However, after really reviewing the information, I began to realize that my nationalistic ideals are just not practical. As nice as they are--just like Hirsch's wishes expressed earlier in this blog--they just don't work. Take for instance, my idea about a strict grading rubric and heavy standardization. Well, we later came to find through the writings of Gutierrez and others that the "sameness as fairness" idea just doesn't pan out--especially with the cultural diversity of the USA.
Furthermore, as I review my blog, one can noticeably see a softening in my attitudes toward the readings as my preconceived notions are eroded.
So, the nationalistic theme? What about my title? It became clear in my 3rd or 4th post that we really weren't ever in the business of defining what literacy was, or even trying to create a way to establish it amongst a diversity of students. Rather, we were pushed to become more aware of the bumps in the road that we will face as teachers--and address ideas as to how we might get around or overcome those obstacles.
Also, I became astutely aware that the American education system seems to think it is absolutely amazing, and that by the proliferate writing of individuals who believe they are key changers in the system we may effect change. However, as I look to other governments, and converse with other foreign friends, I find that the illusion which I believed in is exactly that: illusion. We are failing as a nation to properly educate. Whether that be a function of our culture, or our system, I don't know; and warrants further investigation--which may constitute future posts for this blog.
For the time, however, this blog will not be active in the weekly sense. Perhaps, as more information and coursework become available, if it/they is/are salient and worthwhile, then it is likely you may find more here in the future.
Over the course of this blog, I had hoped to define some essence of literacy and how we as Americans can rally together to reach a common goal. However, given the current dichotomy of opinions, the struggle we have with the powers that be, and the mindset of parents--it is unlikely that this sort of a change, no matter how badly we teachers wish it, will happen anytime soon. There is no doubt that I will continue to think about the themes we've discussed, and apply them to my new career. Furthermore, if anything, this blog has helped me sort through some of my own ideas about teaching--and perhaps it has done the same for those who have read it.
All I can really define now is this: that I hope my ideas continue to change and grow regarding education, and that, at some point, we might find ourselves a united public with some common educational background: not because it is forced upon us, but because we want to learn and make the changes in our own lives to become a nation in unity of purpose; that even when the lesser vote loses an election, the official takes care of ALL constituents, and that constituents support and believe the elected won with good reason; that the education of our children will flourish and move on to greater and more provoking depth of thought and action; and that I might somehow be part of the change.
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