Response to Lives On The Boundary (First few chapters)

Testing
Categorization of students based on test results has been the recurring factor in to what classes students are placed in. Mike Rose begins his book by addressing the accuracy of tests which overlook and fail to take in to account the different strengths of students. Reading the internal dialogue that students have regarding their academics, delineates the difficulty that many students face in their educational journey. There is a definite stigma that failing students are ill equipped and incapable of learning what is required of them. Their shortcomings are perceived as a blow to the American educational system and that somehow the literacy crisis is a "new" problem. As a result, standardized tests are implemented as well as curriculum that is designed around passing such exams. How is this system hindering students in their learning? And how limiting are these tests in terms of the content material that students are exposed to?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristen-houghton/square-pegs-in-round-holes_b_4277650.html

Disengaged Student
Mike Rose acknowledges his lack of motivation during his high school years and depicts the frustration that students undergo at being repeatedly shown material they have not mastered in their earlier years of schooling. Students create methods to get by and often reject the educational system altogether by refusing to participate. What inspiration do students have then to pursue a college education? Those who do are often thrown into a daunting pedagogical world that appears far beyond their reach. This dilemma is then left to the instructors who should incorporate methods and material that can engage students at their various levels. In his college experience Mike Rose was fortunate to come across professors that provided a range of literary material  - this is especially significant for references as attempting to comprehend college material may require preexisting knowledge of topics  - and who worked with him at perfecting his writing - he evolves in his writing adjusting sentence structure and phrasing. Through his personal account we are able to better understand the plight of students in their quest for an education.