- distribution of resources is equitable
- all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure
- individuals are both self-determining (able to develop their full capacities) and interdependent (capable of interacting democratically with others)
- individuals have a sense of their own agency [identity, worth, value] as well as a sense of social responsibility
...Developing a social justice process in a society steeped in oppression is no small feat. For this reason we need clear ways to define and analyze oppression so that we can understand how it operates at various individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
...We use the term oppression rather than discrimination, bias, prejudice, or bigotry to emphasize the pervasive nature of social inequality woven throughout social institutions as well as embedded within individual consciousness.
...We look the existence of a dominant or agent group and (a) subordinate or target group(s) in each form of power and privilege that are dynamic features of oppression, whatever its particular form, e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism, class ism).
Adapted from "Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice," edited by Maurianne Adams, Lee Anne Bell, and Pat Griffin
3 comments:
I am the parent of 2 elementary school-age children attending W. County schools and was glad to discover this blog. Keep up the great work!
I hope the district is able to compensate our teachers adequately. I have so much respect and admiration for what teachers do in the classroom. However, as a parent, I am dismayed by some of the things endorsed by UTR--for example, we recently had several openings at our school and the principal was not allowed to interview prospective teachers. It seems that the appointments are all based on seniority. This seems to be a very antiquated way to do business. And if a teacher isn't a good fit for a particular school site? Too bad. The site administrator has no say in the matter. But when parents have complaints about their classroom teacher, the principal is the first person to hear about it. No business would be allowed to operate this way. Until UTR takes an active role in advocating for teacher quality and getting rid of mediocre teachers, I will keep supporting my children's classroom teachers by buying classroom supplies and contributing to PTA fundraisers but will vote against bond measures and parcel taxes.
Hi Sharon,
I am responding to your comments regarding your concern about teacher interviews. First, let me say that I'm very pleased that you felt comfortable in expressing your views on our blog. We welcome parents and the community at large to communicate with us. With that said, principals are allowed to interview prospective teachers. I'm a former UTR Executive Board member of 11 years and we do have a senority clause in our contract, but it does not exclude principals from interviewing prospective teachers. I'm surprised that teacher interviews have been described as an endorsed practice. More importantly, I'm not sure where you got this information, but it is truly inaccurate. In fact, I have been interviewed by principals that have included teacher teams at a school in which I wanted to transfer. Secondly the parcel tax is an extenison of the one that we currently have and it will bring or continue to fund class size reduction in grades k-3, music programs, art, librarians, and counselors. Please consider voting yes on Measure G. I would encourage you to follow-up at your child's school and refer the principal to the UTR/District contract. I look forward to your future participation on our blog.
Diane Brown,
Lovonya DeJean Middle
Margaret Brown
In 2004, our schools were about to lose class-size reduction, all school librarians, all secondary school counselors, and after-school athletic programs.
Our community stepped up and passed the Measure B parcel tax to save these programs.
In 2009, the Measure B parcel tax will expire. The Measure G parcel tax simply extends the existing funding that our schools are now receiving under Measure B, and additionally, funds safety programs in and around our school campuses. If Measure G is not approved by the voters, here is what will happen.
Primary elementary class size reduction will be lost. These classes will go from 20 to 33 students.
School libraries will be closed.
Secondary school counselors will be eliminated.
Athletic programs will be lost.
Additional safety programs will be lost.
All Measure G funds will be spent in our community, and you will see the results in our schools. Accountability is transparent with Measure G because annual fiscal
audits are required of all expenditures.
Class-size reduction, secondary school counselors, librarians, safety workers, and athletic programs will exist in our schools if the Measure G parcel tax passes.
Please consider voting "Yes" on Measure G.
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