1st Paragraph of 3rd Final Paper

THE DOMINO EFFECT OF EDUCATION

     The educational system is a pathway to a students' education, which is the importance of an individual being able to follow his or her dreams. Lately, one thing leads to another, such as country-wide budget cuts, and we watch this disaster continue to spiral out of control. The public school systems' self-worth declines, and just like a domino effect, teachers are being laid off, classrooms are becoming overcrowded, and teachers are overworked. Disruptions begin with classroom curriculum and frustrations mount between teachers, students and parents.

WA section 49-51

Section 49: talks about Comparing and Contrasting in a paragraph.

• Compare is when you compare two things, explaining how they are alike whether they are two people, even two pieces of equipment.
• Contrast is when you take two things and explain how they are different.

Comparison /contrast paper can be structured in three ways:

1. subject by subject
2. point by point
3. combination of methods 1 & 2

*We do this when we read our essays by comparing and contrasts authors.

Sections 50: talks about Cause and/or Effect.

Cause = why / Effect=how which can be approached in several ways:

1. Discuss one cause and then describe one, two or more effects.
2. Begin with several causes and work to one or more effects.
3. Begin with one effect and discuss one or more causes.
4. Begin with several effects and then explain one or more causes.

Make sure you follow these guidelines:

• Make sure that oyu give enough information
• Explain your ideas clearly
• Deal with one concept or idea at a time and give reason for each.
• An Essay that contains Causes and Effect should be done is seperate paragraphs with facts, statistics, examples , details

Section 51: Talks about Argument to express one point of view and the other person to be able to express their point of view. This then turns the Argument into logical means proving opinions, using facts, examples, statistics, expert testimony.

• A good topic must argue not fact
• Statement must be to the point, clear
• Thesis sentence must be presented as a statement not question
• Give supportive evidence
• Give firm convictions on the subject

Mike Rose "I Just Want To Be Average" Part 2

     After reading Part 2 of “I Just Want to Be Average" by Mike Rose, he illustrates what the teachers were like that he encountered were like while going to school. It is in my opinion that Mike Rose received a “Labeled” education and was being taught per his environment/culture. Mike learned from other people on his block, played with a chemistry set, etc. He also learned from having "boredom" within learning of the classroom and as many people learn - from his father's ailing health. But things would eventually turn around for him.

     Mike Rose talked about two teachers that were a big part of his education: Mr. Clint and Mr. MacFarland. It wasn't until the end Mike Rose had to struggled a little more, until Prof. MacFarland came into his life - as Mr. Rose said in Part 2, "Jack MacFarland couldn't have come into my life at a better time." MacFarland was a mixture of Mr. Escalante and Mr. Keating all wrapped into one. He had hooked Mike Rose, giving him a spark of creativity back to Mike's reading and story creations. He made Mike feel special by using his own thoughts and was a role model that is described as "wasn't shaped on physical prowess alone." Just like Mr. Keating, he had the respect from his students and didn't have to earn it. MacFarland encouraged Mike about college. "Listen, you can write." He too was an advocate for self esteem for his students; he helped his students strive to be all that they could be. Mike Rose, at that time in his life, admired Mr. MacFarland and felt like he could talk to his teacher about anything.

     When you experience an education such Mike Rose, you can't even begin to understand. I feel that Part 2 was very touching and it showed how he struggled and struggled, but had a compelling experience in the end. His past teachers were only will to give him what we will call a street education. But then MacFarland steps into his life and makes change for the good. I have experienced a “Labeled” education and at no fault of my own. Being judged for someone I was not, the teachers only being there for a paycheck vs. dedication to the students. But one day Mrs. Montgomery walked into my life, just as MacFarland walked into Mike's life. Life is full of experience, except I wish no one would have to experience a "Labeled Education". It structures you for who you become in life. Mike Rose made similar realizations in that he decides what his contribution is going to be - writing.

Unit III Critiquing Education: What's if All About?

1. Mr. Escalante that education should be fun and interesting. He felt that hard work paid off in the end. He made a huge difference in his students lives.He didn't believe that you should ever give up on your education and he fault for his students rights. He wanted the students to make the best of themselves, to make education a career and get a good future.

2. Mr Escalante's colleagues thought education was classed by labeling the students. They didn't want or think they could be challenged because of their backgrounds. They believed in diversity amongst the classroom. They were only there for a paycheck, not to be a loving teacher.

