The role of public education

I know that many in class are still uncertain of how they feel participating in the mindful activities at the beginning of class but I am still enjoying the time to calm my thoughts and reflect upon what I am reading. We live such hectic lifestyles and are often overstimulated by all of the hats that we wear on a daily basis. I find this time to take a few minutes to clear my mind has been beneficial to me. I have not viewed it as a religious practice though and can see where some people may feel uncomfortable if they are viewing the activity through that lens. I always see how I can take opportunities and have them benefit me and taking the time to clear my mind and calmly reflect has certainly helped me not get too overwhelmed. I have used contemplative strategies throughout my master’s program and will continue to use them in the future.

I have enjoyed the readings and the class discussion this week and find it interesting that we are still trying to determine the role of public schools. Americanizing the student population and removing the unwanted culture has happened since the beginning of schools whether it be imposing religious views to those of another religion, limiting the advancement of students from these cultures, forcing them to abandon their language and practices, and by teaching them that they are not meant to be leaders in their community. A comment in chapter three stated that “you don’t make anybody better by making them less” stuck with me as I was reading. I thought of all the families that risked injury or death to achieve a better education for their children and all that they had to go through. We have come a long way in public education and are trying to find a happy medium of what is acceptable and what is not.

 At our school located on the Nez Perce Reservation we are always trying to find ways to make things culturally relevant. This helps students feel validated that who they are is important and does not need to be changed. We are always seeking experts in our community to share their sides of the story when we teach specific points in history and then communicating about the different viewpoints.  This has changed since I went to school there and I appreciate the balance that we are striving to achieve. We also try to incorporate Nimiipuutimpt (Nez Perce Language) whenever we can. This is so important to bring back to our people since we do not have many fluent elders left in our community. My Great grandmother that was sent off to boarding school was fluent in Nez Perce and because of her experience at boarding school she didn’t pass the language on to her children. They picked up bits and pieces of the language on their own.

The continuous swing of the school reform pendulum will keep us on our toes and will change the face of America yet again.