Re: [xmca] RE: The Social Creation of Inequality

[mike cole <lchcmike@gmail.com>]

And then, Andy......??

On Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 6:25 PM, Andy Blunden <ablunden@mira.net> wrote:

> I have found in my own work that having a "keeper of the dream" is
> important for any project. If any specific thing is to be achieved, there
> must be exactly one person in the institution who "keeps the dream", whose
> life depends on the project and who thinks of nothing else, who is able to
> revise the aims and rules of the project, and modify the realisation of the
> dream as required and *fight* for it. It is good to see that this key role
> has been well filled. *Dream-keeper* plus *on-going reliable source of
> funding* does the trick.
>
> thanks Don.
>
> Andy
>
>
> Bremme Don wrote:
>
>> Andy,
>>
>> Please don't worry about calling me "Bremme."  As it turns out, many of my
>> students and colleagues call me that.
>> Longevity of the Fifth D:
>> Two key factors have been funding since 1994 from a local foundation (the
>> BCM Foundation, formerly known as the B. C. McCabe Foundation) and my
>> continuous involvement.
>>
>> The money ($200k per year on average) goes mostly t pay th members of our
>> BCM Scholars team, who get $7k per year in return for their contributions to
>> our programs.  But it also enables purchase of software, hardware, expenses
>> for field trips, etc.  One effect:  I can demand a lot from them, and they
>> consistently deliver for the kids.  In addition, the funding means we bring
>> a lot of resources to the Boys & Girls Club that they would otherwise not
>> have.  (They are perpetually short on money and staff.)   On rare occasions
>> when we've experienced tensions with the club over schedules, rules, and
>> such, the resources have given us leverage to persuade club administrators
>> to accommodate our preferences.
>>
>> My involvement has been important in keeping the project going.  Having
>> someone to champion the program has been important: to write the grants,
>> broker with the college and club,inspire and guide the students.  I also
>> think one of my main roles hs been Keeper of the Dream.  That means standing
>> up for the programs theoretically based design and operating principles when
>> occasionally, the club staff, college, or sometimes even my students want to
>> make choices that would move us away from those.
>>
>> Over the years, continuity in leadership has also built the Foundation
>> trustees' trust and confidence in me and (thus) in the program.  To a more
>> limited extent, my personal longevity has also won the confidence of some
>> club staff.
>>
>> This much is probably not surprising.  But I think another very important
>> factors has been our adaptability over time.  We've kept the core principles
>> of the Fifth Dimension as Mike and colleagues designed it-- but we've
>> evolved with changing times and challenges in ways consistent with those
>> principles.  This of course has included changing the technology and
>> activities, but it has also entailed fine tuning procedures and
>> organizational structures in light of local contextual circumstances.
>> Finally, one of the things we've tried to do is build a strong team
>> culture for our undergrads, most of whom remain with the program for several
>> years.  As new undergrads join us, the more experienced undergrad team
>> members enculturate them in our collective values and practices, which has
>> provided quality and continuity in ways of working with kids and working
>> with peers on the team.  It is the team of students who have constructed
>> most  of the adaptations I mentioned earlier.  The team operates as a
>> collective leadership group, which seems to build their investment in and
>> commitment to the program and its underlying principles.  There's more tat
>> could be added, but these seem to me the main factors.
>> Mike knows our site pretty well.  He might have something to add.
>>
>> But thanks for your interest, Andy!
>>
>> Don
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Andy Blunden [mailto:ablunden@mira.net]
>> Sent: Sun 7/24/2011 7:41 PM
>> To: Bremme Don
>> Cc: eXtended Mind, Culture, Activity
>> Subject: Re: [xmca] RE: The Social Creation of Inequality
>>  We are all a big happy family here, Don.
>> Sorry about calling you "Bremme." You coming from the heart of Southern
>> California, I thought "Don" was your title. :)
>>
>> What do you see as the key to the longevity of your 5thD project?
>> Andy
>>
>> Bremme Don wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Greetings to you, Andy, and thanks for your nice words about 5thD
>>> organizers.
>>>
>>> I feel as though I met you long ago.  I've had the advantage of reading
>>> with great interest, and learning a great deal from, your xmca postings.
>>>  And thank you very much for those!
>>>
>>> Don
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu on behalf of Andy Blunden
>>> Sent: Sun 7/24/2011 9:40 AM
>>> To: eXtended Mind, Culture, Activity
>>> Cc: Laboratory of Comparative Human Cognition Internal List; Bud Mehan
>>> Subject: Re: [xmca] RE: The Social Creation of Inequality
>>>  Nice to meet you Bremme. I follow with great interest the ingenuity of
>>> 5thD organisers in keeping their project alive and sustainable. You story
>>> deserves a great deal of reflection. Congratulations and no thanks to
>>> capitalism.
