Delpit

Argument

This author, Delpit, argues that there are many different ways to educate the children that we service in the classroom. Along with differentiated instruction, for the learning styles of students, we also need to consider their culture and background. Delpit believes that what we teach some of out middle-classed white students is not necessarily in the best interest of our students or color or of lower socio-economic status. She is connecting with Johnson, saying that we need to say the words and be honest and open about power in our society in order to help make our students prepared for the real word. Often people of color are hushed by the misunderstanding of the audiences that they speak to. This is a trend that needs to stop and the only people who can stop this are those who have a level of power and privilege. These privileged people need to start taking a stand while starting to really listen to what people of color are saying.

Delpit also believes that all parents should have a say in what their children are taught and how they are educated. I like how she brought up the point that the committee members who write our curriculum are usually of a middle class background and they judge what would be important for all students to learn based on their research. She states, “I am also suggesting that appropriate education for poor children and children of color can only be devised in consultation with adults who share their culture. Black parents, teachers of color, and members of poor communities must be allowed to participate fully in the discussion of what kind of instruction is in their children’s best interest (Delpit, 2006. p. 45).” People who have had similar experiences as to the children who are being raised in our school system can testify as to what was helpful to them, what they wish they learned, and how it all fits into the grand scheme of the “real world” that we are trying to prepare our students for. We need to make sure that we are listening to our colleagues, students, and parents of different races and social class in order to make sure that we are doing what is best for ALL students NOT MOST of them.