SOC ∙ Wiley ∙ A Tale of Two Schools Analysis, D___ Name:

ERASE Racism’s documentary,A Tale of Two Schools: Race and Education on Long Island, follows David and Owen, two African American teenagers during their senior year of high school. Even though the students have a lot in common, they go to very different schools. The short film spotlights these differences and the results of educational disparities. The film also focuses on the benefits that diversity provides for all students.

David (left)—a student from an underfunded and black majority school—gets much less support in his quest to go to college than our experiences here at East, but makes it there with determination and grit. Students at David’s school feel cheated by the system: One high schooler exclaims, “It’s like they want to keep us down!” when a class discusses their frustration over rising costs of college that they cannot afford. Only 20% of students from David’s school attend college.

Owen, on the other hand, is from a majority white district that is strongly supported by the community. He receives strong support in his quest to go to college, is part of an engaging learning environment, and is positively impacted by his teachers and peer groups that are also working hard to get to college. Most of the graduates from Owen’s school go to college.

The film shows how context (environment) shapes educational experiences and outcomes—regardless of motivation or aptitude.

Viewing Questions:

  1. In what ways are David and Owen similar?
  1. Discuss the “fragmented school system” highlighted in the film. How are the schools that David and Owen attend different when it comes to the following issues: finance, poverty, counselors, security, discipline, community, programs, general school philosophy, grades, etc. [You should have many details listed below.]

Owen / David
  1. How did Owen’s attendance at a superior school impact his motivation, learning, etc.?
  1. How do some of the commentators feel about integration and diversity?

Post-Viewing Question:

  1. What is the goal/objective of the documentary? According to the film, what are the next steps to reform the system?
  1. Should the schools that David and Owen attend be equal in terms of funding, teachers, counselors, programs, etc.? Why or why not?

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