Blog # 11

Blog # 11 was titled "Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome" by Christopher Kliewer. I found the article a little more challenging because of the author's vernacular but I feel that I captured his argument. Kliewer is arguing for people with down syndrome and their real abilities as opposed to the public misinformed opinion that people with down syndrome cannot function in a society or be a valued part of a community. The author gave great stories of teachers that show the school and social success about people with this unfortunate condition. A few passages from the article that helped make sense of it all for me were as follows:
1)" The movement to merge the education of children with and without disabilities is based on the belief that to enter the dialogue of citizenship does not require spoken, or indeed outspoken, language. Rather, communication is built on one's ability to listen deeply to others." I think this would have a great impact on learning and teaching for all in this country. We are such a diverse society, not only in race and gender, but with disabilities and learning trouble. The key to communication, in my opinion, is effective listening and if people "listened deeply" I believe our cultures and differences would gel wonderfully.
2) The next passage I highlighted was a statement by Douglas Biklen who said: "society itself is hurt when schools act as cultural sorting machines and discriminate on the basis of ability, gender, ethnicity and race." This passage is a telling quote about class separation and its effect on our society. For us to succeed in life we have to have an " ability to form relationships with others that make up the web of the community." I will quote Rodney King "Cant we all just get along", is the main theme of this statement.
3) The last quote I want to share from this article came on page 80 and it says: "To value another is to recognize diversity as the norm. It establishes the equal worth of all schoolchildren, a sense that we all benefit from each other, and the fundamental right of every student to belong." As a person studying to be a teacher, I feel this is an important statement and should be carried with me throughout my life in every area. I feel this article shows solid evidence on people with disabilities and how they can overcome some of the stereotypes. The teachers in this piece are inspirational and they really show that no matter how diverse a community or classroom is, everyone can play a vital role in their own special way. If I were an administrator or politician I would make sure everyone read and understood this piece, it is remarkable how people refuse to let disabilities deter them from their dreams.