Reflection, Advice and Looking Ahead

As we use this last class day to prepare for our Blog Screening and Award Ceremony on Wednesday, I invite each of you to think about our year together and the progress you made.

In a separate email to me, (leslieharper75@gmail.com), answer the following questions: 

1. When you think about our Media Studies class this year, what do you remember?  Include specific examples from our time together in your answer.  Why do you think you remember these examples the most?  
2. What do these memories say about your growth and development as a student?  For example, if you remember the Ethinc Studies Debate the most, then you can explain that now, as a student, you pay more attention to education-related issues. 
3. Thinking about our Video Blog project, what advice would you give other students to help them complete this project successfully?  Be as specific as possible and use your own experiences in your advice that you offer. 
4. Finally, look ahead!  Think about your future.  What do you see?  Now, make a connection between this future of yours and something you learned in this class.  How do you think something you did or learned in Media Studies can help you achieve your future goals? 

After you complete your email to me with answers to these questions, please take a few minutes to complete this survey for Youth Rights Media:  Link to Survey

Ethnic Studies Ban

           We are all one. We are all equal. We treat each other horribly and want to be respected all at the same time. Unfortunately, we cannot look past the little things that make us different, we must comment, hate and discriminate until it goes too far. Lives are taken, families are hurt and mistakes happen that are unforgivable. One day we will all unite! 

                                                         But Until Then,

                                                                    ~Brianna Miller

Trayvon Martin shooting wasn't a case of racial profiling

So I heard Trayvon Martin shooting wasn't a case of racial profiling. Then I thought to myself "What is it then ?" or "What's the main reason George Zimmerman shoot Trayvon Martin?" There's so many questions that are unanswered yet. Here's the link for this article ---------- > http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/30/opinion/nejame-zimmerman-racial-profiling/index.html


But also in the article it says " Zimmerman's anger over black man's beating.It has been reported that he acquired a concealed weapon permit, which legally allowed him to conceal the gun that was used to shoot and kill Martin."


Honestly, As soon I read this line, I was really surprised. Why do people think that? Why do people think black people are criminals? Just because their color or all you see in the news that black guy did a criminal thing.Not all people are the same, they all different. Nobody's Perfect. Racism should really STOP. Let's end it already. People always have their first impression, they look at them. Everyone thinks different. Just because you see someone dress nice means their good. you never met or talk to that person. Just because you see a black kid with a hoodie. You really think his bad like those other kids. Hoodie incident ? Seriously though? Just because you see a black person, you really think they bad. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Everyone haves a different point of view. 

Phoenix shooting has echoes of Trayvon Martin case

Daniel Adkins Jr., 29, was a mentally disabled person. He was shot in the chest and died. In the police report "Jude stated that as Adkins raised an arm as if to swing at him again, Jude shot him once in the torso," The man who killed him was in the car at the time.

Do u think he was killed because of the color of his skin? Is this another accident of racial profiling?

://www.policeone.com/investigations/articles/5679913-Phoenix-shooting-has-echoes-of-Trayvon-Martin-case/

Trayvon Martin shooting wasn't a case of racial profiling?

People still can't figure out if it was racial profiling? George Zimmerman saw a black young man with his hoodie on and thought the worst. He called the police and ignored what they told him. He said it was self-defense? He felt threatened by Trayvon, how? If Zimmerman was the one following him. Shouldn't it have been Trayvon that felt threatened? I don't think  George Zimmerman would have been so bold if he wasn't carrying a gun. If he felt so threatened , why follow him? Why not let the police handle it?

What do you think? What would you have done if someone was following you with a gun? Defend yourself? Run?

    OR

What would you have done if you saw someone "suspicious" walking down the street? Would you have followed? 

Link to article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/30/opinion/nejame-zimmerman-racial-profiling/index.html

Ethnic Studies Teachers are still Being Fired

This article talks about how the teacher Sean Arce, goes and speaks to 50 people on the Ethnic Study ban at Resource Center for Nonviolence. On top of that he is being sued for 1 million dollars by the state for criticizing a former teacher, who now works to a news reporter.