3. Mr. Keating that education should be seen in a different way, he would have his students stand on a desk to see this from a higher ground.. He felt that it should be full of inspiration. He whistled, took the students out of the classroom to be able to focus on Carpe Diem. He thought education should be daring.  He even instructed the pupils to rip the introduction out of their books. he came across to his students to form a "Dead Poets Society"

4. Mr. Keating's colleagues thought education should be Tradition~ Honor ~Wisdom ~Excellence ~Discipline. It should get you through school and when you get out in the real world it will all work itself out.


5. My favorite teacher, Mrs. Montgomery, feels "an education of any kind only helps and makes you a better, stronger person". Education should be a passion for you to strive to your dreams.

6. My personal opinion about my worst teacher is that she was only there as a job. Not to be a dedicated teacher to her students. She made school miserable and I didn't get nothing but heartache from her teaching skills.

An Outstanding Teacher (Part 2)

Michelle L. Jones

Dr. Sonia Begert

English 99

18 July 2011

An Outstanding Teacher

      Flipping through the chapters of my life, there have been numerous people who have been great influences to me over the last 36 years. I stop and open my book to the educational years, giving Mrs. Montgomery well deserved credit for being a big part of who I am today. She was my fifth and sixth grade teacher at MacDonald Elementary School. She was known as one of the school districts most outstanding teachers. She was recognized for her teaching skills because she was able to help her students focus on meeting goals, made learning fun and interesting, was an advocate for children’s self-esteem, always there for her students, and promoted lifelong learning that would follow students into adulthood.

     "We are the only ones responsible for our futures!" said Mrs. Montgomery as she helped us focus on meeting our goals. Often she would remind us that our goals should be set in small steps to ensure we would succeed in each one. She helped her students stay focused and emphasized her wisdom as she kept us mindful of our choices we would make that would reflect our future. In the beginning of school year, she would have us write our goals down on a sheet of paper and write a letter to ourselves reminding us of the goals we had set for ourselves. As we worked toward meeting our goals through the school year, she would coach us when needed. During the summer she would mail the letters and our goal lists from the beginning of the school year. Being able to see all our individual accomplishments we achieved prepared and empowered us for the next school year.

     No matter what subject, Mrs. Montgomery opened creativity to make learning fun and interesting. She had the ability to ease the feeling of boredom in learning, within the classroom. She had the art of sparking imagination in all her students. For instance, our sixth grade’s favorite history project was learning about different cultures within countries around the world. Mrs. Montgomery called it, “Dinner Around the World.”  Each group of students was assigned a country in which we had to prepare week-long projects. The group was to write a report and transform their school desks into the “Customs Booth” for their assigned country. The booth was to be displayed with the country’s flag, facts, and chart of statistics. On Friday, all groups were to bring in a special food dish to share with the class which the country was known for. Since my group was assigned Sweden, our special food dish we prepared was Swedish meatballs that my mom instructed us how to make.

     The next day our classroom looked like an International tourist extravaganza. The aroma of food from America, Italy, Mexico, and China filled the air down the hallways. Excitement and chatter filled the classroom as we headed out to sea. As we stopped in each country, our pretend passports were stamped at every customs booth.  By the end of our day long adventure, we had chased Leprechauns in Ireland, walked the Great Wall of China, danced the Polka in Poland, rowed in the Gondola down the Grand Canal of Venice in Italy, celebrated Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, ran with the bulls in Spain, had tea and crumpets with the Queen of England, and toured The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Although we didn’t want to end our trip around the world so quickly, it was time to head back to the United States so we could clean up and head home for the weekend.

     Along with the fun and exciting times, Mrs. Montgomery also had her serious side too. She was an advocate for children’s self-esteem, and she believed that teachers played a major role in developing this in a child. Mrs. Montgomery took pride in watching her students achieve. No matter how big or small the achievement, she would let us know how proud she was of us. When there were failures, she would encourage us to pick ourselves back up and try again. To make us feel better, she would slip in a triumph or failure of her own to let us know that if she made it this far, she knew we could go even further. She had passion, encouragement, and a gentle way of helping everyone out in their own special way.

     One of the very first things I remember Mrs. Montgomery telling our sixth grade class was, “No matter what, I will always be here for you,” and she held true to her word. She was an inspiration to all her students. She always treated us as if we were her own children. Her love and compassion showed true in all she did for us. For instance, I had been jaded by my previous experience in the fifth grade. I was sure that having to repeat the fifth grade and having previous educational challenges was going to follow me to my new school.  With an open mind and a smile, Mrs. Montgomery welcomed me into her fifth grade Science and English class that year. She knew of the frustrations and sadness in my education history. No matter what, she would always arrange special one on one time for me, as she did for all her students when we needed it.

