Savage Unrealities
Before reading this article I had very little information about the “real” Ruby Payne. I was introduced to her theories at the Teacher Induction Program I attended when I began teaching in Henry County. Honestly, I did not pay close attention to the presentation, and now I’m glad that I didn’t. I don’t know if I would have looked as critically at her theories as I do now. Payne’s gross generalizations about the economically disadvantaged are infuriating, to say the least. The fact that so many school systems hire her to present workshops for their teachers is scary. Do we really have that many people working in positions of authority in school systems that support deficit theories or are they just not doing their homework? Whatever it is, it has to stop. We are doing our students living in poverty such a disservice by buying into Payne’s theory of ignorance. And what about their parents? How in the world can we develop meaningful relationships with parents if we act superior to them and their way of life? That’s not fair, nor is it right.
After reading this article and reflecting on the Critical Child Project I have thought a lot more than usual about providing equitable experiences for all of my students. However, equitable experiences does not mean perpetuating the notion that everyone must adopt the same set of values and behaviors. That’s just not logical.
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When I first heard of Ruby Payne, I did not listen a whole lot either. I was a new teacher and had a lot of other things on my plate…it just seemed so overwhelming. Through the years, I have heard wonderful things about her and her theories for helping those students who live in poverty. I cannot say at this time how I feel about Ruby Payne…I have only read that one article by Bohn and I have not read her book. More research is needed on my part to compose my own opinion. If, based on my research, the article that I read is true, then I only hope her intentions aror were good…for the sake of our students.
Unlike you, the first time I heard of Ruby Payne was through Ed.S. I too was surprised at some of the inaccuracies within her work. I felt as if I had been misled even though I had never read any of her books or heard her speak. I think when I blogged immediately after reading the article I was feeling a little negative towards Ruby Payne, but now after having some time to marinade in my thoughts I think I would like to further explore and research about her and her work to make a more educated decision.