1. Do you think they're going to keep firing teachers?
2. Do you think the former teacher is suing Arce on the fact that is is pro ethnic study, or because Arce criticized him?



The Article

University of New Haven paving way for more student housing

http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/05/30/news/metro/doc4fc6ebfc30618556402024.txt?viewmode=2

I learned that the New Haven is helping the University students to pay for there dorms.
Are you happy about New Haven helping the University students pay for there dorms?

More Controversy Surrounding the Ethnic Studies Issue !

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20597346/fired-arizona-teacher-shares-plight-ethnic-studies-program


A teacher has been fired for criticizing the law that bans classes promoting the ethnics studies issue .

do you think this reasonable and fair ?

War On Women, Fought By Women, For The Women

By Alyssa Mae Celone

Over 4 in 10 women have taken some sort of action, in pro-advocating for the funding of birth control. While women are concerned about the funding for birth control, women (and men) are concerned about the economy as well. This can propose even more of a dilemma that hinders the progress of funding for women's birth control opportunities.

What other actions can be made to advocate for birth control funding?

Name 1 pro and 1 con of birth control funding.

See the article on Kaiser Health News HERE.

Despite Arizona’s Ethnic Studies Ban, Students Can Still Enroll in Native Programs

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/05/18/despite-arizonas-ethnic-studies-ban-students-can-still-enroll-in-native-programs-113759

Parents are concerned about their children taking classes that relate to who they are as a person.
Although Ethnic Studies has been banned, students can still take other classes, like a class about Native American Studies.

Why do you think the government is only banning that one class and not other classes that are bases on "other" races ?

Current Events Connections

Good morning Media Studies!

With the goal of keeping our Video Blogs current and sharp, I have planned this opening.  Based on our video blog issues, you are going to search for the most relevant and timely article that connects to the work.  Here are the five topics of our Video Blogs:

• The Ethnic Studies Debate in Arizona
• The Impact of War on Families of Soldiers
• The Identity of New Haven
• The Trayvon Martin Tragedy: Race in America
• The War on Women

Your task:  

1. Go to Google News.  Search for and read one of the most recent articles that connects to your Video Blog topic or the topic of another group.    

2.  Create a "New Post" on this blog.  Write a title, post the link, identify the takeaway and ask one thought-provoking question to accompany your post.  

3.  Review the stories, takeaways and questions that your classmates post.  Choose one article to read closely and comment on the post by answering their thought-provoking question and adding your own takeaway.

Town of New Haven Videos

Media Studies Students:

Use this link to view some clever, funny, strange and well-made Video Blogs.  Choose three to watch and document what you like about them and what you think makes them good.

LINK FOR VIDEO BLOGS:  http://www.youtube.com/nhvorg

George Zimmerman released from Florida jail : http://usat.ly/I37Nnq

Issues, Updates, News

One of the reasons why I love this class so much is because the issues we follow so closely are constantly changing.  What it means for us is that we have to pay such close attention in order to keep up with the lastest information. 

Here are a few very powerful examples of what I am talking about:

UPDATE:  Race and Justice in America:  The Trayvon Martin Tragedy

• Ta-Nehesi Coates:  "George Zimmerman to be Charged in the Killing of Trayvon Martin"
• Jenee Desmond-Harris:  "The Lastest, Week 6"

UPDATE:  Occupy New Haven

• Thomas McMillan and Paul Bass:  "Eviction Halted at Occupy New Haven"
• Norm Pattis:  "Naked in the Elm City"

UPDATE:  Ethnic Studies Debate

• Common Dreams:  "Despite Protest TUSD Fires Ethnic Studies Director"
• Deborah Menkast:  "The Daily Show on Tucson's Mexican-American Studies Ban" 

Have you ever told yourself
that you were going to do something
like create a plan for part of your life
or that you were going to support something

For example like New Years Resolutions
how long do you actually stick to them
how long do you make it till you realize
you didn't keep to what you said you were going to

But what do you see when you look at events that have been going on
like with Occupy Wall Street
and the Ethnic Studies Ban