     Mrs. Montgomery promoted lifelong learning that has carried me through all of life’s obstacles. She would always tell our sixth grade class that no matter what challenges come our way in life, to stay positive and we would find the good out of any bad situation. She instilled in us that no matter how old you are you are never too old to learn new thing. As an adult, I see all my educational achievements and owe a lot of my successes to Mrs. Montgomery for her dedication to the education of her students.

     It had been 17 years since I spoke with Mrs. Montgomery, but just yesterday on Facebook I reconnected with her. I let her know that I think of her often and continue to teach my children on a daily basis the life-long lessons she taught her students. We talked about the past and present, how I have been able to find the good out of the many bad situations that have come my way. I said to Mrs. Montgomery, “I have made my lemonade with the lemons God has given me.” She asked me if I had any regrets in life, I told her only one…..not going to college right out of high school. She said, “You are never too old to learn new things.”, and she was overjoyed to hear I returned to college. I thanked her for empowering me with the wisdom to conquer the accomplishments I have made along the way. She was an outstanding teacher, and now I have the encouragement and ability to succeed all the way to my college degree as a “Medical Assistant.” Before our conversation ended, she said to me, “Good luck in school! An education of any kind only helps you and makes you a better, stronger person…..”

Part 1 & Part 2 - Dead Poet Society - Notes From My Observations

Tradition~ Honor ~Wisdom ~Excellence ~Discipline Part 1 / Part 2

     Just as I observed in Stand & Deliver, The Dead Poet Society was very inspiring. It shows us to support children's self esteem, which is SO IMPORTANT. 
     As hard as it is to do, letting our children spread their wings can be a hard task for parents. Along with that, they will be able to accomplish their dreams and passions for life. They need to be able to say, "Carpe diem" and seize the day.
     It was Neil's father that pushed him to the breaking point and the after his death, the other boys from the Dead Poet Society shouldn't have let Mr. Keating take the fall for what Neil's father did.
     Mr. Keating was a passionate, caring and inspirational teacher. He instantly had the children's respect, unlike Mr. Escalante that had to earn the children's respect. The two movies differed in so many way. Both being that in Stand & Deliver the children had control of the school where in this movie the school was structured. I also observed that in this movie the kids had to stand up for a "Labeled" teacher where in Stand & Deliver, the teacher stood up for "Labeled" students. 

