Running head: PIAGET’S CONCRETE-OPERATIONAL PERIOD
Busing in the ‘60s—COP
Julie Williams
Grand Canyon University
Busing in the ‘60s—COP
The setting takes place on a cold January day in the 1960s, outside in the school yard of a small and socioeconomically deprived inner-city elementary school. The majority of children attending the school are African-American. They are just returning from Christmas break. The children have heard the ramblings of teachers and administrators discussing the school busing issue and the consequences thereof. The children do not understand all the social ramifications of busing. Moreover, the concept of busing is foreign to them because they all live in the school district and walk to school. While they are uncertain as to what is occurring, they sense the adults’ anxiety, excitement, and anticipation over this impending event.
Bonita. [A sassy 9-year-old] I heard Mr. Witfield tell Mrs. Ross that some White kids are coming on the bus to school today. White kids are not supposed to come to our school, are they?
Nolan. [A smart and studious 10-year-old] Yeah, those Shepherd girls are White. They are at our school—but they are the only ones. Now, there will be other ones. I bet I won’t get the highest grades in math anymore.
Lynda. [A thoughtful and concerned 10-year-old] Yeah, them Shepherds are the onlyest White spots up in here. But you usually always be get the best grades in math—and spelling too! Them White kids ain’t no-o-o smarter.
Nolan. I think Ms. Williams thinks they are and she is my teacher.
Bonita. Well, I’ll beat them up if they mess with me.
Lynda. Why does Ms. Williams think that? She’s as Black as me.
Nolan. ‘Cause she said some White kids are always winning the town’s spelling bee and our school always comes in last place for everything—we don’t get no money or nothing.
Torry. [Bonita’s younger 6-year-old brother]. Our daddy calls White people White Devils. He says we better...