as teachers, should hold athletes accountable for their grades. It is also true of some atheletes lack of reading comprehension once they enter the real world, because some teachers didn't care enough to make sure they had a solid reading or english foundation to build upon. They just want to pass them enough, so they wouldnt have to deal with them or do their job as a teacher, to make sure they were learning. They should also enforce athletes maintaining a higher GPA in academic studies, instead of a 'C'; because they have a better chance of going further in life relying on academic knowledge, rather than sports.
ReplyDeleteHow many students are like Vanessa get to their senior year and don't know if they will graduate. Vanessa is a good example of what some students value as priorities should not be a priority. In high school students value being popular. However, high school is not forever and eventually students will enter the real world. Vanessa realized that she had missed opportunties because of her priorities. Students don't prepare to become doctors their senior year. They have prepared themselves for that particular career over a process of time. Mrs. Livingston is an example of a teacher discovering what students are exceling in and pushing them to greatness. There should be more teachers like Mrs. Livington instead of encountering one or two along the way. My desire is to be that type of teacher. Students must begin in elementary school preparing for their future with the guidance of teachers and counselors so that their dreams won't be destroyed because of the choices that they have made.
ReplyDeleteI agree with LaShonda and Coutney. Students are human beings and it is human nature to respond to kindness and respect. Therefore resulting in students performing better in environments that are nurturing. Principals and teachers have the responsibility of ensuring that students feels that school is a safe and nurturing environment for them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Porshia and Mslovlie schools primary purpose is for education. Extracurricular activities are just that extra. Extracurricular activities are secondary privilages earned for doing well in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI can 100% identify with Vanessa’s case, voted most outgoing and best-all-around was my title in high school. My focus was more centered on my senior superlative than my academic achievement. Just like Vanessa I had teacher s doing the best they could to help me but I was too stubborn to listen. In Vanessa case I must ask; who is to blame for her lack of interest in learning? Is it the teachers, her guidance counselors, her family, or self? Mrs. Livingston is my kind of teacher; she really made social studies come to life for Vanessa and the rest of her students. Social Studies was no boring. I can also appreciate Mr. Molly, he not only took interest in making sure his students learned but also gave parents a positive update in school. Throughout my high school years, teachers only called my parents when I did something wrong. They never reported about the positive things I had achieved. As a future educator, I plan on grabbing my student’s attention from the very first day of school. I will be the talk of the hallways, “Ms. Preston with the big hair; who always makes learning come to life”.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Courtney, my younger cousin is the same way, he has the brain’s to be a straight A student, but he only get’s good grade’s during football season. We as teachers should find ways to incorporate sport’s into our lesson plans so that learning will grab the athlete’s attention.
ReplyDeleteTina Green I love your last statement “Students must begin in elementary school preparing for their future with the guidance of teachers and counselors so that their dreams won't be destroyed because of the choices that they have made”. If we as teachers could find out what students are passionate about at an early age and guide them into the right direction, what a difference the world would be. We do need more teachers like Mrs. Livingston in our school system’s to help make a difference in our unmotivated student’s lives. So many teachers stop caring about children’s futures once they get to high school. I read an article over the weekend stating 7 out of 10 high school students are dropping out. My response to that is, “let’s become great educators that make a difference!”
(Danje' Morris I think you and I have some shared concerns when it comes to Tyrone sounds like he has been allowed to skate through based on his athletic ability, that is completely unacceptable and it is obvious that any teacher that would allow this does not really care for Tyrone and further more does not respect the education system as a whole.
ReplyDeleteWell said Tina, we have all got to” step our game up” so to speak, when it comes to the type of Teacher we wish to become we have to take a good hard look at ourselves, our values and our priorities and evaluate honestly if we are going to be what the education system needs to get (and keep) the youth motivated about learning and excited about a life beyond the walls of the school we have to provide a place where they can explore possibilities and dream real obtainable dreams, not dreams that could come true with luck or good fortune but dreams that the students can map out there plan to tackle and obtain through hard work and dedication that they will be eager to do because they will feel that they now have the tools.
