I am very much looking forward to our visit to the high school. I am honestly not sure what to expect because having gone to high school outside of the U.S. the only idea I have of what public school will be like is from movies and TV shows, which is probably not that accurate. I am interested to see if the fact that a test is required for entry will make a difference in the motivation of the students. Also, if there are teachers and students who are burned out I would like to know specifically what causes this. I agree that this trip should be one of equal exchange, but I am not completely sure what I bring to the visit besides a “college outlook”. It will be interesting after my visit to reflect on what I felt they learned from me, because it will most probably not be what I originally expected

The question I asked myself was not what about what I want to learn, but how much I can learn. Like Shannon said, I would love to know "everything". I want to know what its like going to a public school that you have to be accepted into, going to school in the city, and what their life is like at home. Since we are visiting sophomores and juniors, I want to hear some feedback on standardized testing because sophomore year and junior year are considered the "important years". I would also love to hear about their ideas for the future, what they hope to do, where they hope to go etc.

Since this is a mutual learning experience, I hope I can give them some feedback on what high school was like for me, how I felt about testing, what I was thinking at the time about my  future plans and so on. I also hope to share my background and where I come from. I also hope to give them a sense of going to a non-selective public high school in the suburbs. Hopefully we can discuss some of the topics we discuss in class get new ideas thrown into the mix.

Let's just say, I can't wait to go to the high school.

Here is a link to an article explaining the circumstances of the youtube video entitled "Jonathan's Cochlear Implant Activation 8 mo., Rt Ear cont'd"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1283703/Moment-deaf-baby-Jonathan-hears-mothers-voice-time.html

I find this really interesting in terms of disability studies, I know it can be a dangerous game to look at the comments on youtube videos/websites, but even just a quick glance at the top few were pretty generative in terms of discussion:

"How ironic that 8months ago this boy could have been aborted if it were known he was deaf, apparently considered a serious disability. And here we have him receiving treatment from doctors as if they are life savers. When they could have been killing him behind closed doors not so long ago & we would never have known about it. He is an human being first & foremost, has been since fertilisation. These people are not gods, they have not 'given him back his life' just given him a new sense. A lot of deaf people feel very angry & alienated because of peoples ignorant views about deafness."

"99 people are blind.

Hi again,

This is the second video I thought would be great to show everyone. Many of you may have seen it already since it's huge on youtube, however, for those who haven't, it's pretty valuable to watch (as are all the videos from RSA Animate). 

This video talks about reshaping educational paradigms. It discusses why our education system today doesn't work and urges us to rethink what education should look like and how we should be educating children in the 21st century. 

Again, I hope you enjoy! 

-Jillian

Hey guys! 

Since the topic of language and the power of language (what we can, cannot, should  or should not be able to say) has become a larger topic in class, I thought this video was fitting to share. We've been discussing how our language is shaped why white dominance and how our language online and in class is shaped by "politeness" and the fear of offending others. Here's another take on why we say "n-word" instead of "nigger" and veil our language with inuendos even though in the end, we all know that when you say "n-word," we hear "nigger." 

I have an even more fitting video I'll share to you in the next post :)

Hope you enjoy it,

Jillian

Temple University Student Center:  Fri (10/7) starts at 1pm, Sat (10/8) starts at 9 am; Sun (10/9) starts at 9 am.  Keynote speakers:  Sonia Sanchez, Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti, Gloria Casarez.

Tickets are necessary. This event is being co-sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Women's Studies Consortium, of which Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges are members.  The student price is $20. GPWSC students receive an additional $5 discount, bringing the cost of admission to $15. To receive the discount, students should register for the student rate at http://fertileground.eventbrite.com/ and enter the code "GPWSC" when they check out.

Also, scholarships are available! All you need to do is send an email to info@ourelements.org expressing their desire to attend the conference and their financial need.

For more information:  email info@ourelements.org or call 610-297-4282

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/09/29/140915714/congratulations-television-you-are-even-worse-at-masculinity-than-femininity

"It really takes some effort to match television's historically disastrous relationship with femininity, but at this point, I'm prepared to say it: Right at this moment, I'm more comfortable with what scripted television thinks being a woman means than I am with what scripted television thinks being a man means.

I'm fascinated with media/television portrayal of gender and sexuality. But I'm not familiar with any of these shows - have you guys seen them? What do you think?