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  Case: The N-Word
My name is Kristin. I have taught high school English for nine years in a rural school. Recently, my husband and I had to move to a much larger city because of a promotion my husband received. I found a job as an English teacher at a high school that serves mostly African American and Hispanic students. My new students are nice and respectful. However, there is one issue that has been bothering me. I have been seeing my students talking to each other using the "n word." They are not bothered by this, but even in class discussions, if they are responding to one another, sometimes they use the "n word." In my previous school, we were very strict about these types of slurs. I am at loss now. Is this part of the school culture? Should I explain to my students why they should not use that word? Should I make a rule about it? I do not know how to deal with this.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I would take the issue to administration and try to get them on board with removing the "n" word and making it a rule. I think that if this was a school issue than it would be easier to rid students of using the word if it turned into a group effort from staff and faculty.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: Rushing to the administration is not the best way to handle the situation. They are your students first.
Rated On: October 15, 2014 12:07 am
Rated By: ySaryN
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I don't think the administration getting involved will stop the use of the word in the classroom. You are using negative force with negative reinforcements which doesn't work with children who already have a negative outlook.
Rated On: March 9, 2016 8:51 pm
Rated By: aZyLeq
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: It will be beneficial if the faculty and staff are on the same page when implementing a policy based on the consequences of using foul. language.
Rated On: February 26, 2017 4:35 am
Rated By: etyWys
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: not helpful doesn't teach them
Rated On: November 25, 2022 2:08 pm
Rated By: segeRa