ReplyDeleteJeff you brought up an excellent point one that had not occurred to me, where are the coaches during the off season where is the dedication then? It seems they are only using those kids when they need them and when they don’t …well they don’t.
ReplyDeleteI chose the story about Tyrone. As many of us know, many African American male students throughout high school tend to view school as a chance for success, especially when they are involved in sports. Tyrone feels as if school is a social hangout spot and plays sports but he has enough common sense to know that basketball may not be in his future therefore he plans on obtaining a degree. In my opinion that may have been a staged answer being that he chose to maintain his GPA during season and after season he put in no effort to show understanding of his goal. It appears to me that Tyrone has motivation and drive but he needs that extra push that he gets from his teachers all the time instead of just during playing season. In my school our star athlete maintained his GPA enough to play sports but our teachers and coaches passed him along, there were even instances were they changed grades for him. In my opinion this does not teach discipline and allows the athletes to settle instead of achieving scholarships to reach higher goals that will support their future. If I was Tyrone’s teacher I would definitely show him support and motivation no only on season but off of season as well, especially when they have no support at home.
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about Tyrone’s case study. Tyrone’s case study reminded me of some of the athletes when I was in high school. When I was in I high school we had some excellent players on the football team. They received so much support for being undefeated on the football team. When it came time to take graduation exams and to graduate some of those same athletes were not graduating because they couldn’t pass parts of the graduation exam. I felt as if they were putting so much focus in football, that the teachers were not putting their focus on going to study sessions for the graduation exams. I felt Tyrone’s basketball coach should have made sure his G.P.A. didn’t drop even when basketball season was over. I felt Tyrone shouldn’t have been burdened about getting his family out of the hood. Tyrone should have put his education first and then once he graduated from college then thought about taking care of his family. I think more teachers should be like Mrs. Brown. Just being at school every day, and going to a child’s home shows the child how much a teacher really cares. Mrs. Brown treated Tyrone like he was her own child. Many teachers’ these days wouldn’t provide a student with lunch money. All teachers’ should make a child feel like they can learn anything.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Mellisa I agree with you that Tyrone is showing a repeated pattern in school. The fact that the teachers are not showing attention to him throughout his educational path disappoints me because this is happening in just about every school system that has a star athlete. It also shows that the school is not doing their job as well because there should be better monitoring of students progress.
ReplyDeleteIn response to mslovlie, i agree with you saying that teachers do not need to stop their support just as the classroom, it is our job to show support to our students to the best of our ability. Many of the students we may encounter are more than likely not going to have home support bc many parents have to work more therefore i believe giving students that extra push outside of class shows that we care about them as individuals not just becuase its our job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Irene in that athletes get special privileges because they play sports. A teacher is supposed to be fair, firm, and consistent with her students. If the teacher gives one student special privileges, the teacher needs to give it to the whole entire class.
ReplyDeleteOk ladies and gentlemen, I may be in left field with this one but I picked up on something while reading about Vanessa, when asked about her dreams for the future Vanessa responded “Hotel management”. I can’t help but to hear all kinds of alarms going off on this, sure maybe Vanessa wants to be in hotel management but I can’t help but have a nagging feeling that maybe she has been directed that way. A few semesters back I read a novel by Kozel “The shame of the nation” and the class blogged in a similar method as this one, and I remember a part of the novel where Kozel reviewed a school where the students were essentially being trained from elementary school to be in management this startled me then and this latest reading rehashed that for me. How do you train children to be in management? Or any pre-selected career for that matter, students should be equipped with study skills, knowledge in all areas provide by the curriculum, but taught in a variety of effective ways, morals, values, experiences in as much and as diverse topics as possible so that they have the desire to pick what peeks there interest and the tools to go for it. I am not saying that Vanessa has not always had a desire to be in hotel management I’m only questioning if she did.
