Troublemakers Preface + Introduction

Your Name: Kesley Exil

Name of Author: Carla Shalaby

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  ARGUMENT

Carla Shalaby argues that the school system as it was set up at the time was not conducive to creativity and diversity of race, thought, and ideas. Those who do not fit into the American Western Ideal (SCHWAMP) often find themselves find themselves feeling pushed out of educational spaces for a variety of reasons. In particular, BIPOC groups often experience various levels of criminalization, ostracization, and otherization from a young age. In particular, the school to prison pipeline is a very real danger for young black children, as in some impoverished communities, there is an almost expectation of some kids, whether it is due to their parentage or just because of their race and physical presentation, are simply destined to become criminals. Unfortunately, this leads to kids being treated unfairly like criminals, and unfair targeting of children of color. There is also the struggle of kids of different ability and children of neurodiverse backgrounds. Some kids are denied accommodations, others symptoms are dismissed, and many children will simply be labeled as "stupid" or "disruptive" or "out of control" because of the various ways their neurodivergence manifests.

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  QUOTES  

"Lately, though, as I spend considerably more time with growing babies and toddlers, the demands of school seem increasingly antithetical to how children be in the world. With these youngest of people, the self-directed learning is fierce. . .And though dependent on caretakers, young children eagerly seek and exercise autonomy. They tirelessly refuse, protest, an question. No and why are the favored words of little ones. School does not welcome this protest, this natural way of childhood."

Children are learning beings steadily building themselves towards adulthood. As educators, it is our job to nurture that. However, as the text argues, much of school's stringent rules and strict adherence to code can cause a suppression of kids developing autonomy and creativity. Educators are building children towards autonomy, however much of school's unwritten curriculum is based in compliance with authority, direct instruction, and obedience. A child marching to their own drum can often be seen as a disruption rather than free thinking and that vibrant independence may become marred by repeated punishment.

“Young people are forced to miss school, even as they are simultaneously punished for being late to or absent from school.”

Truancy is a real issue for students. When students miss class, they can become demotivated, fall behind on work, and the punishments of truancy contribute to the school to prison pipeline. Truancy penalties such as suspensions and juvenile detention prevent students from attending class and absorbing material properly.