Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: De-emphasize Differences. I was recently assigned to the middle school in the Warren School District. The district serves a community that had once been an all-white middle-class enclave, but has recently become more diverse in its ethnic makeup. I am very interested in multicultural education. I instituted the use of dialog journals in my adviser group, telling the students that they can write anything they want. Some journal entries cause me concern. Warren Jackson, an African American, complains that my emphasis on African American culture embarrasses him. Gail Smith, a white girl, writes that her parents object strongly to her affection for Warren Jackson and that she is considering suicide. My problems come to a head in my first meeting with the principal. The principal suggests that I decrease his use of small groups, that I abandon my dialogue journals, and that I de-emphasize the multicultural aspects of my classes. He suggests that I emphasize similarities, not differences. I don't know what to do. I do think that my methods have some value but I cannot go against my principal. Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) This is a very difficult situation. First, I think you should definitely speak to the counselor about Gail's discussions of suicide. I think her parents should also be notified, but I know that even that will need to be done carefully. As for Warren, I would ask him privately what is embarrassing to him. Perhaps there is a better way to teach his culture, and he could help you with that. As for the principal, you are right, you must do what he asks. However, I think you could ask why he wants you to stop. This would also give you an opportunity to further explain your own reasoning. Perhaps you could explain your reasoning to the parents of your students, as well. This would allow them to support your teaching, even when the students are at home. I hope you do not have to de-emphasize the multicultural aspects of your classroom. I think talking about differences and helping your students learn to appreciate them is good, especially considering the changes in the school district.