ESSAY #41

"Historically, in-service teacher education in America has taught a deficit view of the cultures and languages of low-income students of color. This perspective views middle class whites' child-rearing, language, family, and community practices as superior to those of working-class families and communities of color."

"Sweeping characterizations of cultural groups invariably oversimplify why particular members of that group act the way they do. Theories about cultural difference and cultural sensitivity are useful to come extent..."

"Apply all those grand theories to the everyday reality of your classroom with healthy skepticism."

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Why and how do theories about culturally specific ways of acting and interacting help us serve children?
• When are cultural explanations for behavior incomplete, oversimplified, or even harmful?

STRATEGY TO CONSIDER:

• Foley argues that in anticipating culturally specific behaviors from students, educators may fail to investigate what underlies individual students' behaviors. Describe such a case.

PLAN FOR TOMORROW

• Think of a student exhibiting a particular behavior in your classroom. How might you start a discussion with hi or her to investigate the multiple, complex, causes of this behavior.