TerribleHorribleNogoodVeryBad (Chapter 3)

Mr. Mitchie struggles with Quincy's after school self-contained classroom. A classroom filled with students labeled as "lower level learners". Through out the chapter, we witness Mr. Mitchie's challenge to get the students interested in what he is teaching when they themselves already believe they're "dumb". In addition, Mr. Mitchie tries to motivate uncooperative students/trouble makers (Hector) to contribute to class discussions in order to encourage the rest of the class to do the same. Needless to say, Mr. Mitchie's first day of after school teaching was a "unqualified disaster". As he contemplates the 10 weeks of after school teaching, he places his primary goal at helping class see themselves as smart, talented, and capable individuals, and not as the "slow class".

Armando: One of the my favorite passages of this chapter comes from the last paragraph before the story of Armando starts. He and Mr. Mitchie are having a conversation about the possibility of Mr. Mitchie teaching at Quincy the next year, when Armando expresses his hope of Mr. Mitchie teaching at the school again but asks to not be picked for any of Mr. Mitchie's pull out classes. When questioned why, Armando responds "I just don't want to be dumb next year". This quote really left and imprint in my mind as a continued on in reading the story of Armando. Armando's transition from a self gratifying troublemaker to a student who's only wish is to graduate high school is proclaimed through his personal reflection. He speaks about his strong and close relationship with family, expressing his dream to be the first generation high school graduate. However, he continues to doubt himself in certain subjects but ultimately struggles the most with motivation, encouragement, and understanding from his teachers.

I felt this chapter was very beneficial because it gives us a great insight into different perspectives of what we should take into consideration as we continue our fields in Education. The impact of how segregating and labeling affects the learning experience of students, not only influencing how others perceive them but how they feel about themselves as well. We must be the motivators for our students and encourage them to strive and take an interest in learning even when their environment deems them less.