JudgeOtterMaster933
In ¶2, Rose tells about being placed in the vocational track at…
In ¶2, Rose tells about being placed in the vocational track at his school. How did this happen? Why weren’t his parents more involved in making sure that he was placed in the right level?
What does Rose mean when he says that the “vocational track” is “a euphemism for the bottom level” (¶2).
Describe some of Rose’s experiences in vocational education (¶3-11). Why does he tell about them in such specific detail?
Rose states, “Students will float to the mark you set” (¶7). What does he mean by this?
What is the rationale for vocational education programs? How does this intended purpose differ from Rose’s experience of vocational education?
Why does Ken Harvey say: “I just wanna be average”(¶11)? What is Rose’s initial response to Ken’s sentiment? How has Rose’s response changed over time?
How was Rose finally moved out of the vocational track? What kinds of experiences did he have once he switched to college prep classes?
In ¶18-19, Rose describes what many students experience in “those so-called remedial classes.” Why does he refer to them as “so-called remedial classes”? What happens in these classes? What does Rose see as the problem with them?
Tell us about Jack MacFarland. What was his impact on Rose’s life?
What does Jack MacFarland offer Rose that finally helps him learn? Do you think it was inevitable that someone with Rose’s intelligence would eventually succeed?
Ultimately, Rose rises beyond the limitations of his upbringing. He is an English professor at UCLA. How do you react to his success? What might have happened if he hadn’t met MacFarland?
What is Mike Rose’s main point in this essay (hint: you may determine his main point by thinking about what his purpose is for writing this essay – what is his angle on the topic of education – what is his opinion on the topic)?
Choose only 4 of the 12 questions to answer in your post. Post your initial response/answers to the below discussion questions ideally by the end of the day Friday.
Choose one of the following three discussion roles and respond to at least one classmate’s post by 11:59pm on Sunday.
Connector: This person seeks connections between the current discussion and past course topics, discussions, or overall course themes. This person may also find and highlight connections between what other classmates have said within the discussion.
Innovator: Encourages imagination and contributes new and alternative perspectives and ideas.
