I've come to my blog space repeatedly in the past few months and been unable to post. I'm not sure why. It's not like I haven't been thinking lately. And it's not like nothing has been happening. I've come to think it's that there is too much going on and too much to think about that I just can't start.
For one, I remain frustrated that educational change seems impossible given how ingrained traditional ideologies are. Even Obama, who I love as president, is wrong on education. No one outside of a few critical educators seems to think what we count as knowledge in schools should be examined. People seem to think it's okay to tell our children and youth that they just need to get through school. An amorphous "better life" awaits them. It's just nonsense and I can't understand how so many people don't see it. I agree with Jim Gee that kids will soon realize that they don't need school and either demand change, like Elliott has, or just leave. I'll be right behind them.
And education researchers seem to be more interested in furthering careers than actually impacting children's lives. Most don't read outside of their field or theoretical frame and spend a huge amount of time arguing about who is right. Shira Peterson and I made this point years ago when reviewing research in early childhood literacy. So much of what we know we have known for years and it doesn't seem to make any difference.
I suppose it's clear that I'm struggling with finding a way to make meaningful impact on children and youth's live, particularly in urban settings. I've been stomping in place for too many years. Blogs, knols, websites, books, articles, podcasts, teaching....little changes I suppose. I'm not satisfied though.