Jean Anyon: Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work

Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work
By:Jean Anyon

I found that these different schools differed tremendously. It seems that the increase in the family income influences the child and school’s system academic excellence.

“The four fifth grade teachers observed in the working-class schools attempted to control classroom time and space by making decisions without consulting the children and without explaining the basis for their decisions. The teacher's control thus often seemed capricious. Teachers, for instance, very often ignored the bells to switch classes - deciding among themselves to keep the children after the period was officially over to continue with the work or for disciplinary reasons or so they (the teachers) could stand in the hall and talk. There were no clocks in the rooms in either school, and the children often asked, "What period is this?" "When do we go to gym?" The children had no access to materials. These were handed out by teachers and closely guarded. Things in the room "belonged" to the teacher: "Bob, bring me my garbage can." The Working Class Schools

-I believe that the working class schools are the least effective way for children to learn. In order for a child to learn they need to feel comfortable in their learning environment. In these schools it seems somewhat impossible, especially if the teacher claims ownership to everything in the classroom. It seems like they have an unorganized way of teaching. I believe this is all due to the family’s income. These issues would not occur in upper class schools.

“The style of control of the three fifth-grade teachers observed in this school varied from somewhat easygoing to strict, but in contrast to the working-class schools, the teachers' decisions were usually based on external rules and regulations--for example, on criteria that were known or available to the children. Thus, the teachers always honor the bells for changing classes, and they usually evaluate children's work by what is in the textbooks and answer booklets.” Middle-Class School

-The middle class differs from the working class because there are some teachers who are easygoing. The teachers did not ignore the bells as working class teachers would. It seems like the middle class could be a little more effective to learning in comparison to the working class schools.

“One of the few rules governing the children's movement is that no more than three children may be out of the room at once. There is a school rule that anyone can go to the library at any time to get a book. In the fifth grade I observed, they sign their name on the chalkboard and leave. There are no passes. Finally, the children have a fair amount of officially sanctioned say over what happens in the class. For example, they often negotiate what work is to be done. If the teacher wants to move on to the next subject, but the children say they are not ready, they want to work on their present projects some more, she very often lets them do it.” Affluent Professional School

-I believe this social class of schooling is in my opinion the best one because it is important for the students to have say in things. If they do not understand something the teacher should be aware because how can they progress and move on to a tougher material if they do not fully understand what they are doing. Also, it seems like the teachers have authority but is not too lenient.

“In the classroom, the children could get materials when they needed them and took what they needed from closets and from the teacher's desk. They were in charge of the office at lunchtime. During class they did not have to sign out or ask permission to leave the room; they just got up and left. Because of the pressure to get work done, however, they did not leave the room very often. The teachers were very polite to the children, and the investigator heard no sarcasm, no nasty remarks, and few direct orders. The teachers never called the children "honey" or "dear" but always called them by name. The teachers were expected to be available before school, after school, and for part of their lunchtime to provide extra help if needed. “Executive Elite School

-This seems to be too lenient. Also, I believe there is a lot of pressure on the students and teachers to excel. As far as the materials I believe that students should be able to access materials if it helps them but there should be some type of rules or regulations for them. I also, think it’s not responsible on the teacher’s part to let the kids leave whenever. What if a child goes missing? They should have more authority over their class.

I found this article to be a little boring only because it didn’t catch my interest very much. Although it did make it clear that school systems academics differ between the different social classes. I think this is awful because all public schools should be at the same level with one another. Overall I think teachers need to look past their students social classes because the teaching environment can defiantly affect students learning.