Occupy Wall Street started in September of 2011
and they are still around

But would you like to know what's more impressive
the Ethnic Studies Ban
This Debate has been going on since 2010
since this class was shut down they have been fighting
That was the school year of 2010 - 2011
Now it's more than a year later
and they are still working on trying to subdue the government

Some of the students in that class were seniors
so they graduated

That shows you something
want to know what it shows
well here it is

Even though those students graduated
they are still standing behind what they believe in
it shows that they don't only care about themselves
but their friend, family and even people they don't know

They are tyring to get this class back for other generations
they want to help other people who were once like them
they are showing that they care about other people
because even though this Ban doesn't directly affect them anymore
they are still helping to fight this
and let the world know what they believe
and how they feel about this

This is my animoto about Kony 2012. I have recently been informed that the whole project is fake and Jason Russell is kinda of a strange person ,but no one knows for sure, if this project is just a scam to steal people money. I would still like to show you guys my classmate's this video because stuff like this still happens in Africa, we should help them.


http://animoto.com/play/gwIAa83aKWQfc7LT0v1tEQ

Petition and Letter Writing Campaign

We all know that the March for Justice for Trayvon Martin will happen tomorrow at 3pm.  In the meantime, check out this petition:  Criminal Justice Petition.

After you review the contents, decide if you want to sign it.  Then, review the list of people who this petition will go to; find out who these people are.  Research their role in the American criminal justice system.  Choose one of these people to write a personal letter to.  Trust me, people like Attorneys General and Police Chiefs read the letters that people send to them.  We will work on multiple drafts, to ensure the effectiveness of your letter.  Questions?  Let's talk in person. 

Young People's Ideas: Read and Connect!

When I was on Facebook the other night, I came across a post by the Zinn Education Project that I immediately wanted to share with you, the Media Studies Community. 

Here it is:  Letters From Arizona Students

Review these letters and choose one of the young people to connect with and respond to; then, you will write them a personalized letter with your own thoughts about the issue of the Ethnic Studies Ban. 

Local Response to the Trayvon Martin Tragedy

Here is a news story about the local New Haven response to the Travyon Martin tragedy:  Sunday of Solidarity

In addition, the Black Student Alliance at Yale is organizing a March for Trayvon Martin entitled:  Justice for Trayvon Martin 

Link to their Facebook Event Page: #hoodiesupnhv

Questions for Review:

• What are the most important takeaways from these different links? 
• Do you think the poster for the march on Saturday is effective?  Why or why not?
• What does justice really mean? 
• How does the concept of In Lak'Ech relate to this issue? 
• What should our ultimate goal be?  How can we get there?

President Obama, Candidate Gingrich and the News Media on Trayvon Martin

Last week, President Obama made the following remarks about the death of Trayvon Martin:  Obama comments on Trayvon

In respsonse, presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich, called President Obama's statement "disgraceful":  Gingrich on Obama

Today, the news blogs are still covering the issue:  The Maddow Blog 

RESPOND:  Why do you think President Obama and Mr. Gingrich expressed themselves the way they did about this tragedy?  What was each of them thinking?  If you worked as a spokesperson for President Obama, how would you respond? 

Here is a response by David Plouffe, a senior White House advisor:  Election 2012 Blog

Obama and Gingrich aren't the only two who disagree about how to talk about this tragedy.  Cablenews journalist, Melissa Harris-Perry, responds to Geraldo Rivera's comments on her MSNBC show:  Huffington Post Media

RESPOND:  Why do you think people like Geraldo Rivera want to make clothing choices the focus of the conversation?  Do you think this is part of the problem facing young people today?  Why or why not? 

Ethnic Studies Crisis Video

Hello fellow Media Studies Classmates!

For my project, I chose to do an informational & persuasive video about the Ethnic Studies Ban. I tried to cover everything that this issue is about so people understand. Then I tried to persuade them to take action with us and somehow help the Ethnic Studies effort. Perhaps we can use this as an advertisment when we hold a Precious Knowledge screening at our school.

