Eddie and Ron did not perform very well in the traditional school setting. They were labeled "at risk" and the article says they "neither expressed much interest in reading and writing related to school." After being assessed by standardized tests and content reading inventories, it was evaluated that they read at a third-grade level.
It seems to me like they have been captive of an unhealthy learning environment far too long. They need to break the bounds of the traditional school system, and be exposed to type of learning that can engage and excite these young gentlemen.
They are given the opportunity to work on a media project. This is where the true learning begins. These two students do marvelous things. They collaboratively design a website, dividing up jobs and synthesizes all different forms of information. It is a well organized procedure with storyboards and tasks divided up. As soon as technology, media, is introduced they go from students limited to 3rd grade reading level to students of unlimited potential. They continue to render their work together, on the webpage, and sort out the text and images. They do a stellar job, really applying themselves like never before.
The final product was spectacular. It is truly amazing what you can get students to do once you find their niche.
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Amen Phil. What a nice post!! So what can we conclude about these young men in relationship to similar students in the Kajder chapters?
How must ELA classrooms change? Who, in fact, is "at risk?" I think teachers who just don't get it.
Not the kids. I go into so many schools where I see bored, disaffected, cynical students in ELA classrooms. There's simply nothing there worth (to them) engaging in.
Why don't we change that then??? That's my question!
Take a look at what goes on in this school in Philly--where the teachers get it: http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/ed1article.php?id=Art_1832&issue=apr_07
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