Blog #7 Literacy with an Attitude

-

Argument - Literacy with an Attitude by Patrick J. Finn

For this week's blog, we had to read Patrick Finn's Literacy with an Attitude. In the book, he introduces the idea that schools teach students differently based on their social class. Finn argues that working-class students often receive an education that keeps them in lower-paying jobs, while wealthier students learn skills that help them succeed and take on leadership roles. He believes education should empower all students to think critically and challenge unfair systems. Finn explains two types of literacy: "Powerful literacy" (helps people question and change the world around them) and "Functional Literacy" (teaches only basic skills to follow rules and get by in life). He argues that working-class students are usually only given functional literacy, which keeps them from moving up in society. Also, Finn describes how schools teach differently depending on students' social class: Working-class schools focus on memorization and following instructions. Middle-class schools teach students how to find the right answers. Affluent professional schools encourage creativity and independent thinking. Elite schools train students to be leaders and problem-solvers. He explains that these differences help keep people in the same social class they were born into. Overall, Finn argues that for true social change to happen, all students—especially those from working-class backgrounds—need access to an education that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the power to challenge and reshape society.

I think Finn's argument is valid and highlights a major issue in education - schools often reinforce social inequality rather than break it down. We want to empower all students with critical thinking skills because education should be a tool for opportunity, not just a way to maintain the status quo. It makes you question how much of what we learn is meant to help us succeed versus just teaching us to follow the rules. If schools focused more on powerful literacy, like teaching all students to think critically, question, and advocate for themselves, it could lead to real social changes. 



Comments

  1. MeghanMarch 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM

    Hi Emma! I love what you said about questioning what it means to learn vs. following the rules. Now that you said that I've started thinking about it more and you're right.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cassie AbatecolaMarch 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM

    I like how you wrote about your ideas about the reading, and I like how you worded your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. EllasFNEDBlogMarch 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM

    I really like how in your blog you dug deep into the reading we did. I agree how he did a good job highlighting the major issues in the school system.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maci MaielloMarch 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM

    I really enjoyed the part when you talked about how schools often reinforce social inequality rather than break it down. I think that is definitely something that is important because providing education to students is really important, like you said it's a tool for opportunity for many. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Samantha GarryMarch 30, 2025 at 6:19 PM

    You wrote a really informative essay on the reading. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Angelina D’AgostinoApril 2, 2025 at 10:23 AM

    Hi Emma! I think you really nailed this blog when you talked about following the status quo, it reminded me of the song from high school musical and how people stick to the stuff they know to remain in their status quo. We want to encourage students to critically think in the classroom.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog Post #2 The Silenced Dialogue by Lisa Delpit

-
Image
 The argument about the relationship between language, power, and education by Lisa Delpit .           The readings discuss how language and power are connected in education. The author explains that students should not have to give up the way they naturally speak but should also learn the standard way of writing and speaking to succeed in school and work. The text highlights the importance of teaching students these language skills while also respecting their cultural backgrounds. By sharing personal stories and teaching ideas, the author encourages a fair and open discussion about language and how schools can better support all students. The author presents a few main arguments throughout the reading:      First, they argue that students, particularly those from excluded communities, must learn the "codes of power" to succeed in mainstream society. Without clear teaching of these language rules and behaviors, students might have ...
Read more

Blog Post #1 - Power, Privilege, and Difference by Alan Johnson

-
Image
Quotes from Dr. Alan Johnson and the Reality of Power, Privilege, and Difference      "You can't deal with a problem if you don't name it; once you name it, you can think, talk, and write about it." This quote emphasizes the importance of identifying and labeling issues. By naming a problem, it becomes tangible and can be addressed through discussion and analysis. This is relevant because it highlights the first step in tackling social issues: recognition. Once a problem is recognized and named, it allows for a common language to be developed around it, enabling more effective communication and collaboration in finding solutions. "People don't want to look because they don't want to know what it has to do with them and how doing something about it might change not only the world, but themselves." This quote explains why people often resist acknowledging social issues like racism or sexism. It suggests that people fear the personal and societal change...
Read more

Blog Post #4: The System Isn't Broken...

-
Image
 A Short History of Public Schooling For my blog today, I used Marco's blog as the center of my own to reflect and share for this blog post. I chose his blog because I agree with a lot of the points he brought up and I have my own personal connections and thoughts to add on.  Marco's blog post makes some really interesting points about how public schooling has changed. I agree that Horace Mann's idea of public education was groundbreaking, but I think part of the system could still use some work. For example, the focus on standardized testing and strict curriculums can really hold back creativity and the different ways kids learn. Personally, for me, I am not good with standardized testing at all. I get very anxious and nervous because I don't want to fail. I mean, who wants to fail at something they know deep down they are good at and have knowledge of?  When we look at how education used to happen at home compared to today’s public schools, it shows a big change in ho...
Read more