1. In Rose's paper he describes his life in Voc. Ed as a part of his life that he wasn't thrilled about. His teachers were either abusive, such as his PE teacher , ("He routinely had us grabbing our ankles to receive his stinging paddle across our butts") or were run over by the students, such as his Spanish teacher Mr. Montez ("Mr. Montez's tenuous authority was finally ripped to shreds, and I think everyone felt a little strange about that."). When I was in school, I had teachers that weren't necessarily run over by the students, but just didn't give a crap about the class, so let the students run the class and do whatever they wanted. This is not how a class should be run nor how a teacher should dedicate their life.
2. It seemed as though Voc. Ed formed the students into who they grew up to be. Whether it be a teacher who is fighting to help correct the system, a man who grew up to be a bully because he was never taught how to behave or a person who is shy and intimidated because he was picked on throughout his whole school life.Just like Rose, I feel as though if your teacher doesn't make an effort to help you figure out a good learning strategy then of course you are doomed to fail any class, especially math.
3. High school feels disorienting to almost everyone, especially Ken Harvey. There are multiple classes, multiple "cliques", decisions on what to wear, how people will judge you, and one of the most important questions student are beginning to ask themselves, "How the hell am I suppose to learn in a class where there is so much disrespect and bullshit happening?" Ken seems to cope with this disorientation by sliding by, not really caring about too much, just making a passing grade and getting on with his life. I have seen others cope with the pressures of school by using drugs, becoming shy and closed off or worse coming to hate the school there at and all the people that are in it." You can't really teach a kid anything: you can only show him the way and motivate him to learn it himself" - Dave Cullen, Columbine
4. When it comes to college, I feel more confident. I know who I am, I know I am paying to be there and I know how to get shit done. I don't mind asking a teacher a question when I am struggling and if they shrug me off and say it's not their job to dedicate more time to a disoriented student, I am quick to point out that I am paying tuition to make sure I get a good education, and if they don't' seem willing to help, then it's quit easy to drop their class and resume with a teacher that is more opt to show encouragement and willing to help with struggles if they appear.
5. My educational experience seems to contrast more than anything with Mike Rose's. Rose seems to be more laid back in his approach when first entering school. More scared to speak up and ask a question or see why he is in an English- Level D class instead of an English- Level A class. My experience is more question oriented. I am constantly asking questions, taking classes and learning new ways to become a better mom. Once we adopted our son, I was scared, much like Rose. But I stuck my neck out, joined groups and involved myself in his schooling, to make sure that I was able to better provide for my son.
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