Homework Post - SED 406 HW 4 - What were your original expectations of Central Falls High School?

One of the courses I am taking this semester, SED 406: Instructional Methods, Design, and Technology, meets at Central Falls High School. As a homework assignment for this course, I have been asked to write a blog post considering what my expectations of the school were before spending time there. Central Falls has a bad reputation in Rhode Island and I had this vague and unsubstantiated understanding that Central Falls schools are the “worst” in the state. So, what were my expectations?

Based on the little I know of the Central Falls community, I was expecting the student body to be diverse, to have a high percentage of minority and ESL students. I was expecting the hallways to be loud and chaotic, not in a threatening way, but in a lively though possibly overwhelming way. I was expecting urban students, in the sense of how they dress and talk and carry themselves – a style and toughness that I appreciate. I was expecting that there might be many students at CFHS that struggle with school because they have a lot to deal with in their personal lives. I was expecting that many of the students come from poor families. I was expecting that while there might be some students who are disillusioned with or disinterested in school, that there would be a more general sense of hope and a strong work ethic, a pride in achievement and a drive for advancement. But while I was expecting the reality of their situations to have some impact on the students at CFHS, I was also just expecting kids – young individuals much like kids anywhere. And of course, I am speaking in generalizations – I do not expect that there is just one type of kid at CFHS.

I was expecting the teachers to be mostly white, as I understand that while student diversity is growing, teacher diversity is not. I was expecting that for the most part the teachers would be young and motivated, dedicated and passionate, but maybe also a little tired and frustrated (though hopefully not in the first week of school!). I was expecting tough love between the teachers and the students, maybe a hard-won mutual respect. I was expecting rules and a strong authority of the administration and teachers, but also a respect for the voice of the students.

I was expecting the school to be outdated, maybe even a little drab underneath, but dressed up by the life happening in it – but certainly not fancy and shiny and new. I was expecting a lack of resources and a need for updated technology. I was expecting crowded classrooms and teachers stretched a little thin.

Hmmm… sorry for all the “I was expectings”… writing it out, it all sounds a bit naive – honestly, I am also expecting to be surprised. I am really looking forward to getting to know the school and its people and to have the opportunity to learn about teaching in a real live high school.