Ullucci

Kerri Ullucci's article on Pathologizing the Poor: Impplications for Preparing Teachers to Work in High-Poverty Schools was very interesting.  As poverty remains to be a social problem, teachers need to pay close attention to educating students who are from a lower economic status.  While reading the article the first quote that stood out to me was “poverty creates daily obstacles that call on the strength and perseverance of those who endure it”. This quote was powerful to me because I could not imagine the strength the 16 million children who live in poverty have. they have to overcome obstacles from the day they are born. Students from a low-income backgrounds are automatically more likely to have health problems, developmentally delayed, and have behavioral problems. 

As an educator of youth it is important we realize that we need to pay attention to low income school districts. Teachers usually avoid schools such as these leaving inexperienced teachers to teach. The article mentions how teachers think students from depressed areas cannot be taught. Ullucci then gives the framework for teaching students who come from this background. Students in poverty are just as likely to succeed, and be leaders they just need the proper educators to push them enough. We need teachers to not be afraid of teaching these districts, but tackle these schools and make them better.

Once I graduate I am not sure where exactly I want to be as a youth worker. I see myself working in both suburban areas and urban areas. However, I am interested in working in urban communities because I feel like I can make the biggest impact. It was extremely said to read the statistics about how many children poverty affects. After reading this article I would like to make a difference with organizations that help children in poverty.

Post 4

For this assignment I was assigned the section of the article on Schools. School is a crucial time that offers the most opportunities for youth to develop. The history of school came from legislation and was a place children could go and would be protected. Back in the day school attendance was mandatory and was viewed as if you were in school; you were off the streets and not causing mischief. Schools had an overall goal of preparing children to become efficient, disciplined, obedient, and productive.  As time changed so did the school system.  Schools started to become more accountable for other things and less accountable of their students.

The article talks about the size of the school and how that has an impact on youth. It mentioned how larger schools tend to have a lack of engagement and students can become lost. Even in smaller schools students also appear  to be separated from peers or teachers. Another part I found interesting was that students participate in extracurricular activities for college applications, instead of joining because of an interest.  I found this to be interesting because when I went to school I joined the clubs or sports I wanted to because I had interest in them. If that meant it also looked good for college then that was an extra, but I didn’t join with just the intension of college applications in mind.

After reading the whole article students are at their best when they are motivated, given opportunities to succeed, lead, and are challenged. Teachers are big role in this. When teachers connect with students it shows they are caring, and makes a huge difference. Having that specialized attention may be hard in bigger schools, but helps build relationships with your students. Allowing students to take responsibility for their actions, engage with other students, and gain new knowledge is key to what youth take away from school.

Youth and Technology

According to the article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, I am considered part of the first generation that grew up with new technology. Although when I was younger the technology was not the greatest, I have always been surrounded by it somehow.  Children now have been introduced to technology at an even earlier age. They know how to operate their parents cell phones, and all have some sort of smart device they are attached too. As a youth worker we have to adapt to the changes that youth become dependent on. Being a part of this new technology era is a benefit since the youth I will work with are technology advanced.  As an educator and youth worker, we have to realize what youth are connected to and be able to adapt accordingly.  

 I do however feel if you are not technology savvy, that it is okay.  People eventually adapt to these changes such as my parents, and previous generations. I would have never thought my mom, or even my grandma would be using an iPhone. I do disagree when the article mentioned how people from different generations think new skills are inferior. In order to last in a world of new technology you need to understand the dependence youth have and adjust.  I think this is key especially for this generation. Times are always changing, and in a few years there will be something bigger and greater. As old fashion as you may be, I think it is important to adapt in todays society. 

Response to YIA article

 A World Where Youth Hold the Power talks about the Youth in Action (YIA) program. This youth based organization is in Providence and has been around since 1997. YIA is truly unique by having the youth actually control majority of the decisions that are made. They are responsible from the simplest of tasks, which could be choosing paint, to hiring staff or creating budgets. They believe youth are the best problem solvers and power behind social change. Youth has the power to be able to voice opinions and be able to fix issues they see within their communities. The article explains how youth have a new dynamic community filled with knowledge, power, policy, and practice.

My experience when I was young was different then the people who are involved in YIA. I was fortunate enough to have teachers that always supported and encouraged students. They encouraged us to speak our mind, and always offered that extra support for reaching our goals. While reading the personal stories and moments, it really shows the organizations strengths.  Bukky Olugbemi in her moment mentions “there is power in numbers when youth use their voices together”.  I found this to be very powerful. Communities need to give more opportunities to Youth to be able to speak their mind in order to show their true potential. Youth are never given the proper credit or acknowledgement they deserve.  

About Me!

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Maceroni and I am a senior at Rhode Island College. I spent my freshmen year studying Forensic Science at West Virginia University. I soon realized that a career in science was not for me, and transferred back home to Rhode Island. I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and started my time at RIC as a Elementary & Special Education major. I then heard about the Youth Development Program and realized as long as I am working with youth I would be happy! This program has been a perfect fit and I finally feel like I am in the right major. My experience with youth has been volunteering with Inspiring Minds, working in Providence and Cranston Schools, and volunteering for Special Olympics. Although working with any youth will be rewarding, I really have passion working with students who have disabilities. My other interest would be to work with Make-A-Wish Foundation or the American Cancer Society.  I look forward to starting an internship and continuing to learn more about youth!