Help students understand the difference between achievement and mastery.
- Create a mentality so that achievement is seen as an outcome of student choice.
- Connect student production with published modes of assessment to minimize perceived bias.
- Utilize autonomy, inquiry-based learning and heutagogy, or self-determined learning, allowing students to choose how they learn.
In 1848, Horace Mann stated, “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men. . .” Breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and creating social mobility is the objective of education and the mission of all teachers every day; therefore, on the 50th anniversary of the Blowouts and Dr. King’s “The Other America” speech, educators would be wise to remind themselves of their righteous role in American Society.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Education offers a variety of online degree programs to help educators take the next step in their career by advancing their education. Learn more by visiting our website or clicking the Request More Information button on this page.
References:
- “The Other America.” King, M.L. (1968). Grosse Pointe Historical Society. Retrieved from: gphistorical.org/mlk/mlkspeech/
- “Twelfth Annual Report of the Board of Education, together with the Twelfth Annual Report of the Secretary of the Board.” (1848). Massachusetts Board of Education.
- “East L.A. blowouts: Walking out for justice in the classroom.” Simpson, K. (2012). Departures. Retrieved from: kcet.org/shows/departures/east-la-blowouts-walking-out-for-justice-in-the-classrooms
- “Race, class, and Americans’ perspectives of achievement gaps.” Valant, J. and Newark, D. (2017). Brown Center Chalkboard. Retrieved from: brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2017/01/16/race-class-and-americans-perspectives-of-achievement-gaps/
More About Patrick:
Pat Zuniga started teaching 2000. He has earned two advanced degrees in education, a MAT (GCU, 2004) and MSE (KU, 2017). Zuniga worked for 10 years at Prosser High School, where he helped the school earn the rank Silver Medal High School from US News & World Report. He currently works at Isaac Stevens Middle School in Pasco, Washington. He also coaches football for the Richland High School Bombers and owns My Mind My Power Educational Consulting. In 2014, alcoholism nearly cost him his life. He credits his recovery and sobriety to faith, family and friends.