Reflection 5: If only they knew…

..what high expectation is.

I think that some people do not believe that the ESL students of the school can make it in college. They think that the students are only working material. They do not see the students as excellent students with great expectations for the future, hence they do not help them to be great students now.
The reinforcement is only in speaking and listening. I think that reading and writing comprehension are the key to enter a higher level of education. The only focus I see is in the WASL, and how students can pass this test.

For what I have red and seen in different educational websites, teachers need to develop academic language and literacy. Teachers need to be committed to high expectations and high standards for all students. Teachers need to show students how to face change; life; difficulties; education; and how to face success. Provide them opportunities for real academic language. http://www.projectglad.com/

Everyday situation:
An old men enters the classroom everyday, distracting the students and taking time from learning, is a bad choice; and it demonstrates the students that what this men is offering is much more important than learning.
He offers jobs. He asks the students papers and identification to find them jobs: washing dishes and cleaning. What bothers me the most is that he looks for students who have lower language; lower English. Students which are thought to be low and slow learners. Students who need the money, and who need to help their families. Students who see college as a far opportunity.

What I think:
I think people need to focus in academic language. They need to believe in the ESL students; that the ESL students can be better; and that the ESL students can be brighter. Having high expectations. Developing writing and reading. Teaching them real English. Focusing in education not on money.

High Expectations:

"When I talk about expectations with my students, they need to know it's not about a battle with me or a score on a math test; it's about the rest of their lives. Every little piece is a stepping stone to where they are going. Where will that turn out to be? The reality is that their options tomorrow will be determined by what they can take from school today.
Like it or not, they are taking everything I can give them." http://www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/voices/1qtr2002/highexpect.shtml

"Schools that establish high expectations for all students--and provide the support necessary to achieve these expectations--have high rates of academic success"
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/atrisk/at6lk11.htm

"No one rises to low expectations,"...
http://blog.dispatch.com/edblog/2008/11/students_need_high_expections_and_tlc.shtml