To view my Animoto Video click HERE.

I hope you like it! I'll always take suggestions!

-Alyssa Mae

Ethnic Studies Ban

This is the link to my Animoto project.

Tom Horne

Tom Horne wants to end the Ethnics Studies program, on the premise that he grew up with the moral that all students should be taught together, and that class rooms shouldn’t be separated by race. He was invited to the classroom several times, but he wouldn’t go. Tom Horne was State Superintendent and recently was promoted to general attorney

The Trayvon Martin Tragedy

Have you heard about the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in Florida?

While no amount of protesting can bring this young man back, how do you think the public and the media can influence lawmakers in Florida to ensure this doesn't happen again?

Use these links to see how different news outlets are covering this story:

Fox News Insider
The Root
The Atlantic Wire

STOP KONY

http://animoto.com/play/gGBwc2zJKqxA7C0OpjTkvQ

Updates from Tucson: Planning our Response

Good morning Media Studies:


I have cut and pasted another letter from Curtis Acosta.  I think it's addressed directly to me because I signed the No History Is Illegal Pledge.  I want to share it with you for a few reasons:  

• Mr. Acosta includes a student perspective, Nico Dominguez, a student leader from Tucson High School
• Mr. Acosta includes a few informative links that we can continue to use in our Media Studies class
• He also included a "spoiler" about a TV appearance and an update about a national event that will be happening on May 17th

After you read this email, write a first reaction in the comment section of our blog.  You can comment directly on something that learned from the message or you can ask a question about something you want to learn more about.  Then, we can use the rest of our class time today to finish our projects from last week and begin to figure out/plan/draft letters and messages to the students, teachers and educational community in Tucson; so they know that NEW HAVEN, CT supports their cause.  #preciousknowledge #nohistoryisillegal #newhavensupportstucson


Dear Leslie,

From all of the students and teachers of Mexican American Studies and Save Ethnic Studies in Tucson, Arizona, we are humbled and moved by Teacher Activist Groups, the Education for Liberation Network, and each one of you that participated in No History Is Illegal. It is difficult to fully express how important your words, actions, and hard work have been to us. As I sit in my classroom each day I am faced with an overwhelming feeling of loss. Regardless of the resiliency of our students and my own resolve not to let the dismantling of our curriculum, classes and pedagogy alter my own commitment to serving the youth of my community, it is impossible not to be affected. That is why all your testimonies and actions have been so important. Each time we have a fleeting moment of defeat, we are able to be embraced by your words and stories from the No History Is Illegal campaign. Stories from Rhode Island, Colorado, Minnesota, California, and Oregon amongst many others have brought smiles, pride, and even tears of joy to my students and fellow colleagues.


When I asked my students to contribute to this email, one of our student leaders, Nico Dominguez, wanted to express his appreciation and his words follow:

After all that has happened in regards to the loss of Mexican American Studies, there are many moments in time that are able to lift my spirits back up. I will definitely say that seeing/experiencing out of Tucson support for our movement (classes) is a great way of lifting up my spirit. I remember the first time I experienced out of Tucson support for our classes. Seeing different people speak and perform passionately about our classes was a great experience the day of the teach-in at the Casino Ballroom on January 24th. I had not experienced any of that previous to the teach-in.  It was definitely an experience that I will carry with myself from here on.

Since that day, there has been a massive amount of support which is overwhelming. Students from all over the country have done something for M.A.S., including Oakland, Chicago, Northridge, New York, and on. All of these experiences I take to my heart. The feelings that  I get when I remember all of these people who have in some way involved us into their lives is overwhelming and just a true sign of the humanity that exists. As these experiences continue, I am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it.
—Nicolas Dominguez

Nico's words help me stay strong and remind me why we continue to fight for our students' rights to study their own history, literature and culture, and we will never give up!

In that spirit, I would ask you all to send more love our way as our lawsuit moves forward to repeal this hateful law. There are big court dates ahead and you can stay apprised of the latest news through http://saveethnicstudies.org/index.shtml where you can also donate to our legal effort.

