Although there are many materials that are deemed appropriate for some schools, others may believe the opposite for the same material. Here are some things that we should consider as educators, and how we can redefine these topics.
Things to consider:
- What side do they lean
- Most inner-city schools will lean more liberal whereas rural schools lean more conservative.
- What is their SES level
- Lower SES schools will have a completely different view than higher SES schools
- Cultural diversity
- When a school is mostly the majority, there will be a different atmosphere than a mostly minority school.
- School ability
- There are more diverse abilities mentally and physically among students. We should consider a variety of materials for success of all students.
Redefining popular controversial topics:
- Yoga
- Yoga has been seen as a demonic practice towards the more conservative communities. The way to redefine this is by focusing on the physical component, defining it as a stretch, balance, or body weight strength activity.
- Fitness testing
- These tests cannot be defined as a physical ability grade. Creating a benchmark for tests based on skill excludes many abilities. If this is required, the grade should be counted by form, knowledge, or feelings about these activities.
- Technology
- When considering projects by using technology, it should be considered for lower SES students that there may not be an ability to obtain these materials. If you desire to have students using technology, it may be good to create groups where you know students will all have an opportunity. There are also options depending on the school's availability of technology.
- American games
- Although most students in America know American football, it is also great to learn about games and sports of other cultures. The most common I have seen is Tchoukball. It is very similar to handball, but the goal is a trampoline-like net. Every culture has a game or sport that will meet the standards for physical education.
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