ReplyDeleteTyrone’s interview is familiar to many students who grow up in low-income households. He uses his current living conditions as motivation to make lots of money to escape his undesirable lifestyle of residing in low-income housing. Education has little value on his scale of things needed to help him become successful. Like many individuals who live under these circumstances, Tyrone wishes to obtain wealth by relying on his talents and abilities. Unfortunately, very few talented people are given the opportunity to use their unique skills to obtain wealth and must have an alternative plan if they really want to be successful.
ReplyDeleteIn high school, there were athletes who possessed potentials of becoming professional athletes. Although many of them were awarded athletic scholarships, only a few of them actually went to college and obtained degrees. Unfortunately, none of the athletes, including those who attended college, became professional athletes. One young man, in particular, who received an athletic scholarship, entered college with a declared major in general studies. He said he chose the major because he was unsure of what discipline he wanted to study. He did not return to the University after the first semester of his sophomore year in college. After seeing him a few years ago, he was employed as a security guard at one of the public libraries in our hometown. He explained to that college was not for him and he did not have any plans of returning to college. Instead, his plans were to continue his employment at the library until he found a better job.
As an educator, I would encourage students like Tyrone to pursue high grades consistently. As a tool of motivation, I would remind him of his desire to get away from the “hood”. I would tell him that without a degree, it might be difficult to find a job that offers a competitive salary. I would explain to him that as an alternate plan, he should consider going to vocational school to become skilled in a trade. I would also try to arrange that a former athlete discuss any options Tyrone may have of pursuing a career as an athlete. I would also encourage Tyrone to make an appointment with the guidance counselor to obtain career counseling. Finally, I would remind him that regardless of which career path he chooses he will have to work diligently to achieve his goal of becoming successful.
Both of the cases were very interesting, and it was hard for me to choose one to discuss. However, Vanessa's interview spoke to be the most. It is sad that, like Vanessa, many children only look at school as a place to come and socialize. Many children believe that being popular is the most important thing in school. Children/teenagers sometimes loose sight of the fact that their education is the most important thing. I feel that it is the educators' job to keep children/teenagers interested in school and the learning process, especially in the middle school and high school years. Teachers should always be able to encourage students and inspire them to be successful academically.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kiera J in that students need to be motivated to keep their grades up. I also think rewarding students would encourage them to keep their grades up too. I also agree that teachers and coaches should stress the importance of keeping your G.P.A. up all throughout the school year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Irene. It is very upseting to see teachers pass and praise a student solely on extra curricular activities. What are these teachers teaching those children? Those teachers are giving all students the wrong idea. I also agree with Irene's statement where she says that there should be no special priviledges given to any one student. It is discrimination as well as it is not fair to all the other students.
ReplyDeleteTyrone's story is an all too familiar story. "Star athlete gets special privileges" It's also touching because I have a family member who is suffering the reprecussions in his adult life for receiving the same type of treatment while in school. He did just enough to get by and now he only makes enough to get by. There should be a conviction on the inside of each teacher to not allow or be apart of such behavior. I have a child who is gifted in singing and theater, has leading roles in all performances (the only one of his type...if you know what I mean) and I STILL demand as a parent and as a future teacher that he be pushed like the other students to learn. In the end, its the student that's hurt.
ReplyDeleteTyrone's situation is very common. I know plenty young boys who do enough just to get by or just to play sports. I don't like the fact that after basketball season was over his grades dropped. His teachers should have motivated him more to maintain his grades or even tricked him to thinking it was mandatory to have good grades year round. Its every childs dream to make it out of poverty but as teachers we should instill that, becoming a professional athlete isn't the only way.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Irish's point about some students, the ones who participate in atheletics specifically, needing an extra push from their teachers and coaches in the off season. It is sad that some students only maintain their grades during the "on" season just because they would like to stay on the team. These students are the ones who fail to realize that without their academics, even if they make it pro, they will have nothing to fall back on.
