Curtis+H.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?

I do. I do. It helps me focus on what I can do to make the group better and not worry about other people's actions.
 * What __really__ makes up your identity?
 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?
 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

Im an individual first. A lot of times people speak the same tired rhetoric, I hope to offer a fresh perspective. Not often do educators get to hear the perspective from someone who lives in the world as and through the reality of a "Black Male" in America.
 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

Bussing students. There are huge issues surrounding what school children attend based off of financial demograohics and issues surrounding diversity. I would suggest strengthening all school so there is not such a disparity. If all schools are equally supplied and cared for then whats the issue?
 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

First, I believe we must be able to transcend them. One can not properly find solutions if they operate through bias or pre-concieved notions. When we are no longer personally effected by the world around us we can see the true problems, otherwise its personal.
 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

Phase II: Sense of Place

Upload image (s) here:




 * I grew up in Brevard, NC. This is "Looking Glass Falls" one of over one hundred waterfalls in Transylvania County.
 * I also choose this image because of my affinity for nature. Nature is a state of constant change, just like myself. The waterfall is relentless, constant, strong and neverending which also serves as a representation of life, and what we need to face it.
 * Growing up in this environment made me feel a connection to my surroundings, environment and everyone else in to it.
 * Because of this connection and my individuality I feel at home almost anywhere, because my strength comes from within and I realize im connected wherever I am.

Use these questions to help you determine which picture shows someone else why your “place” is so special to you.
 * Does a scenic picture represent the beauty you believe that your town has?
 * Does a picture of a group of people represent and show a warmth and friendliness that your town has?
 * Does a statue or building convey the feeling of history that makes your place important and unique?
 * Is there a cultural event that represents the values of your home location?

What are your initial thoughts about how your image addresses the questions above? Later, you will be working with the members of your group to create a travel package that includes visits to each group member's home location (see Phase II)

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue?

The Bussing of students for diversity based socioeconomic factors.

What can you do to be address the issue?

Well in the classroom I have created assignments that explore the pro's and con's of the issue and created dialogue amongst my students in the form of class discussion, journaling and essaying.

What is the global impact of your local issue?

I think there is always an issue globally of whether or not countries should step into the business of other cultures and help or get involved. Also, there is always global issues surrounding diversity and its imprtance. Is it more important for students to have a diverse learning experience? or learn in an environment that strengthens the individual in a safe environment culturally? before worrying about diversity. Also, I think this conversation steers us away from the true issue, which is lack of equity between all schools.

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues