1) Rose's life in vocational education seemed to be really hectic. The teachers appeared to not have a structure or outline to follow and they all just went with the flow. It is unfortunate that students had to go through this vocational "education" and weren't given a chance at real education. Teachers are there to teach, not to belittle students and physically abuse them. Fortunately, I have not come across teachers like these even though I grew up in South Seattle. I had enjoyable teachers who had a passion for teaching and would tend to their students first before anything.
2) Fellow students that Rose describes sounded like they were already troubled teenagers. It certainly does not help students to be on a vocational track which is described as, "a place for those who are just not making it." If students already know what kind of track they are on, how does that help them to become successful? I think intellectually, emotionally and socially, students just didn't care anymore. Why have belief in yourself when teachers didn't believe in you? It was hard for Rose to catch up in math because he tuned out and the teachers didn't figure out ways to be creative to engage their students. Rose said, "I did what I had to do to get by, and I did it with half a mind."
3) High school can be disorienting because it is a whole new level of adulthood. There is more responsibility while trying to figure out your identity, making new friends, and also being mixed with kids from different backgrounds. I think Ken just wanted to "fit in" and be average. He wasn't willing to go above and beyond to exceed expectations because he didn't think much of himself. He coped by allowing himself to become just like everyone else on the vocational track. Students don't want to be made fun of or left out so I think instead of getting bullied or being left out, some students feel the need to join in and act like they belong.
4) My experience at Olympic College has been a little disorienting in a sense that, I couldn't find where to go for resources and it was a whole new environment that I was encountering. I think now that I am a couple weeks in, it is a little easier to find my way around. To help students lessen feelings of disorientation, they could explore their surroundings and be aware of what is true and what isn't to avoid confusion.
5) I think there are some parts in my education that can compare to Mike Rose's and also parts where my education has been different. There are many times that I can remember where I have tuned out in class and don't understand material. There have also been times where I just wanted to "be average" and not excel and do well in my classes. I know that I am in a better place now with my education and am working hard to catch up.
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