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about Tyrone's case study. Eventhough playing basketball was his main priority, he knew that getting an education was important as well. He knew that he had to finish school and get a degree before anything. Most kids these days that are so called "star athletes" dont think about getting an education. Their just focused on being a star and going to the NFL or NBA. What students fail to realize when playing sports, you need to have a plan B. What if you get injured and dont have anything to fall back on? Thats a sad situation. However, Tyrone knows what he wants and what he has to do to get it.
ReplyDeleteI chose Tyrone. Tyrone was a student who treated school like a game. He did only what he had to do in order to get what he wanted. He only did well during the season because he wanted to stay on his team. The lack of having to be responsible for his actions, allowed his priorty to be on his sports. If he had someone that held him responsible for his academics, as well as his extra curricular activities, he would understand the importance of school. I also found it interesting that Mrs. Brown made a house visit and tried to guide him in the right way.
ReplyDeleteAlso, so often are our black male students pushed to be atheletes in school, without being shown an alternative or "plan b". Its very sad.
I agree with Karen regarding Tyrone's story. It strikes a nerve within me. Our children are being used and some teachers (not all) do not seem to care enough to help them to see the truth. The odds are very slim for athletes but I believe that if a school will bend over backwards to make sure you make them look good, the child's mentality should be the same (gettting what he/she can to make sure they look and DO good as well IN LIFE)!
ReplyDeleteI choose to write about Vanessa. Her story reminded me of myself. I enjoyed going to school too, but for the wrong reasons. She, like myself went to see Vanessa needs a lot a guidance. Her teacher in middle school provided that extra guidance that she needed. She took the time to find out what her interest was and worked with her with her interest. More teacher should be like Mrs. Livinston and take the time to find out about there students and reach out to them. Mrs. Livingston not only reached out to her students but she made her lesson interesting and did not teach out the book.
ReplyDeleteIn response to ms bonds
ReplyDeleteI like that you still make sure that your child stays grounded. I think it is very important that a child is allowed to express themselves and that they are allowed to reach to their highest potential. It is also important to guide them academically and teach them to stay in their books.
I agree with Aleysha's point when she said she dont like the fact that Tyrone grades dropped after basketball season was over. That situation couldve been easily avoided. I not only fault him, but I fault his teachers as well. Something should have been done to prevent his grades from dropping.
ReplyDeleteIn response to A. Wilson, you touched on the point of the parent which is VERY key!!! When these children reach us, they have been molded in their thinking, behavior, etc by their parents. We have to have WISDOM to reach these children, finding ways to touch them. Telling them is not enough...but giving them something to hope and believe in (through creative teaching)can get them open to learn and realize the importance of education. The value of education and how much time and energy is put into learning is now based upon what type of economic status you want (painful but true). We can't get frustrated with the children but we can make a commitment to do all we can to help our children know the truth.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Canesha Walton,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement that many student athletes lack adequate academic proficiency to help with tasks other than those performed on the field. Often, these students become disheartened when faced with the reality that acquiring a valuable education is vital to any career one pursues.
In response to Courtney Porter,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement that the student should not have to be consumed with the pressure of wanting provide a better lifestyle for his mother’s household. Students like Tyrone would excel academically if they were placed in environments wherein their focus is education.
I am in agreementent with Aleysha. Tyrone teachers should have motivated him more. His teachers should have encouraged him to do more than just enough to get by. They should especially motivate him during off season. The teachers should also let him know that he needs something to fall back on. Everbody is not going to be a pro athlete.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Nat King, you hit it dead on the nail with that comment when u stated that Tyrone did only what he had to do in order to get what he wanted. That happens all the time. Im a prime example of that. Math is my worst subject and in all my math classes I've taken, I did only enough to get by.
ReplyDeleteyes I agree with you Melissa, Tyrone, a star athlete and most gifted student, does not seem to grasp the concept that he must do something academically continually and pass,in order to gain successful employment. He is thinking that he must just do the minimum to get by in the season and then later it will ultimately save his family woes.