Next week the Librotraficante Caravan will depart from Houston for Tucson with "Banned Books" to be distributed in San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson. Chican@ writers and supporters will be hosting workshops, performances, and readings. Please checkout their website http://cts.vresp.com/c/?EducationforLiberati/9d5862dd32/22c385b036/9f144cd712 for more details.

In the next few weeks I will have a major announcement about a television appearance about our issue, but I'm still sworn to secrecy. Stay tuned for that one.

Lastly, a 50-minute version of Precious Knowledge will be shown on the national PBS show Independent Lens on May 17th. We are hoping to coordinate a national event for that night so I will write more as those details become clearer.
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/precious-knowledge/

Again, thank you to everyone, and we are hopeful of better news and better days ahead. You all have helped our optimism and belief that justice will prevail.

In Lak Ech,
Curtis Acosta

Wisdom From Audre Lorde

"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."

-Audre Lorde

Aware, Connected, Involved

Media Studies Makes Me Smile.  Why?  Because I know my students know more about the Arizona Ethnic Studies Ban than most people.  I know my stduents are conscious of inequity and discrimination.  And I know they want to do something about it.  And whenever I see yet another article about the Ethnic Studies Ban, I think to myself, "This news is so relevant, so current, so important.  And #metromediastudies is all over it.  Keep up the good work kiddos. 

Check out the latest report:  The Anneberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University has come out against the ban.  Excellent use of statistics, as well as the call for schools to emulate, or model themselves after, La Raza Studies; not eliminate, or get rid of, the program.  Emulate, not eliminate!

Next steps:  Engaging in community organizing here in New Haven.  We can identify and discuss what students need from their high school programs in order to feel prepared and successful.  And then we can engage in conversations about whether or not this is happening.  Let's use the Tuscon model to promote relevant and purposeful education for students in New Haven. 

Pax et Spes,
Ms. Blatteau

What I have to say about the Ethnic Studies Ban

When you look at the world around you
do you see happiness and peace
or drama with unnecessary things mixed in
do you see safe places
or do you see "oppression" and the government taking control over things
things like schools ?

Are you being told what you cannot read or learn ?
Well the students in Tucson Arizona are

You see there is a school district called "Tucson Unified School District"
and the government believes that they are breaking a law.
The schools in Tucson have different types of history classes
they are thought from different cultures' point of view.

A while back Arizona passed a law that said any class that teaches segregation or "Speech Hate" against other cultures or other "races" of people are not allowed, they are banned.
The government believes that this class called "Ethnic Studies" is breaking the law.

There's a couple things to say about this.

I'll start with this
First there are other classes bassed on different cultures
but yet the government is only attacking this one class
Now that just doesn't sit with me
because if they are trying to be "fair" they would be shutting down all the classes
not just this one
so my question to that is
What is the government of Arizona afraid of ?

They say they don't want people to be segregated
but what they don't understand is that this class is open to anyone who wants to take it
it's not like they are segregating students
it's not like they are stopping people from joining the class

What I want to know
is why they always teach history from the "white" perspective
but anytime anyone else wants to learn about something else
a different perspective
they aren't allowed
it makes me wonder what the government is trying to hide from us

The first amendment claims that we have freedom of speech
but do we really ?
or is it freedom as long as the government agrees

This Ethnic Studies class helps Latino students graduate

If you're a student,
thing about that
think about having people tell you that you're not going to make it
that you have no future
but then imagine people telling you that
and you graduating
proving them all wrong
how amazing would that feel ?

If you're a parent
think about seeing your child fight for something
but no matter what they do
they still don't succeed
then think about your child rising above expectations
and shocking people
your child has a chance to become something one day

The Ethnic Studies class helps that happen.

People tell students to stand up for what they believe in all the time
but when they do
they get told they are doing something against the law.

To su all that up:

           The government in Arizona is banning a class and the books that it used
           Teachers and students protesting
           And people fighting for their rights and what they believe in

What are your opinions ?
How do you feel about this ?

