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  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!)
I think the very first thing that needs to take place is reporting what Gail was written and let her parents be aware of the situations. I like the idea of the dialog journals. It gives student the freedom of expression and can let you know their thoughts and feelings in a private way. I would talk to Warren individually to determine where his feelings of embarrassment are stemming from. I not not agree with the choices of the principal, but what can you do? I would try sitting down again with the principal and explain the goals you want to see from a multicultural education. The worst thing that can be said is no.