Ranking the authors suggestions

Ranked in order of importance 1 (most)-5 (least)

1) bell hooks: Teaching Critical Thinking
I agree with bell hooks when she expresses the importance of critical thinking in the classroom.Teaching methods today do not allow for students to fully engage in the process of thinking, thus diminishing their ability to form valid, thoughtful opinions. Children are natural born thinkers. If we could encourage the act of thinking critically throughout school, students would be able to see the world in a different way. They would learn to think in a thoughtful manner by opening their mind to different opinions and ideas. Not just the ideas of their teacher. Her suggestion of practicing engaged pedagogy in class would allow students to think independently and find their own unique voice in the world. it would also create a closer student-teacher relationship.

2) Keith Gilyard: Children, Arts, and Du Bois
In my opinion, it is very important that children are able to express themselves as individuals. Schools that offer creative arts programs allow students to do just that. They are taken out of the overly-structured environment of the classroom, and for just a couple hours, are able to do the things they love. by engaging in art, music, dancing, poetry ect., children are able to define themselves as an individual. If we take these programs away from them, their personal identities in school are drastically limited.

3) Barry Boyce: A Real Education
The idea of teaching mindfulness is appealing because it gives students the opportunity to learn to be aware of their emotions. In addition they are taught to be kind, caring, and empathic. All of which are qualities that are incredibly important, but are not often encouraged by teachers. If students could learn from a young age what it means to be a compassionate and thoughtful person , it could open their world to many opportunities in the future

4) Deb Aronson: Arizona Bans Mexican American Studies Program
This article has a very focused topic about the shut down of the MAS program. While the issue is not one that everyone can relate to, is does convey the idea that by taking away this program, we are discouraging culture, origin, and pride of our race. Instead of teaching students to be proud of who they are, we are teaching them that it is not okay to be different. Also, the issue of taking away books and materials that students can actually relate to is another example of what is wrong with schools today. Students loose interest if they cannot relate to what is being taught.

5) Jerry Large: Gift of Grit
While I do not believe this article was as significant as the rest, I think it was important in its own way. Realistically, The act of building character is important to survive in the world. Sheltering kids from all of the issues in the world will never prepare them for life. However, with proper nurturing and encouragement of Grit, self control, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity, kids will still have an adequate amount of parental support, and also gain the moral characteristics people need to get by in life.