Kerren's Sociocultural Theory, Education Policy, and Pedagogy Blog

 The assigned material this week takes a look at mass incarceration through a critical lens by calling into question America's skewed criminal justice system, it's foundations and the policies that continue to feed it, while maintaining ambition for positive change.  Ava DuVernay's 13th argues that although the thirteenth amendment to the constitution abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, the American criminal justice system exploits the clause that denies these liberties to those who have been convicted of a crime. Through this "loophole" those who seek to perpetuate racism and the spoils of a servitude driven economy continue to oppress black, Hispanic, and native American communities by portraying them as criminals, brandishing harsh sentences, stripping their humanity, and denying their civil rights upon release. Further, the film postulates that the modern criminal reform system is molded by legislature created by corporations who stand to sow monetary

In the readings this week, a clear connection can be established between Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and Wealth and T hinking About Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Impacts Through a Science-Informed, Early Childhood Lens (Shonkoff and Williams) . When citing the causes of disparities in health and wellness amongst populations in the US, they both purpose that environment, career options, and access to healthcare are profound influential factors. Additionally, they both reveal how individuals can become predisposed to experiencing poor health as adults due to conditions experienced in the early years of life.  Although we are all living on the same planet, and American’s are living on the same continent, environmental conditions are not universal. Unnatural Causes thoroughly explores environmental conditions in Louisville, Kentucky in a way accentuates the drastically different conditions between the classes residing there. The areas that consist mostly upper class/ upper-middle class

I am a teacher who stands up for the truth against those who would try to deceive with falsehoods, who is in favor of supporting multiple forms of literacy against the suppression of knowledge, who is a supporter of empowering students against those who seek to strip them of passion and autonomy, and who is a defender of the authentic examination of the world against those who obscure realities with smoke and mirrors. I am a teacher who favors the permanent struggle against racism and the prejudices that lend to systematic oppression. I am a teacher who rejects discrimination because it is responsible for the marginalization of students and their needs. I am a teacher full of hope for the future, in spite of constant obstacles. I am a teacher who refuses to give up just because some have the belief that my mission is futile. I am a teacher who is proud of my student’s accomplishments and the potential for their positive contributions to our world. If I do not struggle for equity for a

Hello, my name is Kerren Buote. I am a native Rhode Islander who is currently living in Western Cranston. I carry certification in Middle School Science and Elementary Education. Currently, I am teaching Science at St. Michael's Country Day School in beautiful Newport. We will begin in-person learning next Tuesday, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to see our students again!  I have a strong conviction that learning is an ongoing process for all learners; therefore, I am an advocate for professional development. I am also a member of several professional teaching networks. In order to continue growing in my own learning, I am extremely excited to begin the core courses of the ASTL (Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning) masters program here at RIC and to become a part of this cohort of passionate teachers. With the addition of everchanging technologies in today's world and their influence on our culture, I try to approach my teaching as a techno-constructivist by usi