Delpit Readings

After reading Delpit's essay, there were various aspects that I found interesting. Recently, I have been exposed both in my classes and in my field experience to the struggles Delpit describes in his writing of multicultural education. I believe that this is certainly a issue and I believe that it will always continue to be an issue in the classroom.  That is not to say that there is no hope in trying to successfully achieve a community within the classroom. The teacher has an obligation to try and facilitate a classroom that promotes equality. In having that firm affirmation of consideration for all students in the classroom, it sets in motion the expectations within the classroom. Furthermore, the teacher is also obligated to try to incorporate within his/her lessons room for students of all backgrounds to have a voice and feel that they can relate to their peers and the lesson.
However, where I disagree with Delpit is in his suggestion of having students have free reign in their curriculum. While I certainly think students opinions and ideas should always be taken into consideration, I do not think that "children should be in control of their own learning, and that all children would read when they were ready." I believe that, that is counter productive in accomplishing the goal of having children be literate. Children, in my opinion, need structure and guidance otherwise they would never read or do anything academic! Most kids would chose to play with friends over reading a book. 
I think the best way to compromise between the student's voice and the importance of education, is to allow for students to have opportunities to choose a book of their choice at some point within the school year. Additionally, I think that having the students constantly providing connections between literature and themselves will also appease their desire for control.
--Britt