Delpit and "An Indian Father's Plea" - Argument

 

     In "An Indian Fathers Plea" from The Institution of Education author Robert Lake argues that his son should not be placed in a special education classroom. He explains that his son is not in need of extra help but rather, is educated in a way that does not conform to traditional western schooling standards. Throughout the letter Robert explains that his son, Wind-Wolf, is not unintelligent but just shows his intelligence in different ways. He knows how to sort, count and memorize as shown from his skills with memorizing herbs, creating beaded adornments and identifying different hawks and birds by amount of tail feathers. He contributes to his argument by adding that his son is also being bullied by his peers for his culture. Moving him to a more isolated classroom would only make him feel even more alone and ashamed. Wind-Wolf is not one in need of extra assistance he is one in need of a teacher and peers who understand him. One who needs to be given the opportunity to show his intelligence in a way that he is used to, in a way where he can excel. Just because this boy does not fit into western standards doesn't mean he is not on level for his education. As Robert ends his letter he says, "Wind-Wolf is not an empty glass coming into your class to be filled. He is a full basket coming into a different environment and society," (265)

     One point I'd like to share in class is a discussion on how we as future educators would like to help students of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds succeed in our classrooms. I think a discussion around how students of different cultural backgrounds may have different ways of showing their intelligence would be very productive. In the letter Robert explained that the teacher in Wind-Wolf's classroom did some things that hurt his experience quite a lot (ie: not pronouncing his name correctly), these are things we must be aware of as future educators. I think this article from CUEMATH (here!) is a great introduction to embracing multicultural learning in the classroom! If educators were more prepared for and comfortable teaching about and celebrating culture in their classrooms students would feel much more comfortable and less "different" or othered by their peers. Classroom environment and culture starts with the educator, and having one who embraces difference and ensures a no bullying policy many students would have much happier educational experiences.