>>>
>>> Andy
>>>
>>> Bremme Don wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> Mike,
>>>>
>>>> Your summary and critique of the situation (UC classes, private tutoring
>>>> job announcement) is right on, but deeply saddening.
>>>> I wonder if events here at Whittier College might demonstrate a
>>>> variation on the same dynamics your posting highlights?   As you know,
>>>> Whittier is a small (1500  enrollment), private liberal arts college, one
>>>> with a small endowment,  one challenged in the current economic environment.
>>>>  I've run a Fifth Dimension site here since 1993.  Over the years, college
>>>> personnel have routinely spoken about what a great thing the Fifth Dimension
>>>> is: in line with Whittier's Quaker heritage and secular Quaker values,
>>>> providing a valuable service to underserved kids in the community and valued
>>>> educational experience for Whittier students.  The President has cited it on
>>>> numerous public occasions as illustrating "the Whittier way", e.g., in
>>>> commencement addresses, convocations, and so on.  The Fifth Dimension,
>>>> however, has been supported solely through grants for a local foundation
>>>> throughout its 18 years, grants developed solely by individual faculty and
>>>> secured as a result of individual faculty relationships with the small,
>>>> local foundation.  Aside from minimal indirect costs (e.g., some small
>>>> portion of my office phone bill), the college has contributed not a dime,
>>>> directly or indirectly, to the program.  In fact, the college administration
>>>> has several times, when asked, declined to provide even very small amounts
>>>> of support to help sustain the Fifth Dimension.
>>>> Nevertheless,  based upon the existence of the Fifth Dimension and one
>>>> other faculty project funded exclusively by the same foundation, Whittier
>>>> last year formally established the "Center for Engagement with Communities,"
>>>>  advertising that it's purpose was to bring under one organizational roof
>>>> and faculty/course outreach efforts and to promote the extension of such
>>>> efforts.  While this might be taken as instantiating institutional values,
>>>> the center was created explicitly as a vehicle for capturing additional
>>>> grants.  The center exists only in name, on paper.  The college has invested
>>>> literally nothing in it.  The local foundation's funding for Fifth Dimension
>>>> and one other faculty project are simply said to be "under" the center.  But
>>>> the stated hope of college administrators and the advancement office is
>>>> that, with money for service learning "out there,"  having "a center" will
>>>> increase Whittier's credibility as an institution committed to community
>>>> engagement and (thus) its competitiveness for further extramural grants.
>>>>  Thus, it seems that equality, social justice, (as well as educational value
>>>> for undergraduates) take a back seat in a machine driven by dollars.  Can it
>>>> ever be otherwise in a capitalist society?
>>>>
>>>> Just some thoughts from a long-time Xmca lurker,
>>>>
>>>> Don Bremme
>>>> Professor, Department of Education and Child Development
>>>> Whittier College
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu on behalf of mike cole
>>>> Sent: Fri 7/22/2011 10:45 AM
>>>> To: eXtended Mind, Culture,Activity
>>>> Cc: Laboratory of Comparative Human Cognition Internal List; Bud Mehan
>>>> Subject: [xmca] RE: The Social Creation of Inequality
>>>>  Dear Colleagues-
>>>> As you know, LCHC has a long time interest in the study of diversity and
>>>> inequality.
>>>> Current events appear to be revealing a lot about how inequalities are
>>>> created because the mechanisms lie on the surface in understandable
>>>> chunks.
>>>>
>>>> The text below is an ad from a private tutoring company aimed at UCSD
>>>> students. These students have faced terrible increases in fees at our
>>>> once-public university. They really need money. And they will be
>>>> terrific if
>>>> they take these jobs. I know, because when they engage in
>>>> theory-practice
>>>> classes with me, they do a wonderful job
>>>> not only in being with the young people, but in learning to think
>>>> critically
>>>> about the conditions that create the need for such tutoring in the first
>>>> place. For example, the areas of San Diego identified to tutoring are in
>>>> areas where people who have the resources to supplement local schooling
>>>> on
>>>> their own live. They can pay for it. Not a matter for civic society- its
>>>> business.
>>>>
>>>> Meantime, the courses that I have taught for many years are dying at
>>>> UCSD.