• The movie starts out in a church set back in a the 1950's, with a very organized program. The program director acknowledged the schools many accomplishments.
• It was an all boy school - some boys didn't want to leave their parents. Was children of tween - all ages.
• Mr. Perry was arguing with his father around other people, his dad wanted him to drop some extracurricular classes and not allow the boy to do what he wants. He is now having to drop the annual.
•  Perry tried to act as if it didn't bother him.
• The kids formed study groups for subjects such as Latin, Trig, etc.
• Trig teacher was strict with his rules.He would deduct one point off if late.
• Robin Williams played Mr. Keating - the English teacher tried to make teaching fun. He tried to joke with the student to lighten up the group. He tells the students they can call him "O Captain, My Captian"
• Mr. Pitts he joked about the kids name in front of other students.
• Mr. Keating kept repeating Carpe diem it is popularly translated as "seize the day"., make your lives extraordinary ( is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace that has become an aphorism)
• In the evening the boys would study in the den as different groups.
• Knox lets the boys know that he met the most prettiest girl. 
• As the student read the understanding of poetry the teacher did a chart for notes on the board and then had the boys rip it out of their notebooks. And then he told them to rip out the entire introduction. He told the boys it was not the Bible, they wouldn't go to Hell for ripping out the papers.
• Mr. McAllister walked into the room when he heard laughter and fun, but when he found out that Mr. Keating was present, he stepped back.
• We don't read and write poetry because it is cute, we write poetry because we are part of the human race Mr. Keating tells the students.
• Mr. Keating was told by Mr. McAllister that he gave an enthustic class.
• Mr. Keating seems to be enthusiastic and loves poetry.
• The students asked Mr. Keating what the dead poet society was - he explained that those poets were sucking marrow out of the blood. Women drooled / swooned over the poetry.
• Mr. Keating whistled one tune all the time. Seems to be the same tune.
• Mr. McAllister the study hall teacher told the boys to stop chattering and sit down.
• The group of boys went out for the first time for the first dead poet society meeting in the woods. It was dark, spooky and they went inside a tree trunk They say around the group and told stories. 
• The boys chanted the poem like a song all the way back to school.
• The group of boys didn't get caught.
• Mr. Anderson didn't know the answer, so teacher went to Mr. Perry.
• Referred to Shakespear to a root canal.
• He tried to get the students interested by joking. As he read the poetry he made jokes. Mr. Keating stood on his desk to remind himself that he must look at things in a different way.
• Mr. Keating had the boys also stand on the desk.
• Mr. Keating assigned the students to write a poem of their own in addition to the essay.
• The two boys built a radio - "The Science Experiment"
• Neil knows for the first time in his life what he wants to do - be in a play A Mid-Summer Nights Dream
• Neil said he was going to do it whether his father allowed him or not. But his roommate talked the idea down. 
• The students when rowing were pushed to strive to there best. After all they had to row fast....
• Neal wants to act, whether his dad wants to let him or not. For the first time in his life he knows what he wants to do. Mr. Keating played a big role in his decision for acting.
• Neal tried to convince his roommate to do things like acting, but he didn't want to. Neal took his paper and started running in a circle around the room. Several other students chimed in on the act.
• The scene when Knox road his bike down the bank and birds flew away was very pretty :)
• Knox road his bike to the school where they were having a pep rally and he saw the girl he liked walk off with her boyfriend.
• Mr. Keating had his students line up - repeat lines of poetry and then kick the ball. Then he turned music on to collect inspiration from the students.
• Neal got the part as playing "Buck" in the play. He knew his father wouldn't approve, so he wrote letters of approval to be from his father and principle of the school.
• Neal was writing his poem for English and got discouraged.
• The student gets discouraged when reading his poem, but Mr. Keating encouraged him to continue and praised him for his efforts. The kids that was laughing, he made go next, it was a ordinary poem and he didn't get good scores from the teacher.
• Todd (Mr. Anderson) didn't write a poem. The teacher told him he thought he had something inside of him worth a great deal. Those are very inspirational words from a teacher.
• Todd referred to the picture of Walt Whitman as a scary mean mad man. Mr. Keating covered Todd's eyes and made him say his poem out loud. The class clapped and was impressed.
• Mr. Keating aloud the boys to play soccer and listen to loud opera music during English - the students adored their teacher.
• 2nd Dead Poets Society meeting and the boys gathered in the tree trunk.
• At the meeting the boy played the sax and then would resight the poem.
  
