Social Justice Event- Macklemore.
With all the talk of Macklemore and his rise to fame, I decided to buy a ticket to his concert that was April 11th, 2013. As much fun as I had, I kept rolling over the lyrics of a few of his songs, thinking about how relatable to those who stand apart from the common social "norms" that dictate every move in our society. 

One of the first songs he played was called "Same Love," which really hits the nail on the head for one of the largest units that we talked about, and though I am not gay, I found what he says relatable. The first line of the song says,
"When I was in third grade, I thought that I was gay, Cause I could draw, my uncle was, and I kept my room straight." (http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/macklemore/samelove.html)
I could relate to this, as I tried sports, but after head injuries, my mother realized I could draw, and sent me to art classes. I had an interest in break dancing, but with those injuries, I couldn't do that, so she put me in tap dancing for a while. I got teased, sure, but its all about remembering who you are that really makes the difference. 

The song highlights many of the issues that we handled in the LGBT unit. He talks about how people say "Thats gay," where they are in the complete wrong context, and he stands up for the LGBT community in trying to send out the message that it is more offensive than you think. I will be honest, sure I've said that. It becomes implanted in our heads that saying "thats gay" is the equivalent of saying somethings dumb, and I realize now just how demeaning that can be. Becoming friends with many new people who happen to be gay or lesbians really helped me understand to watch what I say, because of how sensitive it can be. So I have abolished saying it, and I have stuck to my word. Like Macklemore, I want to know why we all just can't get along and accept everyone for who they are. We have one world and we each have one life, and both become corrupt and destroyed by one another. Life is short enough as it is, hatred just makes everything more difficult.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQngzapK5dM

Kozol-Amazing Grace

The Point to Jonathan Kozol's Amazing Grace was to analyze and personify people, specifically children, living in the Mott Haven Area of the Bronx. I would like to share my Prezi, as I feel that it really hits the nail on the head.

http://prezi.com/2ywbas9v3bjj/untitled-prezi/

Klewier- Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome

When it comes to children with down syndrome, I don't really have any experience whatsoever. I feel that an individual should be included as much as possible when it comes to normal learning circumstances. Down Syndrome especially, is a condition that has varying degrees of severity, and it can be easily be treated and a student can be incorporated in a classroom. 
When I was in elementary school, there was a boy who had a severe physical and mental handicap in class. I found it to be completely appropriate to have this boy in our classroom and constantly having positive interactions. however he could be disruptive at times.The problem that i had was when the aid fed him through a stomach tube. though it may be best to acknowledge this, i still felt that it was a disruption and a bit of an oddity that really distracted me from my work. Though this is not the same exact example, the point that i was trying to make was the fact that sometimes it is beneficial fro everyone to a full inclusion, as it would be a learning experience for all.
http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

Oakes- Tracking
I'm pretty sure everyone remembers sitting in the NECAP tests, and knowing that the only thing you have to look forward to was that little bag of pretzels and the cup of half frozen orange juice. As far as my opinion on this, I feel mixed both ways about it. on one hand i do feel that it is important to make sure that every student is being taught, and no one is being short handed when it comes to a quality education, however it is the teacher's job to be able to prepare the student for this. The student cannot do it on their own.

I remember that when I was in Fourth grade, they made a transition to a program called Everyday Math to test out a new system to teach basic mathematics. This program did nothing but confuse most of the other kids in my grade, and to this day I have never learned how to long divide. I ended up being messed up in my understanding of math, and a once strong subject of mine became my weakest very quickly. In this video, though it is based in Washington, tells not to use Everyday Mathematics, and problems with it in real time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr1qee-bTZI