Comments for Big Piece of Chicken http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog The Rewards of Fatherhood Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:48:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 Comment on The Miseducation of Jack and Jill by Heather http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2010/02/02/the-miseducation-of-jack-and-jill/comment-page-1/#comment-3605 Heather Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:48:10 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=720#comment-3605 Ben, I interned at SOMS for grad school and was struck by the racial segregation in a district that is obsessed with buzzwords of diversity. I spent my internship trying to figure out why most of the special education classes are made up of black children. One of the only conclusions I can reach is that the "system" meaning teachers, Child Study... See More Teams, etc are not trained enough to seperate their personal biases when evaluating our children. In reality, I believe it is a microcosm for society as a whole where a lot of lip service is paid to "multiculturalism" and "diversity" without a clear understanding of how to erase centuries of racism. I can see your challenge in addressing the flip side of this issue. It is concerning to see a school district so systemically invested in practices that keep black children in lower tracked classes. I continue to struggle with finding a school district where I will be comfortable sending biracial children. SOMA, Union, West Orange, Montclair have been in my thoughts, but it is truly scary that some of our most publicized "diveristy friendly" towns are still so entrenched in the practices of institutional racism. Keep us posted on your struggles. As I parent, I know, you are fighting for what's best for your children...however you stand to make a difference for all our children. Thank you! Ben, I interned at SOMS for grad school and was struck by the racial segregation in a district that is obsessed with buzzwords of diversity. I spent my internship trying to figure out why most of the special education classes are made up of black children. One of the only conclusions I can reach is that the “system” meaning teachers, Child Study… See More Teams, etc are not trained enough to seperate their personal biases when evaluating our children. In reality, I believe it is a microcosm for society as a whole where a lot of lip service is paid to “multiculturalism” and “diversity” without a clear understanding of how to erase centuries of racism. I can see your challenge in addressing the flip side of this issue. It is concerning to see a school district so systemically invested in practices that keep black children in lower tracked classes. I continue to struggle with finding a school district where I will be comfortable sending biracial children. SOMA, Union, West Orange, Montclair have been in my thoughts, but it is truly scary that some of our most publicized “diveristy friendly” towns are still so entrenched in the practices of institutional racism. Keep us posted on your struggles. As I parent, I know, you are fighting for what’s best for your children…however you stand to make a difference for all our children. Thank you!

]]> Comment on The Miseducation of Jack and Jill by Ben http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2010/02/02/the-miseducation-of-jack-and-jill/comment-page-1/#comment-3604 Ben Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:17:05 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=720#comment-3604 @Karen: Thanks so much for putting in the time to give a thorough response. We appreciate it. Personally, and I'm aware of other parents who do the same, we work with our daughter very closely with her academics and her extracurriculars. <em>We</em> know she's gifted. So we can't help to think the school system's method for identifying these kids is flawed. For the record SOMA uses the NJ Ask. Had T-One scored 2 points higher on the NJ Ask (she demolished the GPA requirement) she would have been in the program. But there is something flawed about simply using standardized tests and to a lesser degree GPA to asses a child's ability. The human element must be instituted. @Karen: Thanks so much for putting in the time to give a thorough response. We appreciate it. Personally, and I’m aware of other parents who do the same, we work with our daughter very closely with her academics and her extracurriculars. We know she’s gifted. So we can’t help to think the school system’s method for identifying these kids is flawed.

For the record SOMA uses the NJ Ask. Had T-One scored 2 points higher on the NJ Ask (she demolished the GPA requirement) she would have been in the program. But there is something flawed about simply using standardized tests and to a lesser degree GPA to asses a child’s ability. The human element must be instituted.