• Knox broke down and called the girl he liked - she invited him to the movie, he said the point he was making was the she was thinking about him. 
• Mr. Keating was making the boys walked around in circles and they were chanting marching songs.
• Neal found Todd. Todd let him know it was his birthday, he was disappointed in his gift because he got the same thing the year prior. It was a desk set!
• Neal convince Todd to through it off the roof top.
• The article in the school paper stirred up contrevesy in the private school. It was called profain and disrupptive article. They called a school meeting. During the meeting the phone rang and Mr. Doltan said that he got a call from God. That God said that they should be allowed to have girls at school. For punishment he was spanked with a board with wholes. The principle/ head master, Mr. Knoland wanted names.
• Charlie Dolton was to turn everyone in, and apologize to the school.
• Mr. Keating was being talked to by Mr. Knoland questioning him about his teaching methods. Mr. Keating was trying to explain for instants that the marching to proove a point. Mr. Knoland said he was to follow tradition and get them ready for college, the rest would follow it's self.
• Mr. Keating confronted the students. He felt it was not a Carm adiem moment, in fact it was a stupid move. He told Charlie that if the phone would have been collect from God, that would have been daring.
• When Neil got home from play practice, his father was waiting in the room. His father was MAD and he wouldn't let his son talk. He thought his teacher, Mr. Keating put him up to it. The father found out about this letter, he refused to quit. His father was stern, mean. 
• Neil went to seek advice from Mr. Keating about the play issue. Because he loved teaching he would rather be at school than with his girlfriend in London.
• Mr. Keating asked if he ever had a compassionate conversation with his dad. Neil said that his dad want listen to him and what he wants. He told Neil to go talk to him before tomorrow night.
• Todd went to a public high school to find the girl. The schools were very unorganized and the kids were not as structured as those attending the private boys school. 
• Bells rang in the halls of the private school, chatter chimed the halls as well. 
• Mr. Keating asked Neal if he talked to his father. Neal said that his father was out of town and was not able to make it. Neal never talked to his father--this you could tell. He was going to be in the play, regardless of his fathers words.
• Todd started to class and Chris, the girl of his dreams showed up. He took her outside because girls were not allowed in the school.
• Mr. Keating took the boys to the play to see Neil. Todd convinced Chris to go wtih him.
• Mr. Keating sat with the boys at the play, he was empressed with Neil's acting. 
• Neil's father showed up at the play. Made him very nervous.
• Neil stared at his dad while he resighted his play / poem part.
• The audience applauded for Neil his father not so happy, Neil was very happy.
• Explosions errupted with Neil and his father. The father told Mr. Keating to stay away from his son.
• Neil and his father went home, his mother stood inside looking at the window looking nervous as they walked in. The smell of cigarette smoke filled the room.'
• Neil's dad would take him out of school and enroll him military school. He would be a doctor, regardless of what he wanted. Neil stood up and tried to tell his father what he felt, he father cut him down before he could even talk.
• Because his father was forcing his son Neil to do things he didn't want to with his life, he took it away from his father.
• Mr. Keating was very hurt by this. The boys of the "Dead Poet Society" were heartbroken as well.
• Dean of schools spoke highly of Neil and he let the students know that he will be missed.
• The Dean wants to conduct an investigation into this matter.
• Administration think that Mr. Keating was responsible for Neil's death.
• The one boy said you can't save Keating, but you can save yourself and wanted them to go turn him in and let them know what he knows.
• On the way to the Dean's office Know gave Todd the Thumbs Up. 
• Todd was taken the the Dean's office, where his parents awaited his arrival. Todd didn't agree and was concerned wtih what was going to happen with Mr. Keating. He cried and questioned, but his dad was making him sign it.
• Mr. Keating came to say goodbye. He interuppted the class, and walked passed the empty desk where Neil used to sit. 
• The dean wanted him to read out of the book, but the page was ripped out. Mr. Keating smiled. On his way out, Mr. Keating was confronted by Todd, he knew what they did was wrong. Todd stood on the desk.
• Then all the students started to stand on their desks, stating Oh Captain, My Captain.
• The Dean couldn't get the children to sit down, the class was becoming unruly, they had no respect for the Dean and the beliefs of the school after "Labeling" Mr. Keating as a no good teacher. It made him very proud as he exited the classroom. After all that is what Neil would have done. Mr. Keating thanked the teacher for standing up for what they believed in, no matter the what the outcome of punishment was going to be.

 Compared to the movie I watched last week, Dead Poets Society difference from Stand &  Deliver by the following:

• The setting was more structure. No student dare step out of line in front of a teacher.
• The school was a private school and not a public school.
• It was when children had manners, unlike in the movie Stand & Deliver - they didn't have manners at first till the teacher showed them they could do anything.
• The teachers are similar because they try to make teaching fun and use visuals for learning.
• The teachers didn't label students, unlike the teaching staff in Stand & Deliver.
• The school started off by listing all the students that had made accomplishments - unlike Stand & Deliver it wasn't until the AP Calculus did the students make great accomplishments and was recognized by other teacher besides Mr. Escalante.

Cheers To Paper #2 ~ Thesis Statement

Well, after writing my literacy narrative, which will make writing this paper a little easier.

I just turned in my report - The Importance of Self-Esteem, referencing back to my elementary years in the first school I attended. I did not have good teachers, this being said, I will continue forward to write my thesis continuing my story about my favorite teacher.

Mrs. Montgomery was the most outstanding teacher of all times, because she was dedicated to children (s) education and not just about her well being. She didn't care about whether she had to spend one on one time with a particular child. If you needed her - even after you were out of her class and advanced to the new grade... she was always there for you.

Her teaching style was awesome. She would always have special projects for each topic. The best time I ever had in her classroom was when she was teaching us about different countries around the world. For this project she had us do a cooking venture and each student was assigned a dish to bring in. Sweden was my topic and for my dish Swedish meatballs that my mom helped me make.

Mrs. Montgomery knew about my horrible elementary past and she was also able to help me through those hard times I would face from time to time. She helped students set goals and achieve each one.

No matter what the situation, we always found the good out of the bad. Till this very day, I do the same thing. We must all count our many daily blessings.

I admire her so much and think of her often, especially now that I am a mother. She may have been my teacher, but her positve influences will never be forgotten.

From Zami: "A New Spelling of My Name" by Audre Lordee

Well - Sister Mary of Perpetual Help sound like she is related to the "Wicked Witch" of Fairview Elementary and her evil twin sister in so many way. This is another fine example of how a teacher can crush a child's self-esteem. I read the thesis statement and feel she is the second kind of educator I referred to in my Literacy Narrative.