Take Down Kony

check out my animoto about kony


click here to sign the pledge

Occupy Wall Street Video .

http://animoto.com/play/3NIlN47IjKpTZ74Aa6yBhQ

TUSD

Do you think you’re up to date with your current events? Do you know what’s occurring in Tucson? In Tucson the many Mexicans, don’t graduate on average, the school district made a course where the student ( they are a Mexican-American majority)study their own culture the ethnics studies program. Statistics show that this program improves graduation rates for Mexicans. 

Pictures Tell a Story

Some of you need these pics in order to make up work from February 8, 2012.

Here are the instructions:  We will view several pictures relating to what has been going on in Tucson. 

Your task:

1. Describe what you see.
2. Ask one question about what you see.
3. Give the picture a short title/caption.

#OccupyNewHaven Update

Have you thought about the Occupy Wall Street movement?  Why or why not? 

Have you seen the Occupy New Haven camp on the New Haven Green?  What have you noticed?

Are you aware that the city has given the protestors on the Green a deadline to leave the premises? 
Do you know that this deadline is today, Wednesday, March 14 at noon (12:00pm)?
 
Do you know that the Occupiers are in federal court in Bridgeport right now (10:00am 3/14/12), seeking a court order to bar the eviction? 

The clock is ticking.  What do you think is going to happen?

Local News Report:  http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/occupy_calls_for_help/

Even newspapers in other states, like Wisconisn, are covering this issue:  http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/usatoday/article/38795851?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

Tweeting Precious Knowledge

Good morning Media Studies:

Another group of students in our nation's capital are paying close attention to the Ethnic Studies Ban in Arizona.  Like us, they are watching Precious Knowledge and responding to it with intelligence, energy and committment to the issue.  Before we watch the rest of the film today, check out the link below. 

What do you think about using Twitter to express your thoughts (and outrage!) about this issue? 

If you have a smartphone, feel free to tweet during the screening.  Use the hashtag #preciousknowledge to get extracredit for your particpation.  If you don't have a smartphone, you can pull up Twitter on the school computer. 

Please keep your tweets focused on the film and the issue.  You can socialize later.  Let's recognize that right now we are working on something very important to students and teachers throughout this country.  Please respect the issue and the students in Tucson by staying focused on #preciousknowledge. 

Tweeting Precious Knowledge:  http://zinnedproject.org/posts/16940

happy birthday leslie marmon silko

what does it mean to be a storyteller?

we will celebrate writing and the work of women.

we will honor and explore the art and culture of storytelling.

read about ms. silko's life and work: http://www.learner.org/amerpass/unit01/authors-7.html

read about the circle of stories. what are the stories that you want to share with our community? http://www.pbs.org/circleofstories/index.html

Premiere of anticipated film at Metro

Looking forward to watching this with the Media Studies class at Metropolitan on Friday, March 2. Here are two posters for film screenings taking place around the country. When can we have a community screening here at Metro? What should the posters look like? How can we bring the community together?

I ordered the Precious Knowledge video

After we watched the trailer during Monday's class, Media Studies students had the following reactions:

"I want to see this movie."

"I really want to see this movie, now I will probably see if I can buy it for myself."

"It makes me want to make a video that shows what both sides are doing."

"Wow, that clip was crazy but I so agree with the students of Tucson."

"The students are very passionate about what is going on."

"The people aren't being treated equally. They're Americans with a background that should be studied."

"It was crazy how I saw they were burning the Mexican flag. That is very disrespectful."

http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com/

The good news is that I ordered the video from this website on Monday afternoon. The United States Postal Service is delivering it to me as I type; we will watch it next week! Holla.

Here are a few more links that relate to this film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8CXCH99fNQ
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1855315/
http://www.facebook.com/preciousknowledge
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-biggers/precious-knowledge-arizona_b_875702.html

Connections from Connecticut: Racism and Budget Cuts

One day in Media Studies class, I asked students to think about what the following things had in common:








They are going to share some of their brilliant ideas from that day as comments on this post or on blogs of their own. Meanwhile, back in Connecticut, things seem better than Arizona, better than New York City. But when we scratch the surface, which we love to do, we start to notice that there are connections to be made to Arizona and New York City. Right here in our own backyard:

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/marchers_in_east_haven_draw_support_and_some_slurs/


http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/fy2013_schools_budget_approved/

How do these events in East Haven and at the New Haven Board of Education meeting relate to the bigger issues of racism, immigration, tolerance and school reform that seem to be popping up all over the place?

