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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 that the dialogue journals are a great idea to help students get their thoughts out and for teachers to see what they are thinking. The best thing about it is that they are private and the students can really speak their minds. The fact that these topics and themes are very controversial, but when information like that comes up or you see some red flags there is a process that needs to be taken. You really need to contact the counselor to talk with Gail about what was written. Then I would also talk with Warren to really understand the best method of how you should go about teaching multicultural education, and have a better understanding as to why he is feeling embarrassed.
 
     
     
  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: I agree with you. The use of these journals is a great way for the students to express themselves without feeling as if they would be judges. If something inappropriate comes up in a journal writing, their are proper protocol steps that should be taken in order to address the issue and provide the student with additional assistance for the matter at hand.
Rated On: June 16, 2014 1:40 am
Rated By: Cierra` Barksdale
 
     
     
  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: I agree, dialogue journals are great!
Rated On: October 21, 2014 10:39 pm
Rated By: yVuLyR
 
     
     
  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: I believe that dialog journals can be good for students if you give them a topic to write about everyday, so they do not say irrelevant information. While I do believe that it is important to teach students about diversity, I also think it is important to embrace the things that are good about everyone! Teach students that everyone can change the world not just Rosa Parks. This way no one feels embarrassed or has to express their feelings in a journal.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 2:42 am
Rated By: Autumn Carroll
 
     
     
  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: Reporting the thoughts of suicide is absolutely necessary as is trying to understand where warren is coming from without further embarrassing him is key. You must also take into consideration what the principal is asking you to do. Maybe focusing on more positive writing is necessary for the moment since so many emotions seems to flaring up.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 10:13 pm
Rated By: aSaByN
 
     
     
  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: Great suggestion with the dialogue journal! good solution
Rated On: March 1, 2015 6:07 am
Rated By: apazeR
 
     
     
  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: Perfect solution. I agree that contacting the counselor is the best route to take to figure out what the problem is.
Rated On: March 1, 2015 7:40 pm
Rated By: Ashley Noe
 
     
     
  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: I completely agree with this post. My post basically said the same things. I definitely think that the counselor should be contacted and be a part of this journaling activity.
Rated On: June 9, 2015 2:50 pm
Rated By: TyhyMa
 
     
     
  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: I would definitely keep the dialogue journals as you suggested. The topics would be controversial therefore they should be kept private. Gail is definitely a top priority in helping her and the need to commit suicide is very concerning. A counselor and the principal should be involved and she may even be in need of outside resources as well. Talking with Warren one on one to really understand where is embarrassment is coming from might be helpful before you change your method of instruction.
Rated On: June 11, 2015 3:48 am
Rated By: Tina Joiner
 
     
     
  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: I agree with your solutions. I understand where Gail is coming from as my parents objected to interracial relationships growing up as well. I was never suicidal but I know that it is protocol to contact an counselor when things like this are mentioned. I also agree with discussing with Warren why he is embarrassed and maybe that can help you to go in a different direction.
Rated On: June 13, 2015 6:24 pm
Rated By: Puzesu
 
     
     
  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: I agree that a counselor needs to be involved with Gail.
Rated On: October 14, 2015 1:35 am
Rated By: punybu
 
     
     
  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: Great Idea.
Rated On: October 15, 2015 1:45 am
Rated By: uVeWar
 
     
     
  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: A dialogue journal is a great strategy for addressing the issue, and it is easy to implement.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 4:41 pm
Rated By: yQuQaH
 
     
     
  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: This solution deals with both the large problem the teacher is having as well as the issue that was presented in the students dialogue journal
Rated On: October 18, 2015 8:00 pm
Rated By: tygaBu
 
     
     
  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: This is a really great solution! Gail clearly needs someone to help her through this tough time. We, as teachers, are mandated to react and report this concern. Warren has something else on his mind which is why this bothers him so much. Just talk to him.
Rated On: December 6, 2015 1:32 pm
Rated By: Tetygy
 