This evening while doing my homework, I read this allowed to mom my - who also attended a Catholic School. She said that if you have never been to a Catholic School, to stand clear in all directions because the nuns are just as Audre Lorde describes. In "A New Spelling of My Name" I made a list of the poor teaching structures and punishments that Sister MPH had as a teacher:

~gives kids the strap

~made judgement on children using racial / color usage

~divided children by their abilities "Fairies and Brownies"

~labeled children

~downgraded / belittled children

~made them wear a dunce cap

~made fun of her in front of the other students

Just as I mentioned in my Literacy Narrative, along with parents and grandparents, teachers are also our earliest influences. 

The Importance Of Self-Esteem - Final Draft

Importance of Self Esteem

     Teachers play a major role in the development of a child’s self-esteem, as with any profession, the education system is made up of two kinds of educators, those who dedicate and those who prefer summers off. I traces my self-esteem issues to the second type of teacher.
     My low self-esteem issues began in the Fall of my third grade year. It was here I would experience comprehension problems and declining grades. I was afraid to take my graded papers home and scared of my teachers. As a young girl, I was still forming my ability to adapt, regulate my emotions and find my voice. My ultimate demise came at my third grade parents teacher conference. I was sent out of the room. The disappointed look on my parent‘s face said it all. There I was, an eight year old child who knew she would never be good enough for the teachers or her parents.
     The summer before fourth grade proved to be one of punishment from my performance the year before. That horrible year seemed to follow me like a predator stalking its prey. As I sit here now as an adult, I still remember those horrible days. Fourth grade was a year of “Special” help. I was singled out for the “extra help” with discouraged looks from the teachers, the other students, and especially my family.
     My fourth grade teacher was like the “Wicked Witch” of Fairview Elementary School. She was already coming across as unfriendly and now I needed to ask for help. She of course was never available so that I could get the help needed because she was always with the Enrichment Students and I felt so intimidated to ask again for help. Odds were that by the time class was about over, she had forgotten that I had even asked anyways. I was forced to sit there and listen to the “Wicked Witch” of Fairview Elementary School. She was one of the most unfriendly, unavailable, hopeless teachers a child could have. The “Enrichment” kids were held up on a pedestal, their every whim catered to. She would intimidate and talk down to me as if I were dirt on the bottom of her shoes. Wouldn’t she ever remember that a scared little girl needed to ask a question? Would she remember that little girl who was classified to be “not as smart” as her fellow peers and wanted to please everyone?
     I would let my parents know everyday after school. I hated going to school. I hated my teacher! Just as the year before, same complaint, just another year. I often wondered if anyone else in my class was having similar problems. You’ve heard a child’s complaint of their teacher before. The comments like, “I don’t like that teacher.” or “I really enjoy school and my teacher this year.”  For me I would often hear back “It is not nice to say that about your teacher.”
     Teachers have a huge impact on children. They have our children in class five days out of a week for about six hours a day. There I was, subjected to 30 hours a week of damaging self-esteem. I started to become very discouraged with figuring things out. I felt alone and lost, like I had just jumped in the rabbit hole to join the tea party with Alice. I didn’t know which direction to take. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride. Here I was struggling, when my older sister kept bringing home achievements. I would always hear of her accomplishments and it was not that I did not want to have the same things. I couldn’t get them.
     My Grandma Grace dedicated her time to helping us with homework. She could see I had reading comprehension issues and just needed someone that would be able to give me that little extra push. No matter how long it took grandma and I, she would sit with me each night until all homework or studying was done. Some children would have dreaded this time, but I looked forwarded to it each night. Finally I was getting some help and I appreciated every minute of it.  Eventually she even hired me a tutor when needed.
     Fifth grade quickly arrived and I thought I was ready. Little did I know, the work was going to be a little bit harder and we would be switching classes. Not only did I have the “Wicked Witch” of Fairview Elementary School again for some rotating classes, but I had her evil twin for my fifth grade teacher. Before the end of my first week of fifth grade, my troubles had already begun. It was going to be a long school year.                                
     I immediately went home and let my parents know all that was going on, and they came to school.  Apparently the teachers had conversations about me before school had even begun, and I felt at that very moment I just wanted to disappear. I was not a bad child. I behaved in school. I did not understand what made me such a problem. They wanted me to be tested because they agreed that I was “mentally handicapped”. It was a total nightmare for me. They went as far as wanting me tested at the county mental health clinic.
     It was a cold winter break, the tree branches were all iced over. While other children were able to stay home to play with their Christmas toys and enjoy the fresh fallen snow, I was having to get ready for the meeting with the mental health doctor. I didn’t want to go! I remember being called back to the doctor’s room. I felt like I was walking down the hall that would never end, and when the door shut, it sounded like a tomb was just sealed for eternity. Then out came the paper and pen and flashcards, and he asked tons of questions. I let him know exactly how I felt, how the teachers made me feel. There was nothing wrong with me, and the doctor agreed. He reported back to the school district as well. I was vindicated! I was so happy when school ended, except I failed fifth grade.
     It was the first day of school for the new year. I was depressed having to repeat the fifth grade. My classmates were moving on, I was sure to be teased. Right before we were to catch the bus, my dad let me know I wouldn’t be riding the bus that day. He said, “You will be attending MacDonald Elementary School from now on, and we would like to take you to meet your teachers.” Mixed emotions overwhelmed my mind. Finally my parents were taking me out of that “Institution”! I was scared to death, but just like Mike Rose, I knew from that point on my education was going to be my responsibility. In order to have a future I was going to have to set higher goals. My life was going to be what I made of it, not how a teacher made me feel about myself. A new year, a new school, a new beginning!
     My prayers were answered when I came home my first day to let my family know about my great day, and I was excited to return. No longer was I afraid of the teachers, I was receiving the same help my grandma was able to give me, I was not being embarrassed in from of my classmates and I was no longer being treated like a “labeled” student.
     How many of you remember your favorite teacher or your not so favorite teacher? Just like I remember the “Wicked Witch” of Fairview Elementary School and her evil twin, I also remember my favorite teacher, Mrs. Montgomery. She helped me build my goals toward succeeding through school after my horrible experience and because of her and all of the encouragement she gave me along the way, I received A’s and B’s throughout the rest of my school years and graduated top 20 of the Class of 1994. This shows how important teachers roles play in education along with self-esteem. Along with our parents and grandparents, teachers are also our earliest influences.