I guess time will tell.

VIDEO CITY

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education/july-dec10/arizona_12-30.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-a2q3MqMOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44uGGo7fvwA&feature=related

Email from Curtis Acosta, TUSD

#mediastudies

we have a lot of work to do. first, check out this email from curtis acosta, former teacher of the mexican-american studies classes at tucson high school. he still teaches in tucson, but he no longer teaches the ethnic studies classes.

Dearest colleagues and supporters,

Forgive the lack of communication as of late, but the new situation that we have been handed since the dismantling of our Mexican American Studies program has been overwhelming. In fact, I am fairly certain the reason why my family and I have been sick so much recently is in direct connection to the stress of this situation.

I want to thank all of you who have pledged your support through the No History is Illegal campaign or the other petitions that have circulated. Your testimonials have been inspiring amidst the chaos in Tucson and our students were thrilled to see so many dots on the globe. It is another act that has helped them feel that people care since our district administration has shown little sensitivity to their pain. They did find the time to visit some of our classes to give a thinly veiled threat that students will be punished if they continued to actively protest during school time. One student leader, Nico Dominguez, was threatened with suspension after a respectful, yet critical, statement to the four members of the school board who voted to eliminate our classes. Fortunately, we were able to advocate for him and make sure that there was some accountability for the administration to follow due process and magically the threats disappeared.

As far as in the classroom, I have been exposed to a word that I have never heard before in any of our Mexican American Studies classes, and that word is "hate." On three different occassions I have heard my students comment that they hate something that we were doing in class. First, it happened as I wheeled in the district adopted textbooks into our room over a month ago. I heard two girls say, "Ewww" and another student say, "I hate reading out of those books." I have never taught out of textbooks in my 16 years of teaching so I was struck by the rawness and veracity of the comment. This happened again yesterday in class when a young woman refused to write an essay citing that she feels dumb when she reads out of the textbook and hates it. Finally, a young man in my senior class was taking a quiz at the end of the first Act of Macbeth and said he hated these types of tests. Of course, these are all district approved instructional materials that I was encouraged to adopt in my classes in order to avoid discipline and possible termination. The students know this, but they still yield visceral reactions that break my heart.

In a similar note, you'll be happy to know that upon the first monitoring session of my class last week, I was found to be in compliance. Of course, when I asked for written criteria or an evaluation instrument that was used to make such an assessment, none was provided and no answer was given. For over a month we have tried to get written expectations and have been ignored. Thus, we now have monitors entering our rooms with an invisible checklist for compliance. This will only get more dangerous for us in the coming weeks since the State is now getting involved. Since my last message, the Arizona Department of Education has informed our district that we will be undergoing unannounced observations for our compliance by specialists. This is without the criteria for our safety being defined, and our district still isn't sure who these specialists will be, nor their qualifications or experience in public education. We were also forced to box up more materials for the state including PowerPoints, texts, and even copies of a vocabulary list I use with my students.

We are in uncharted waters in terms of vagueness and our district remains consistent. Their meager defense of our program during the appeal process is closely related to the open door policy they have given to the state department of education. They have continually played Pontius Pilate in this struggle and we are convinced this will be why justice will prevail. As many of you may know, the Arizona legislature continues to target teachers with outlandish legislation about teacher language and partisan instruction. We have told our colleagues for years that our situation is precursor to the types of government intrusion that could happen to us all. During this spring, I fear we will see such a statement become prophecy.

In the meantime, thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts and actions. Our students and community refuse to embrace this awful reality as permanent and are hopeful that our classes will return.

In Lak Ech,

Curtis Acosta

dag. i wish he was my teacher. what are your first reactions to this informative, thought-provoking and emotional message? comment below.