>>>> They are inefficient by the business model that brings in out of state
>>>> students at 35,000$ a year in place of local students who pay 12K+ and
>>>> are
>>>> up for scholarships because that is a hardship. They are measurably
>>>> wonderful for a huge range of students. But except where mandated (as in
>>>> teacher ed), they are an endangered species.
>>>>
>>>> No need of weathermen here in beautiful san diego. Mild blue skys and a
>>>> gentle sea breeze.
>>>> mike
>>>> Tutoring in Your Home, LLC began in Columbus, Ohio, and is starting a
>>>> branch
>>>> in San Diego.  We are looking to hire qualified tutors for the areas of
>>>> Pacific Beach, University City, and La Jolla.  Results in Ohio have
>>>> shown
>>>> that motivated undergraduates have the best success with their pupils,
>>>> especially in the mathematics.  If you know of any students at UCSD that
>>>> would be interested in picking up about 5-15 hours a week to tutor
>>>> grades
>>>> K-College, please pass this email along to them. We aim to have at least
>>>> six
>>>> tutors available to start the commencement of this school year. (See
>>>> specifics below in the ads that will soon be placed on Craigslist.)
>>>>
>>>> If you or they have any questions, please feel free to call me at
>>>> 614-506-8825 (c) or 858-550-4060 (h).  I worked for Tutoring in Your
>>>> Home
>>>> for a couple of years after completing my undergraduate degree and
>>>> before
>>>> moving to San Diego. I can speak to their great reputation.  I'm
>>>> available
>>>> most days between 6:30 am and 9:30 pm.  I'm also happy to meet any
>>>> prospective tutors at coffee shops or the like in the UTC / campus area.
>>>>
>>>> Resumes and (2) letters of recommendation can be sent to
>>>> kerritiyh@gmail.com
>>>> .
>>>>
>>>> Thank you,
>>>>
>>>> -Kerri Fullam
>>>> Director, TIYH San Diego
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Following positions available:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC, is currently searching for part-time tutors
>>>> to
>>>> cover all subjects K-College in the La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and
>>>> University
>>>> City areas. Qualified candidates enjoy flexible scheduling, excellent
>>>> pay,
>>>> and work with a supportive staff. Bachelor's degree preferred, though
>>>> outstanding undergraduate applicants will be considered. For more
>>>> information visit our website at www.tutoringinyourhome.com or call the
>>>> area
>>>> director at 614-506-8825.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC is currently looking for a Special Education
>>>> Tutor near La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or University City to fill an
>>>> immediate
>>>> opening. Our tutors enjoy flexible scheduling, a supportive staff and
>>>> very
>>>> competitive compensation. Please call (614)506-8825 if interested.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC is currently looking for elementary math and
>>>> reading tutors in the La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and University City
>>>> areas.
>>>> Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's or higher and experience
>>>> tutoring
>>>> math and/or reading. However, outstanding undergraduate applicants will
>>>> be
>>>> considered. The candidate will be able to commit up to 6 hrs a week and
>>>> up
>>>> to one year of service. We offer flexible scheduling and competitive
>>>> pay.
>>>> Candidates may respond via email or by phone at (614) 506-8825.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC is currently looking for an elementary math
>>>> and
>>>> reading for the La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and University City areas. The
>>>> ideal candidate will have at least a BA in Elementary Education, and
>>>> experience tutoring math and/or reading. The candidate will be able to
>>>> commit to 7-10 hours per week over the course of at least the upcoming
>>>> school year. Candidates may respond via email or by phone at
>>>> (614)506-8825.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC, is currently searching for part-time tutors
>>>> for
>>>> all subjects K-College in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and University City.
>>>> Those interested in tutoring reading, math (K-12), and science are
>>>> especially encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates enjoy flexible
>>>> scheduling, excellent pay, and work with a supportive staff. Bachelor's
>>>> degree preferred and outstanding undergraduate applicants will be
>>>> considered. Tutoring experience preferred, though interested
>>>> professionals
>>>> outside the field of education are encouraged to apply. For more
>>>> information
>>>> visit our website at www.tutoringinyourhome.com or contact us at
>>>> (614)506-8825.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tutoring In Your Home, LLC is looking for a math tutor in La Jolla,
>>>> Pacific
>>>> Beach, and University City. Our tutors work the hours they have
>>>> available
>>>> and are afforded excellent pay, flexible scheduling, and a rewarding
>>>> part-time career. Call (614)506-8825 or email kerritiyh@gmail.com for
>>>> more
>>>> information.
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> ------------------------------**------------------------------**
> ------------
> *Andy Blunden*
> Joint Editor MCA: http://www.informaworld.com/**smpp/title~db=all~content=
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