Freedom writers educational issues. Sociological Issues In Freedom Writers, By Erin Gruwell 2023-01-06

Freedom Writers is a drama film released in 2007, based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell and her students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California. The film highlights the educational issues faced by Gruwell and her students, who come from diverse and troubled backgrounds and are struggling to overcome the challenges and biases they face in their school and community.

One of the main educational issues depicted in the film is the lack of cultural understanding and sensitivity among teachers and students. Gruwell's students come from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, and many of them have experienced poverty, gang violence, and other traumatic events. They often feel misunderstood and marginalized by their teachers and peers, who do not seem to understand or appreciate their cultural experiences and perspectives. Gruwell, on the other hand, makes an effort to learn about and respect her students' backgrounds and experiences, and she encourages them to share their stories and learn from each other. This helps to create a sense of belonging and community in the classroom, which is crucial for academic success.

Another educational issue addressed in the film is the impact of poverty and disadvantaged backgrounds on student achievement. Many of Gruwell's students come from low-income families and have faced significant challenges in their lives, including lack of access to quality education and resources. These challenges can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies and succeed academically, and they often fall behind their more privileged peers. Gruwell works to overcome these barriers by providing her students with additional support and resources, such as access to books and other materials, and by advocating for their needs within the school and community.

A third educational issue depicted in the film is the lack of diversity and representation in the curriculum and teaching staff. Many of Gruwell's students feel disconnected from the traditional curriculum, which does not reflect their cultural experiences or interests. Gruwell addresses this issue by incorporating more diverse and relevant materials into her lesson plans and by encouraging her students to take an active role in shaping their own learning. She also works to increase diversity among the teaching staff by advocating for the hiring of more teachers of color and other underrepresented groups.

Overall, Freedom Writers highlights a number of important educational issues that continue to be relevant today. It shows the importance of cultural understanding and sensitivity, the impact of poverty and disadvantaged backgrounds on student achievement, and the need for diversity and representation in the curriculum and teaching staff. By addressing these issues, educators can create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.