"I Just Wanna Be Average" Part 1 by Mike Ross

     The whole time I read Mike Rose's narrative on "I Just Wanna Be Average", I kept thinking about my Literacy Narative on "Importance Of Self Esteem".  Where is elementary school, my teachers had me labeled from third grade through fifth grade in one particular elementary school that I attended in the country where I grew up.  The teachers at Our Lady of Mercy for Mike Rose and the other students had them labeled for no potential and felt they were the reasons why the school system allowed them to fail.

     Labeling students like these teachers that seemed to be incompetent to see the students real potentials can be very damaging to students. For Rose he seemed not interested in school, very bored and his fellow students it seemed to make them not care about school and started acting out in school, causing sometime explosive situations. When you get behind on subjects, it is because you have lack of motivation and in Mike Rose's situation, he didn't know which direction to go with the subject. It doesn't really state in Part 1 where Mike Rose gets behind in Math, but I would by my opinion I would say he was bored do to the lack of structure within the school by the teachers and other students."

     High school can be disorienting to students, like Ken Harvey, because no matter how bad the school, you're going to encounter notions that don't fit with the assumptions and beliefs that you grew up with - including like the article states "dissonant notions from teachers, maybe other students. And you will also be thrown into a mixture a backgrounds, places of rich ethics and linguistic mix.

     For me what I find disorienting about college would be: making the decision to do so; finding class; getting over the overwhleming feeling of the first week / month; meeting all the new people of mixed ages and all the homework. To lessen the feelings of disorientation, my best advice is B R E A T H E  and know that it is all done in steps. College is all about taking steps to get to your degree and with this being said.... we can't take all the steps at once, yet one step at a time.

     The success of our education is up to us, don't ever allow anyone to "LABEL" you as a student. Set your goals high and reach for the stars.

Unit 1 Section 27. Exercises (Writing Paragraphs)

Section 27. Exercises (Writing Paragraphs)

A. Questions About Paragraphs

1.)Guidelines are 4-6 sentences for the average length of a paragraph in today’s fast-

paced world.

2.)A good topic sentence expresses your opinion, is stated clearly, and is brief. It is the one sentence that controls the entire paragraph. It establishes tone, attitude of the writer by stating the main point.

3.)A unifying idea is a word / group of words that indicate the main point that the rest of the paragraph will emphasize.

