Main Points
(of Subtractive Schooling)
- Subtractive assimilation can negatively affect minorities. For example, bilingual education could be subtractive if it doesn’t value students’ first language and culture. ESL programs don’t teach native language or reinforce culture.
- Teachers need to build a meaningful and caring relationship with each student. It is important to invest in the student’s well being and have an authentic, not aesthetic, relationship.
- Subtractive schooling focuses on how the students learn rather than how they are taught. Schooling takes away resources, such as language and culture, from Mexican youth.
- A positive school culture, caring relationship between teachers and students, academically supportive environment, and social capital could eliminate the effects of subtractive schooling.
- Social capital is when peer groups make use of resources. If you have a goal and can’t do it by yourself, then they might turn to their peer group to find the resources, information, and knowledge needed. These groups form norms, trust, and set expectations.