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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 would find a way to modify the classroom so that you are following your principals rules, but also show that you have listened to what he said. Journal writing is great practice for our students and can also give them a place to write their feelings when they think no one else is listening or if they are too embarrassed to say it out loud. I would talk to the counselor about Gail because we are mandatory reporters and you wouldn't want anything to happen to her. As for Warren, I would talk to other teachers in your building and see what advice they have for you. Sometimes hearing it from someone else is be more helpful. You can ask Warren for his opinion, but be prepared to hear something that you might not like.