4.)analyze ~ structure of a paragraph ~ is my topic sentence clear ~ offer sufficient support ~ details, example, flowing paragraphs ~ clearly connected ideas

B. Fact vs. Opinion
Facts for sentences w/ verifiable facts: 1,4,6,7,9,11,14

Opinions for sentences that are essentially personal value: 2,3,5,8,10,12,13

1.) No

2.) Date, history, statement

3.) Look up online, history, news, etc.

4.)That is a sentence w/ personal feelings.

5.)I choose as follows:

#8 Pearl Harbor - disagree - was a stragic event in history and for our Nation and for Japan. Many lives lost that didn’t need to be. Sad day in history!! History / online

#13 Hank Aaron - disagree - I don’t really care for baseball that much.

#10 Harriet Tubman - agree - Brave and ambitious. She guided the Combahee River Riad that liberated more than 700 slaves in S. Carolina

C. Paragraph Structure

Punishment For Drunk Drivers

1. DUI is more than a simple traffic violation.

A. WA state class DUI as gross misdeameanor

2. Penalty will get tougher for drivers w/ prior DUI

A. Offenders spend at least 30 days in jail, with fines and 60 days on electric detention

B. Must have an ignition interlock in order to start your car.

State Government should increase the punishment that drunk drivers rec. whether it’s a 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd time offense.

D. Sentence Sorting

Kicking A Bad Habit

1.Quitting smoking makes a difference right away.

A. When people quit smoking, they can taste and smell food better.

B. Their breath smells better and they get rid of their cough.

2. Clearly, quitting smoking is the wise thing to do.

A. Their smoking harms not only themselves, but also their family members, co-

workers, and others who breathe their cigarette smoke.

B. Secondhand smoke from a parent can also increase a child’s chances for middle ear

problems, causes coughing and wheezing, and worsens asthmatic conditions.

Smoker’s should quit.

1.) At first, it was a little overwhelming.

2.) I am still unsure, but pretty sure, it expressed opinion

3.) yes

E. Paragraph Development

F. Group Activity

G. Evaluating Paragraphs

1.) Parents Should Not Drink Irresponsibily

2.) Drinking themselves into a stupor, driving while drink / after drinking, fighting while drinking.

3.) If the parent can do it, so can they.

?4.)That children may not want to be like their parents.

?5.)Stating that adults may want there own lives but they must realize that they set examples for there children that can last a lifetime..

1.) Playing a musical instrument may improve a person’s intelligence.

2.) What become known as the Mozart Effect.

?3.) The children who received piano lessons scored 37 percetn higher on spatial reasoning tests than the other children who were matched in IQ.

?4.) These studies seem to undeniably prove a link between musical training and a person’s intelligence.

?5.) In one group received piano lessons, a second group received computer training, and the third group received nothing

?6.)

Unit 1 Section 9. Exercises (The Writing Process)

Section 9. Exercises (The Writing Process)

A. Exercise 1

Student’s Self - Evaluation of Writing Skills and Practices


Strengths in grammar, punctuation, composition: I’m creative with words and ideas
Weakness in grammar, punctuation, composition: I get very wordy on one thing, may bounce around
Things I like about writing: How it makes me feel. It is like a blank piece of canvas to paint.
Things I dislike about writing: Writer block
Good habits in writing and study skills: Organization, determination
Bad habits in writing and study skills: Getting frustrated, disappointing myself, misunderstanding directions

B. Exercise 2

1.) I love being to express thoughts and using your imagination. Seeing ideas come to life. What frustrates me the most is writers block. Lately it seems I suffer a lot from this but hope this class will help.

2.) The longest assignment I ever had to write was my Jr. Thesis. In order to pass 11^th grade my History Teacher, Mr. Amato assigned topics. I was hopeful because other classmates were being assigned fun and interesting people, please, and what did I get assigned…. The Panama Canal. I thought to myself, great this is 80% of my Jr. grade to become a senior. I get to write on dirt, water and the makings of a ditch. I had to write a thesis in all stages. From planning to the final draft. My audience consisted of my History, Home Economics and English teacher. I passed my thesis, became a senior and while writing the thesis found that the Panama Canal was more than just dirt, water and the making of a ditch. It is history!

3.) Without writing, I think I’d be lost. Writing to me is like an unpainted canvas waiting to be painted. I love writing and have since I was a child. It is a way for me to get all my feelings out in the open. My biggest hinder is the road blocks from time to time.

C. Exercise 3

Planning & Prewriting will be the easiest for me because I love look back and thinking of happy times using my creativity and ideas - making them come to life.

What I find difficult is saying to much about one thing so drafting.

Finalizing everything into the final stages for me, afraid I am taking out what means the most.