Beachwood Middle School

My experience at Beachwood middle school was amazing. It opened my eyes to so many different things. First I'm going to start off with how it opened my eyes to institutional racism. The resources those kids have are amazing. They get to have laptops in middle school provided by the school. The sixth graders can't take their laptops home but they still have them. The seventh and eighth graders were able to take them home. What I'm getting at is how does a kid from the inner city compete with those kids in life. Those kids are able to learn more because they can go home and continue to work. They can use workshops, blogs etc. I remember we only had one class set of books, so if you didn't get your work done you were kind of out of luck. Those type of schools get funded by property taxes that goes back into the school system. Those are obviously good neighborhoods, so once they do go to college and find good jobs they don't mind moving back into their former neighborhoods because it is a good place to raise a family. Now when it comes to inner city kids the ones who are fortunate to make it out they aren't going to move back there. They are going to move to a district like Beachwood so that they can raise a family there. Therefore they pay property taxes there and continue to help better Beachwood grow but leave their city hanging. You have to give back to your former community or things will not change. That isn't the kids fault though so it isn't a knock to them in anyway. Those just are real life issues that needs more recognition. My experience while I was there like I said before was great. I remember a student said the wrong answer and the teacher used positive criticism by saying "in other words" basically walking the student through the correct answer without making them feel bad about themselves. The teachers were very energetic. All around the classrooms were motivational posters. The teacher was very hands on with her class. That is great to interact with your class because now they don't see you as just an adult/enforcer but somewhat as a friend. They'll be more confident/comfortable with sharing real life situations with the teacher. Groups were picked by a deck of cards that's unique because it makes everyone interact with one another.