]]> Comment on The Miseducation of Jack and Jill by Saadia http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2010/02/02/the-miseducation-of-jack-and-jill/comment-page-1/#comment-3603 Saadia Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:05:45 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=720#comment-3603 Wow! Ben, I agree w/you, 100%. As a parent, we often see in our children what others overlook, or simply don't care to know. Once upon a time-especially, (more affluent) public school systems sought to nurture and challenge students who were clearly capable of "more." Standardized test ARE Bullshit. The fact that your daughter didn't score in the highest percentile is obviously no explanation of her abilities. The child is exceptional. I would endeavor to attain the most beneficial instruction/cerebral enhancement, as well. She is entitled to the opportunity. Make enough noise. Wow! Ben, I agree w/you, 100%. As a parent, we often see in our children what others overlook, or simply don’t care to know. Once upon a time-especially, (more affluent) public school systems sought to nurture and challenge students who were clearly capable of “more.” Standardized test ARE Bullshit. The fact that your daughter didn’t score in the highest percentile is obviously no explanation of her abilities. The child is exceptional. I would endeavor to attain the most beneficial instruction/cerebral enhancement, as well. She is entitled to the opportunity. Make enough noise.

]]> Comment on The Miseducation of Jack and Jill by Karen http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2010/02/02/the-miseducation-of-jack-and-jill/comment-page-1/#comment-3602 Karen Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:19:16 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=720#comment-3602 The first thing that comes to my mind is this, and you touched on it : schools don't bear the sole responsibility to"...prepare our children for academic achievement and raise each child’s educational expectations." I believe we, as parents bear some of that responsibility. We have been told that our daughter, who is 11, is a "gifted/talented" student but unfortunately we don't have a program in our school district. I couldn't believe it! Our question was, well what can be done to help hone her exceptional skills. We were told that without a program the only thing that could be done is that my daughter would/could tutor other children in her class. (I wish u could have seen the look on my face when her teacher shared this with me) This is where the we, as parents, come in. The principals says "we are working on starting a program...we understand your concerns." Beyond what he had to say, we found that there were a couple of programs/workshops, in our city, that will help her. Theatre, Music & Arts Programs, Child Mentors, Reading & Writing Workshops at the Library, etc. To answer your question about what methods I would use to identify children who possess the "gifted/talented" traits: ~Continue to utilize the State Testing Scores ~ Training teachers on how to identify a "gifted/talented" student ~Observations in classrooms ~Smaller teacher/child ratio in classrooms so that teachers aren't so overwhelmed that they miss out on identifying that exceptional child ! ~Keep copies of your child's work as a portfolio to support his/her giftedness I'd love to hear how this pans out for you and your child. Kudos to you for going the extra mile and ensuring that she get ALL that she needs to excel & at the same time, holding the administration accountable. The first thing that comes to my mind is this, and you touched on it : schools don’t bear the sole responsibility to”…prepare our children for academic achievement and raise each child’s educational expectations.” I believe we, as parents bear some of that responsibility.
We have been told that our daughter, who is 11, is a “gifted/talented” student but unfortunately we don’t have a program in our school district. I couldn’t believe it! Our question was, well what can be done to help hone her exceptional skills. We were told that without a program the only thing that could be done is that my daughter would/could tutor other children in her class. (I wish u could have seen the look on my face when her teacher shared this with me) This is where the we, as parents, come in. The principals says “we are working on starting a program…we understand your concerns.” Beyond what he had to say, we found that there were a couple of programs/workshops, in our city, that will help her. Theatre, Music & Arts Programs, Child Mentors, Reading & Writing Workshops at the Library, etc.
To answer your question about what methods I would use to identify children who possess the “gifted/talented” traits:
~Continue to utilize the State Testing Scores
~ Training teachers on how to identify a “gifted/talented” student
~Observations in classrooms
~Smaller teacher/child ratio in classrooms so that teachers aren’t so overwhelmed that they miss out on identifying that exceptional child
!
~Keep copies of your child’s work as a portfolio to support his/her giftedness
I’d love to hear how this pans out for you and your child. Kudos to you for going the extra mile and ensuring that she get ALL that she needs to excel & at the same time, holding the administration accountable.

