Finn's main idea in Literacy with an Attitude is that the way schools teach students usually depends on their social class, which encourages inequities. One of his most compelling points is that while working class students are taught skills to "get by" and follow rules, wealthier students are empowered with the tools to lead, think critically, and challenge societal systems. This discrepancy leads to his idea of powerful literacy, which relates Paulo Freire’s idea of education as a means of liberation. Freire wanted students to critically analyze their world and develop the tools to challenge oppression. Finn also advocated for education that empowers working-class students to question inequality instead of accepting mainstream expectations. Finn’s critique of the "one-size-fits-all" curriculum is in line with culturally responsive teaching. By tailoring education to reflect students' experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations, educators could break the cycle of functional literacy and give all students access to powerful literacy.
One quote from Finn is "a child's expectations are not determined on the day he or she enters kindergarten.” It’s sad to consider that inequality could shape a child’s future so early on, but labeling students can really negatively affect their trajectory. Like we saw with Delpit, schools often marginalize certain students who don’t “mesh” with the system, which can follow them through their whole life, and that should never happen.
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