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The “Ways of Giants” Keynote: Questions for Consideration
As human beings, our stories are written every day. Decoteau Irby’s story is one single story. But
everyone has a story. You have a story. Every child in your school has a story. The following
questions are designed to help you analyze Dr. Irby’s story as a springboard for thinking about
your personal educational story, the stories of your students, and the roles you and other adults
play in shaping students’ educational experiences and outcomes. Throughout, you are
encouraged to talk honestly and openly about your experiences, biases, beliefs, and behaviors.
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A. GIANTS & MONSTERS. Decoteau Irby describes “Giants” as instrumental in shaping his
educational aspirations and outcomes.
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Who were some of these Giants?
How does he describe these individuals and how are they different than “monsters?”
What did these individuals believe?
How did these various individuals’ biases and beliefs manifest as actions and behaviors?
Any one Giant can’t do it all. What were some of their limitations?
B. SCHOOL CURRICULUM & CULTURE. Decoteau Irby critiques the school curriculum.
What are some of Dr. Irby’s critiques of the school curriculum?
What does Dr. Irby suggest the curriculum is supposed to accomplish for students?
How do these critiques relate to your philosophy of education?
How does he describe “achievement gaps” and how does his framing relate to
educational access and opportunities?
5. What is your opinion of his critiques? Why?
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C. BARRIERS & CHALLENGES. Decoteau Irby alludes to several barriers, disruptions, and
challenges he and others in his life faced during his K-12 years.
1. What are some barriers, disruptions, and challenges (structural, in-school, out-of-school,
attitudinal, emotional, etc.) that Dr. Irby experienced?
2. What factors and assets helped him persist in the face of barriers, disruptions, and
challenges?
3. Do these barriers and challenges exist for students today? How can they be overcome?
D. SELF-REFLECTION. Everyone has a story, including you. What is your story?
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Who were the giants and monsters who shaped your schooling experiences?
What did these individuals believe about you (right or wrong)?
How did these individuals’ beliefs manifest as actions and behaviors?
How did the curriculum work for you (or not work). Why? What would you change?
What barriers, disruptions, and challenges did you experience? How did you persist?
E. APPLICATION. Your students have a story. For better or worse, you are a part of it.
1. What are some core beliefs about students (right or wrong) that exist in your school?
2. How do individuals’ beliefs manifest as actions and behaviors?
3. In your school community, do specific students (individuals and/or groups) need more
Giants? How do you know? How do you justify supporting these identified students?
4. Are there enough Giants in your school community to support your students?