]]> Comment on Protecting the Fragile Self Image by Ginger http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/01/23/protecting-the-fragile-self-image/comment-page-1/#comment-3601 Ginger Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:04:06 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=3#comment-3601 Our history is tragic, yet triumphant! When my son was 11 or 12 he was profiled outside the corner Pack-a-Sack. Imagine--your 5th grade honor student being interrogated by the township police, while waiting on his friend inside the store. Just because (you can fill in the blank :). He didn't quite understand our outrage. When my son was 21 he was given the opportunity to vote for a black man as President of the United States. It was first time voting in a presidential election. He didn't quite understand our joy. (I am cheesing as I write this!) Situations will present themselves, organically, that will push you to provide your daughters with your take on our complex history and it's legacy. Be glad--our history is a beautiful one of strength, perserverance and overcoming. Thank you Dr. King! And, thank you for your post and that excerpt--it's an excellent reminder of why Dr. King deserves our remembrance. Our history is tragic, yet triumphant!
When my son was 11 or 12 he was profiled outside the corner Pack-a-Sack. Imagine–your 5th grade honor student being interrogated by the township police, while waiting on his friend inside the store. Just because (you can fill in the blank :). He didn’t quite understand our outrage.
When my son was 21 he was given the opportunity to vote for a black man as President of the United States. It was first time voting in a presidential election. He didn’t quite understand our joy. (I am cheesing as I write this!)
Situations will present themselves, organically, that will push you to provide your daughters with your take on our complex history and it’s legacy. Be glad–our history is a beautiful one of strength, perserverance and overcoming. Thank you Dr. King!
And, thank you for your post and that excerpt–it’s an excellent reminder of why Dr. King deserves our remembrance.

]]> Comment on Protecting the Fragile Self Image by Mikyle http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/01/23/protecting-the-fragile-self-image/comment-page-1/#comment-3600 Mikyle Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:32:38 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=3#comment-3600 I have 5 minutes before the next patient walks in, so I can't say all that I want to say. As I was reading what you were writing, I thought about the fact that my Jewish friends do not contemplate telling their kids about the holocaust...I think it is all in the way that you talk to you children. Our history is our history, the good and the bad. It is the struggle that makes many of us strive - we should never forget to pass on the story of why we can do the things we can do today. And don't forget, it can be argued...has all that Martin and Malcom fought for really come to fruition yet. We can't get comfortable because Barack made it, and neither should our children. For every Barack Obama, there are at least 10 Pat Robertson's and our children need to be informed of all that we can do in the face of racism and in spite of the hatred. I have 5 minutes before the next patient walks in, so I can’t say all that I want to say. As I was reading what you were writing, I thought about the fact that my Jewish friends do not contemplate telling their kids about the holocaust…I think it is all in the way that you talk to you children. Our history is our history, the good and the bad. It is the struggle that makes many of us strive – we should never forget to pass on the story of why we can do the things we can do today. And don’t forget, it can be argued…has all that Martin and Malcom fought for really come to fruition yet. We can’t get comfortable because Barack made it, and neither should our children. For every Barack Obama, there are at least 10 Pat Robertson’s and our children need to be informed of all that we can do in the face of racism and in spite of the hatred.

]]> Comment on Thankful For Cell Phone Cameras by W.Reid http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/11/25/thankful-for-cell-phone-cameras/comment-page-1/#comment-3562 W.Reid Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:41:28 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=634#comment-3562 thanks for the reccomendation but does this thing IM? thanks for the reccomendation but does this thing IM?

]]> Comment on …And I Hope They Burn In Hell! by Ben http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/03/01/and-i-hope-they-burn-in-hell/comment-page-1/#comment-3527 Ben Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:33:40 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=151#comment-3527 @Chris: I feel you son! @Chris: I feel you son!

