Finn and Kozol Connections

Finn and Kozol seem to have many of the same philosophies when it comes to their observations of the social classes in America. In fact, in chapter one Finn refers to Kozol's book Savage Inequalities which discusses the schooling between rich and poor. Both of these writers give examples of what they have seen in the high scholar schools and the low working class schools. In chapter two of Finn's book, he explains the 4 different classes: (executive elite, affluent professional, middle class and working class).

The section that I felt was most connected to Kozol's article was chapter two, where Finn describes the working class school he visited. In this school there were books intended only for the low ability students, and the sad part is, these children had IQ's that were above 125! Talk about trying to "dumb down" our smart children, based on their social class! Is this so our powerful people can continue to feel comfortable in their social class?!

These writers go into great detail and include quotes from administration, teachers and students who are exposed to inequality daily because they are a "so called" low-working class school. Finn like Kozol, refers to the "control" that teachers must instill in their classrooms in order to "teach these kinds of children." Finn quotes, teachers that say, "the parent's don't care and their not interested." In return, anger and resentment comes into play and punishment is common for these students. There were no clocks in the classroom teachers had supplies closely guarded children were ordered to stay quietly in their seats. (Finn) Referring back to Kozol's article he too describes his visits to the low socioeconomic schools where segregation and inequality exist. One in particular was his visit to the South Bronx where he describes the school's policy of the "zero noise salute" where students were afforded time slots to speak. (Kozol)

Both of these writers clearly demonstrate the inequality that exists in some of our lower-socioeconomic classrooms in the United States. When teachers expect little or nothing form their students they get little or nothing in return. The capacity for creativity, collaboration and community does not exist in these schools, how very sad for these young children.
"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship."
Dr. James Comer