ReplyDeleteI think that is the wrong pressure to place on these athletes that them making it to the pros will bring the family out of financial distress.
Later on when interviewd, he finally realizes that after hearing a fellow long time athlete, did finish his degree and had something to fall back on and own his own business. Being a basketball player is not all that. The man owns his own business and he is assisting his family no doubt.
Irene, yes this is the male ego, where He must go into sports and all will be well. This misconception is stemming from society turning a damaging spin on things. Yes! he wants to get out of the cramped living conditons, but he has to know that it takes school/college work and a whole lot of it to succeed. It takes a whole lot of determination and discipline too. If he does not have the motivation from home, parents are not helping the situation either, then it is the teachers's job to mold his or her students. The student spends the better part of his day with the teacher, and he can make or break the spirit at will.
ReplyDeleteAll this 'bling' 'bling' paints a false reality. Morals and values are what will sustain us, and a good education is the molding factor. Nothing is wrong with being a star athlete, BUT then he will not have any regrets later when he knows he has accomplished all the necessary tools, that is an education, to be equipped for life. Tyrone, I hoped stayed motivated and kept on prodding.
Vanessa- reading how Vanessa was when she was in high school reminds me of a female that I know(myself). When I was in high school it was like a fashion show for me and these two other girls that I hung out with. We were the fashionable girls in school. But the only difference is that we got our lesson. When I got into my senior year I had a teacher that brought me down to earth really fast and showed me that it wasnt about that. She taught me to be fashionable and educated at the same time. And until this day I think about her and how she helped me get myself together. When I become a teacher I hope to be that teacher that helps that student find themselves before its to late. Being positive, caring and loving are the best quailities of a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Deneilw whose fault is it that Vanessa has a lack of interest to learn? Do we really blame her, her parents, her teachers, or her economic status? I mean really how can we blame a child if the teacher does not want to be there to teach the students anyway. Or if the students realy do want to learn but the teacher cant teach because they are too busy dealing with problem students.
ReplyDeleteBasically everyone is saying that children need a positive influence in their lives because without that positive person how will they every know their full potential. If they never get that teacher that just really shows that they truly care WILL they ever met be able to show or even see their potetntial for themselves or to other? This book has really opened my eyes to alot of new things and situations because you never really know how or what a child goes through when they are not a school and if the teacher is not giving moral support or letting the child know that they can do anything they put their minds to then how will they ever know.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Musicbyrd89. Millions of dollars is spent annulally on entertainment but hardly on the foundation .Athletes know that fans cherish watching them play. Therefore athelets feel as if they have expectations to fulfill. .In reference to Tyron's situation playing football was a thrush so he did just enough to get by at that TIME in order to stay on the team.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to CarmenWheston, some students popularity at school boost their self-esteem for at least 8 hours of a day. While out side of school some children suffer for different reasons. So school hours is an escape.
ReplyDeleteWhich may cause them to get off of track from education.
I agree with Jasmine. There is nothing wrong with wanting to become a professional athlete but you need to have a plan b. Young minds fail to realize that its a possibility of getting injured and your career could be over in seconds.
ReplyDeleteIn response to what Karen said, I totally agree.A lot tof low income students do feel like Tyrone. It iss important not to crush their dreams completely but to tell them facts and reality. Reaality that they should work hard and get a scholarshp if possible with sports but also inform them that everybody does not make it to the pro level. Career counseling like Karen mentioned is also a good step to take with a student like Tyrone.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lashonda that students perform better when teachers show that they actually care. Also, it is very important for the students to know who the principal is. There should always be an assembly at the beginning of each school year anyway. The principal and the assistant principal should speak and state their expectations.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Lashondra. I believe school is a place where students should feel safe at all time. If students feel threatened they are not concentrating on learning, they are worried about their safety. As far as the star athletes are concerned, that was a major issue at my high school. Athlete were always treated differently from the other students. They would recieve more food at lunch, teachers would show favortism, and even change grades. I believe the standards and expectation should be the same for all students.
