I found it interesting that one of the readings had mentioned William Hensley, from Kotzebue. I've learned that he was one of the founders of Alaska Federation of Natives, and ANCSA. Reading how he grew up not being able to learn about his own cultures history and traditions, made me wonder how people were chosen to become one of the spokes men for their people. When it was time for Alaska Natives to choose where their land was located, who where the people that decided where the border line was? How were those people chosen to do that job?
I also was wondering about the education system. Yes children were sent out to boarding schools, then people started to stand up for having local schools in rural villages. How did that go about? Now every Alaskan Native has the same rights as every other American. They have the right to an education. Like we were talking in class on how if they don't have more then ten students the school is shut down. It make me think of how in college they allow distance courses. How some classes are paper based, and how that might be able to apply to k-12 education. Do they allow that to take place, or do they just leave the nine students that were left with their school getting shut down, to try and get their own education?
I remeber in class we talked about how when a school has less than 10 kids, they shut down the school. Then the town is lost and everyone moves to a nearby town. I'm not sure if that's always the case, but I thought it was crazy that a town would just be abandoned. I understand in small towns the school is the heart of the town. That must be devestating. I don't understand why they can't do correspondence courses or something internet based? I'm sure it would be difficult, but then again so is moving an entire community.
ReplyDeleteTo my knowledge when a school is shut down the children are enrolled in a distance education program. Of course each family has the right to move to another town if they wish.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge I see with this is who helps the children with their studies. Some young children are self starters and will do the work but not many. I know that I would be able to help my children with all subjects through Junior High and a few in High school, but at some point in time I wouldn't be able to be a "teacher".
I imagine the children that fall in this category of schooling probably fall significantly behind.
This issue is such a doubled-edged sword. I think this issue is much deeper than opening and closing a school. I believe much attention must be given to alternative learning in these instances. All the technology advancements (internet, video communication, skype, etc) are made availableonly if the infrastrures are in place. Integrating these methods into the local village communities with cultural relevency is a BIG ISSUE. Because there are no varifiable answer to this problem, thinking out of the box is required. We have to in this instance visualize school as just a building where learning happens. Learning can happen wherever students are willing and able to learn.
ReplyDeleteI think that as an American citizen who happens to own stock (just like any other American citizen who owns stock) they are given the right to an education. Yes, in a remote village, it may have to be distance education; but in a very rural area such as that, how much education does one need if they choose to maintain that lifestyle?
ReplyDeleteIf they choose to maintain living a subsistence live style they may choose to obtain the Dogwood (a degree stating that they attended 12 years of education) versus a full graduation certificate.
The government is legally responsible (I think (because I am Canadian I am not 100% sure of your laws))for education of the people and there is that pesky "saying" in the states:
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
I think it is interesting how people are chosen to represent a group. I can't speak about how someone can grow up not knowing about thier own history because I am a recipient of compulsory education. Even when I was not attending school I had a parent who instructed me beyond what attending an organized school could do. I can't imagine not having the option to attend school.
ReplyDeleteAs for choosing a spokesperson. I think of bristol palin getting paid huge amounts of money to talk about the mistakes of having a child out of wedlock and young. Of course it is society that judges her the way they do but it is also society that celebrates her denial by paying to hear her speak.
You know,
ReplyDeletesome people obtain power by seniority: How long have you been in Alaska? Being born in Alaska sometimes gives you a right of passage, the first advantage; while credentials comes second.
Sometimes leadership is based on who you know; to be a leader, you need others to follow. I'd imagine that choosing leaders isn't the issue as much as knowing that leader can do the right thing in all situations.
I'd think the scarier thing would to be the person who was selected to lead or speak for a people. That's where I'd imagine the real pressure is.
i believe in Distance Education as a potentially great idea for children becoming educated. But i'm afraid it might only be a good idea on paper. In all reality it is completely up to the student/child to do the work and learn. In other areas with organized school it is the teachers responsibility to inspire learning and rear confidence. There is no one to do that for distance education students except family members who, sometimes, are not well educated.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find out that schools could be shut down for less than ten students. What about Free Appropriate Public Education? Homeschooling parents usually choose to do so. What about parents who do not want to be school teachers? Other options must be available. I'm sure it would take loud voices demanding alternatives to get results though.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the spokesmen for the Alaskan natives were "chosen" in the same way that we choose politicians to represent us in the legislature. I suspect that William Hensley and other proponents assumed the responsibility of defending their people's rights voluntarily. They were outraged by the injustices that the native groups were forced to endure, and resolved to do what they could to help them.
ReplyDeleteAs you can tell from the second essay we read, Hensley is clever and articulate person who would be capable of holding his own in debate with cunning politicians seeking to dispossess the natives of their land. Because he was a good spokesperson, though never elected democratically, the natives allowed him to continue to fight for their rights.
Under "No Child Left Behind" legislation, all students must have access to an education. I don't know the exact wording, but the basic provision is that they are entitled to a free, public, education. I believe that the Alaska constitution also has language which requires that students have access to a free education. Since I have not lived in rural Alaska, I don't know what educational plan would work best for students and families who live there.
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