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Jonathan Kozol discusses his book "Illiterate America." Includes an interview of a black teenager student named Jimmy.
Studs has a spirited discussion with Jonathan Kozol who shares his adventures and learnings in Cuba that formed the basis of his book "Children of the Revolution: A Yankee Teacher in the Cuban Schools." Kozol explains the ambitious Cuban Literacy Campaign begun in the 1960s that aimed to educate the entire population, tells of children teaching adults in remote villages by lantern light, and the unity and national pride that resulted. He and Studs explore the idea of generative words in literacy education and contemplate Kozol's hope to adapt a similar approach to American education.
John T. Scopes was a young teacher who taught biology. He was arrested because in Tennessee, no theory of the origin of man could be taught in schools. Clarence Darrow, an attorney from Chicago, defended Scopes in the "Scopes Monkey Trial" of 1925. Scopes was found guilty and was fined $100.
The discussion of discrimination in metropolitan Chicago continues with Jan Hestor, Curtiss Brooks and Dr. Philip Hauser talking about bigotry, prejudices, open occupancy and education. Included in this part of the interview is an excerpt of 17 year-old Jimmy talking about how his grandmother would rather work than be on welfare.
James Graham-Lujan concludes by talking about Garcia Lorca's most celebrated plays, Blood Wedding, Yerma, and The House of Bernarda Alba. Tragedy is brought about due to the passion of a woman in each of the plays.
Discussing the "Chicago Schools Challenge " and interviewing James Clement, Mrs. Barry Norton, and Pearl Shaw.
Studs interviews educator Jaime Escalante about his successful work as a mathematics teacher at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, which is represented in the film “Stand and Deliver.” Includes an interview with Edward James Olmos.
Discussing the controversy at U.C. concerning the administration's refusal to renew Mrs. Dixon's contract (she later was reinstated but refused to accept) with Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, University of Chicago psychiatrist and Dr. Marlene Dixon, University of Chicago professor.