An investigation into why so few African American and Latino high school students are studying computer science reveals the dynamics of inequality in American schools.The number of African Americans and Latino/as receiving undergraduate and advanced degrees in computer science is disproportionately low; according to recent surveys. And relatively few African American and Latino/a high school students receive the kind of institutional encouragement; educational opportunities; and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of study and profession. In Stuck in the Shallow End; Jane Margolis looks at the daily experiences of students and teachers in three Los Angeles public high schools: an overcrowded urban high school; a math and science magnet school; and a well-funded school in an affluent neighborhood. She finds an insidious "virtual segregation" that maintains inequality. Two of the three schools studied offer only low-level; how-to (keyboarding; cutting and pasting) introductory computing classes. The third and wealthiest school offers advanced courses; but very few students of color enroll in them. The race gap in computer science; Margolis finds; is one example of the way students of color are denied a wide range of occupational and educational futures. Margolis traces the interplay of school structures (such factors as course offerings and student-to-counselor ratios) and belief systems -- including teachers' assumptions about their students and students' assumptions about themselves. Stuck in the Shallow End is a story of how inequality is reproduced in America -- and how students and teachers; given the necessary tools; can change the system.
#1593911 in Books 1999-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.81 x .62 x 10.19l; #File Name: 025333637676 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great summary and big picture viewBy S. SellsThis book is a thoughtful summary of the events of the 1957 Central High Crisis; especially for those who don't have the time or inclination to delve into the details but want to know all about the history behind the crisis and the events at that time. What makes the book even more interesting is that the authors take you inside Central High School forty years later so that the reader can see the life and times of a academically successful and fully integrated CHS today. Of course; one of the greatest contributions are the photographs by the late Will Counts -- awarding winning photography that carries you back in time. I highly recommend the book for students over age 12 and anyone who desires an accurate account of this shameful yet historic civil rights event.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Dramatic Pictures; and hope for the futureBy Alan MillsLittle Rock was the first time since reconstruction that federal troops had been mobilized top protect Blacks seeking to exercise the rights they allegedly won in the aftermath of the Civil War. The terror; hatred; and brutality of the times is searingly captured by the iconic photo which gives the book its title--of a young white student screaming; her face contorted; at an equally young black girl. Equally appalling is the other major picture which forms the center of this work--a series showing the mob attacking a black reporter; and beating him with no one willing to intervene.While the book would be worthwhile for the pictures alone; it is all the more compelling by bringing the story up to date. Centered around the fortieth anniversary of desegregation of Little Rock High School; the author tracks down both the black student and the white student spewing hatred. There are pictures of them together; having gone through a process of healing and reconciliation.The ultimate question--why such hatred--is not answered; nor could it be; given the format and limitations of what is; af4er all; basically a book of narrated pictures. But the question is certainly raised and explored.This is a great book and should be on the shelf of anyone who loves photography or wants to understand why the Civil rights movement was so important to the history of this country (although I would strongly urge that no one take the advice f the other reviewer; and use this as the primary source for information on this struggle).My only criticism is that the upbeat tone of this volume needs to be questioned. As James Meridith has said--If a black man can be kicked ten times in open view; and has no redress; is it really "improvement" if he is only kicked nine times; but still has no redress? Is Little Rock really free of prejudice and discrimination? Is America?2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Dropped Back in Time---1957By Cassie CoxI purchased this book to accompanying the book my high school classes are currently reading; "Warriors Don't Cry." As a high school teacher; I realize that students are likely to more fully engage with a novel when they feel they can truly relate to the story and when they are able to imagine all that is happening. "A Life is More Than a Moment" makes this possible! As we read the novel; I share pictures from this text with my students. They love this book. Often they ask to read this book even on their own; excitedly reporting their newfound knowledge with their classmates. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who is intersted in seeing the real thing.