]]> Comment on Knowing Versus Doing by Ben http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/12/08/knowing-versus-doing/comment-page-1/#comment-3526 Ben Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:04:25 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=647#comment-3526 @Sonia: thanks for sharing so much. I'm trying to wrap my mind around my own "Be, Do, Have". @Sonia: thanks for sharing so much. I’m trying to wrap my mind around my own “Be, Do, Have”.

]]> Comment on Knowing Versus Doing by Sonia http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/2009/12/08/knowing-versus-doing/comment-page-1/#comment-3525 Sonia Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:22:20 +0000 http://bigpieceofchicken.com/blog/?p=647#comment-3525 Well said dear Ben. I believe that in order for us to reach that discovery, we must go thru some trials and tribulations. I had a similar experience while studying at B.U. that feels like million years ago. I could not get enough of learning. I always felt the need to prove to myself that I was smart. Please don’t interpret this as me needing to be “smarter” than anyone else. On the contrary, my conflict was between me, myself and I. In fact, after I graduated I worked full-time for the university just so I can take classes for free. So I started studying, again- full-time. This time around, it was learning languages. French, Spanish, and couple of history classes for added seasoning. I took that education to the next level, I lived abroad for a while. That’s when my self-discovery began. One of many to come… It was to learn by doing- taking action, One that I call my“ BE , DO, HAVE” attitude. Eventually, the languages began to flow naturally, the knowledge became fluid. The need to be “smart” was not important to me anymore, but the experience was far more important. Sounds cliché’ but so true, “it’s not the destination, but the journey”. That attitude has been the impetus to propel me to move forward toward my dreams. Now I’m in culinary school studying to be a chef. Boy, let me tell you, a lot of the “being smart” issues have come up for me. It’s no longer about being book smart either. It’s competitive, it’s overwhelming, and each moment the need to be the best always always always comes up. Smarter, creative, faster, etc…. However, now, all of my life’s work of education, and life experience, at the ripe old age of 42 has carried me through. For that I am truly grateful and humbled, that “Be Do Have” attitude has become my mantra. We shall see what’s in store. But no amount of books (that I cherish) will prepare me for the next step forward. BE “ the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”.. “the whatever”, DO, the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”… “the whatever”, and you shall HAVE “the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”….“the whatever” Hope that made sense to anyone; thank you Ben for giving me the forum to share : ) Well said dear Ben. I believe that in order for us to reach that discovery, we must go thru some trials and tribulations.
I had a similar experience while studying at B.U. that feels like million years ago. I could not get enough of learning. I always felt the need to prove to myself that I was smart. Please don’t interpret this as me needing to be “smarter” than anyone else. On the contrary, my conflict was between me, myself and I. In fact, after I graduated I worked full-time for the university just so I can take classes for free. So I started studying, again- full-time. This time around, it was learning languages. French, Spanish, and couple of history classes for added seasoning. I took that education to the next level, I lived abroad for a while. That’s when my self-discovery began. One of many to come… It was to learn by doing- taking action, One that I call my“ BE , DO, HAVE” attitude. Eventually, the languages began to flow naturally, the knowledge became fluid. The need to be “smart” was not important to me anymore, but the experience was far more important. Sounds cliché’ but so true, “it’s not the destination, but the journey”. That attitude has been the impetus to propel me to move forward toward my dreams.

Now I’m in culinary school studying to be a chef. Boy, let me tell you, a lot of the “being smart” issues have come up for me. It’s no longer about being book smart either. It’s competitive, it’s overwhelming, and each moment the need to be the best always always always comes up. Smarter, creative, faster, etc…. However, now, all of my life’s work of education, and life experience, at the ripe old age of 42 has carried me through. For that I am truly grateful and humbled, that “Be Do Have” attitude has become my mantra. We shall see what’s in store. But no amount of books (that I cherish) will prepare me for the next step forward.
BE “ the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”.. “the whatever”, DO, the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”… “the whatever”, and you shall HAVE “the work”, the book “ “the love “, the dream”….“the whatever”

Hope that made sense to anyone; thank you Ben for giving me the forum to share : )

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