Completed:Rogue Sociologists: Help Us Explore Our World
"Introducing the social sciences to students one elective class at a time! I have taught psychology for four years, and finally the school has allowed me to offer a sociology class. 31 excited juniors and seniors signed up for the class wanting to learn more about the world in which they live. While ...
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"Introducing the social sciences to students one elective class at a time! I have taught psychology for four years, and finally the school has allowed me to offer a sociology class. 31 excited juniors and seniors signed up for the class wanting to learn more about the world in which they live. While my school is considered high need, our population is split between the top and bottom of the socioeconomic scale. Getting them to learn about each other is necessary for them to leave high school with broadened horizons.
While the sociology class is approved, and 30 textbooks were provided, there are no additional supplies. Sociology offers a chance for students to really examine society in a new, possibly more balanced way. Providing resources to open their eyes to other ways of life in the U.S. is important. A former student recommended this book to me for class, and after reading it, I found a multitude of information that will be beneficial to my students and lead to great classroom discussions.
I need 31 copies of "Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets." The book offers students a glimpse of life in the projects of Chicago in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It exposes students to a different view of gangs and why people choose gang life over low-wage jobs. It demonstrates the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by sociologists who work closely with a population. It places the experience of sociology in context, and one that should prove to be interesting and enlightening to students.
Reading and discussing the book will benefit my students in multiple ways. First, students will be exposed to sociology outside of the textbook, and the discussion based classroom experience will be similar to the college experience. Getting students to express their ideas thoughtfully in a group discussion is important for preparing them for college, where class discussion makes up a majority of their grades in many courses. Exposing students to sociology, a topic many won't encounter until college, arms them with more knowledge to make decisions about college majors and career choices.
Your help will ensure that students have a mind-expanding classroom experience. Students from Kentucky will have their worlds views altered as they learn more about a life of poverty in a major urban center, like Chicago. Thank you for your support of the social sciences in high schools.
My students need 31 copies of "Gang Leader for a Day".
See Mrs. J.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jan 1, 2010
Dear John, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Anonymous Donor,
Thank you for your contributions which enabled my students to receive copies of Gang Leader for a Day. We read the book as the final unit of study in our sociology class this semester. It brought together many of the ideas we had studied throughout the term and exposed students in a different way to ideas that are foreign to most of my students, who have lived only in a suburban setting.
Students loved reading the book, and it created weeks of good classroom conversations. Many students began with the attitude that gangs are bad, and people have a choice of joining or not. After reading the book, my students had a different view of gangs and the choices that people in poverty face. It truly broadened their worldviews as they really began thinking in sociological ways.
The books provided a view outside of our classroom and textbook into the real world. It's a view that many high school students are lacking, due to lack of experience. However, students are hungry to learn, and are willing at this point to change their opinions. Your generous contributions enabled many students to gain a different view of poverty, and hopefully contributed to them becoming active, caring citizens who can see the many faceted approaches to problems in our society. Without support from donors like you, many students would not have as full and rich an education.
With gratitude, Mrs. J.
Mrs. J. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Sep 1, 2009
Dear John, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Anonymous Donor,
Thank you all for your contributions that made it possible to supply my sociology students with copies of the book, Gang Leader for a Day. I strive to provide unique, engaging lessons that teach not only the subject of sociology, but also encourage students to become better citizens as they learn more about the world around them. These books will allow me to engage my students in a wonderful way!
With these books, I'll be able to introduce them to a world about which most have little knowledge. Through the reading of the book, students will learn more about how
others live in our diverse country, the ways in which public policies effect individuals and communities, and the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by sociologists in the field.
Your support of education in the social sciences is greatly appreciated.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Melissa F. (volunteer)
on Aug 5, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Aug 6, 2009
"I gave to this project because reading about other people's experiences is one of the best ways to learn. "
A donor
gave
on Aug 6, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe in supporting our teachers."
John
from Kentucky
gave
in support of Kentucky
on Aug 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because i believe in supporting our teachers."
John
from Kentucky
on Aug 29, 2009
"Thank you for your support!"
The teacher Mrs. J.
on Aug 29, 2009
"We are a national foundation with local roots. We choose, as the Knight brothers chose, to seek opportunities that can transform communities and help them reach their highest potential. "
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
from Charlotte, NC
gave
on Sep 1, 2009
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."
gave
on Sep 1, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Sep 1, 2009
"Thank you all! My students will be so excited to hear the news tomorrow."
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Melissa F. (volunteer)
on Aug 5, 2009
