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Simone Williams
06/21/15
1. The last paragraph on page 4 and the first paragraph on page 5 were passages that stood out
to me the most. Payne writes that the present volume is largely an analysis of failure and
particularly, the sociology of failure (p.5). The content in this passage is essential in
understanding the process of school reform. Not every attempt succeeds, but we can learn
from failures which are just as important. Payne highlights that we want to focus on what
has worked and the sense of urgency, but he cautions that the same process that reveals itself
is also what causes its results to be concealed when something new is implemented. We
cannot implement new policies and expect to succeed without looking at what didnt work
door to discuss matters. Payne states in the first paragraph on page 17 that social scientists
believe that new members of a social structure often see and experience the negative
treatments and habits that settled members of the group have grown comfortable with.
Coupled with the experience of losing funding, good teachers, and good students that Payne
mentioned on page 24, the staff already has developed factions and particular notions about
how things will go. Ultimately, people do not want to change the culture of their school
because they have settled into the way things have been. They will engage in what Payne
called on page 30 as Happy Talk to avoid facing the problems and choosing a path that will
lead to successful reform. Change is not impossible, but it is not uneasy. People are often
ones to support one another when it comes down to managing classrooms, lesson plans,
So Much Reform So Little Change
talking with parents and getting things done with administration. Payne states on page 32
that teachers have conflict and competition. They dont think that they have time to work
together and trust. I agree with Payne when he mentions the importance of teachers knowing
and understanding what is going on in the community. Once the parents see that the teachers
are invested in their well-being and that of their childrens, they can begin to trust them.
4. Because of the community violence and lack of trust in all areas of control in the school, it
made for an environment that was difficult to operate in. On page 52 Payne discusses the
pressures administration put on a principle who in turn transfers these frustrations to teachers
who are already overwhelmed with responsibilities. The teachers do not feel like they have a
voice nor do they feel safe to discipline or from being hurt by the students.
5. On page 68 Payne said that sorting of children began as early as kindergarten. I am a product
of this environment now that I look back, and I came out on the better end. I saw kids start
off on the same level as me and as I got closer to graduating they all fell lower and lower
each year. Their attitudes towards school and one another did change. I do believe there is a
way to reach these students if we can get a better understanding of their past and where we