ReplyDeleteresponse to Kiera J
ReplyDeleteI agree with that students need to be motivated to keep their grades up.Motivation is key especially when students dont have a positve influence at home. I also think rewarding students would encourage them to keep their grades up because this give the students something to look forward too. Most students dont see the point of making good grade because the thought of going to college never crosses their minds. Teachers have to instilled the importance of maintaining a good G.P.A.
(Tyrone) Tyrone reminds me of a lot of student from my high school. He enjoyed coming to school but it was for the wrong reasons. Its okay to make friends, socialize, and even stay up with the latest fashion but your education should be the top priority. A lot of student get so caught up with sports and other extra curricular activities, their academics fall by the way side. I personally believe that coaches and other personnel should stress the importance of education and let the student know school is equally as important as playing basketball or football. This can be done by doing study halls to ensure that are students are completing homework assignment and requiring them to turn in weekly progress reports.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jeremy
ReplyDeleteI too had a group of "elite" student who where given special privileges in my high school. The dance team. I must admit; I was one of the students who often abused the rules because of the favoritism in favor of us. Luckly, I had a supportive Grandmother who made me stay in my books in order to stay on the team. Some of my teammates. abused their privileges more than me. But with guidance and wisdom from family and teachers, I was able to stay on the right track and do my best academically as well as socially.
Tyrone's situation is one that people can relate too. He enjoyed school but for all the wrong reasons. Fashion,Friends, and last but not least sports. Tyrone had his priorities in the wrong place. There is nothing wrong with playing sports, but just know your school work comes first. The saying Work first Play later means alot. Instead of Falculty/staff/coaches directing him to abide by the rules he felt like it was ok to show up to school just to show up and not do his duty which was do the work, all rules apply to each and every student. Just because you play sports does not give you special privileges. When i was in school it was the same way and it still happens today. Tyrone was focused on sports, but inorder to go far in life with sports you must maintain good grades. School is a full time job, work hard get the grades and in the end you can reap the benefits.
ReplyDeleteI agree with aleysha, after the season is over motivate the playeers to keep their grades up. Dont slip beaus ehte season is over and you know longer have to report to your coach,if you can do it for a semester tahn i know you can do it year round.
ReplyDeleteLashonda....I Totally agree school is suppose to be a safe enviroment and students shouldnt feel threatend but they are. Tyrone does remind me of many star athletes i went to school with and how they are praised by there coaches and they forget there main reason why the student is there which is to learn,get there work done,and maintain there grades. because if the coaches really wanted the athelete to go far in life like to the NBA, They would remind them that grades mean alot, especially if you want to go to college.
ReplyDeleteKiara..Motivation is key, students need praise and need to feel like they are somebody and know that in the end school and good grades really do pay off in the end.
ReplyDeleteJeremy...I Can relate to tyrone situation to, guys at my high school was praised for being the star athlete also. Coaches help them get away with their studies instead of encouraging them to do there work, and not let the days game or prctice distract them. They need to be more supportive and encouraging to their studies.
ReplyDeleteJasmine, I agree you have to have a plan B. You never know what can happen or go wrong. God may not have playing ball in your plans. Tyrone knew he had to get his work done, just needed that extra pat on the back to give him the little push he needed especially after basketball season was over.
ReplyDeleteVanessa's story really reminds me of My friends and I. We were the 'IT' girls, better known as PGC(Pretty Girl clique)the only difference is we showed up at school to go to school to learn, and do our work, yea we would astray off occasionally but in the end we did our work. We were even in extracurricular activities like tyrone but we still got our lesson. My 10th grade biology teacher opened my eyes to a new light. I never wouldve thought i would of came this far in life as far as school if it wasnt for her guidance and i thank God for her everyday, and i pray i can guide someone as she did me one day!
ReplyDelete