     
     
  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: I think continuing to encourage the journals isn't terrible.
Rated On: October 15, 2016 1:44 am
Rated By: etyWys
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: October 8, 2017 9:39 pm
Rated By: Nick
 
     
     
  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: I agree
Rated On: October 16, 2017 2:04 am
Rated By: PeMuQa
 
     
     
  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: I agree with the solution. I think the journals are a great idea to help the students and to be used as insight for the teacher.
Rated On: October 16, 2017 5:35 pm
Rated By: Xupuva
 
     
     
  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: This is an appropriate solution because the dialogue journals allow students to share in a safe, private setting their thoughts and concerns with the teacher. It is because of the journal that the teacher is able to reach out and get help for the girl considering suicide. If the teacher were to take away the journal, there would not be a safe outlet for students to share such vulnerable information.
Rated On: February 20, 2018 2:27 pm
Rated By: Kady Schlemmer
 
     
     
  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: Couldn't have said it better myself!
Rated On: February 25, 2018 6:54 am
Rated By: epuMat
 
     
     
  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: I think that this solution is wonderful! It is reasonable, helpful, and likely to solve the problem. I would definitely use this solution!
Rated On: February 25, 2018 11:26 pm
Rated By: Samantha Rey
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this
Rated On: February 26, 2018 12:40 am
Rated By: DuTepy
 
     
     
  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: Contacting the counselor is definitely a smart choice.
Rated On: February 19, 2019 5:51 pm
Rated By: Tiffany Foti
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would do this.
Rated On: February 21, 2019 7:51 pm
Rated By: GeQapy
 
     
     
  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: This is a great solution and gives appropriate suggestions.
Rated On: July 7, 2019 4:48 pm
Rated By: yJyLep
 
     
     
  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: Yes, there is an issue in here that need to be taking care with the psychologist or counselor to help Gail with her feeling about the matter. Well i think is better if we talk about similarities can change the path in the class.
Rated On: October 12, 2019 3:42 am
Rated By: tabape
 
     
     
  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: This is what I would do. Some one needs to be told about what Gail is writing, because what she is saying sounds like a cry for help. I would also talk to Warren to find out why it embarrasses him but also keep in mind that those are his feelings and the teacher needs to respect that and maybe focus on something else.
Rated On: October 16, 2019 6:07 pm
Rated By: JeTeQu
 
     
     
  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: I agree with the journals
Rated On: February 24, 2020 2:30 am
Rated By: yHuDav
 
     
     
  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: good idea
Rated On: October 18, 2020 3:47 am
Rated By: VePuWu
 
     
     
  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: I agree that this is a good approach. Talking to the individual can help to solve the problem. Dialog journals are a good way to let them get feelings and thoughts out, and to be heard.
Rated On: October 18, 2020 8:11 pm
Rated By: beVuLu
 
     
     
  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: The counselor needs to be in the loop, I like how you mention that.
Rated On: February 28, 2021 11:48 pm
Rated By: yhedyZ
 
     
     
  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: I totally agree.
Rated On: March 5, 2021 4:30 pm
Rated By: Kasey Miller
 
     
     
  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: This solution properly addresses all aspects of the problem.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 7:42 am
Rated By: aPeQyG
 
     
     
  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: I think that this is an interesting approach to this issue, I think it will be very beneficial to the students.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 4:28 pm
Rated By: Pearl Reberkenny
 
     
     
  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: Great approach, communication is key.
Rated On: September 30, 2022 1:11 pm
Rated By: gapuse
 
     
     
  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: The solution checks all the boxes of the criteria provided, and I agree with the suggested approach. My one criticism is that the third sentence is slightly difficult to comprehend. I am inspired to implement dialogue journals in order to familiarize myself with student feelings and thoughts that might not be communicated verbally.
Rated On: October 8, 2022 10:18 pm
Rated By: naJyGa
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.
Rated On: April 3, 2023 3:32 am
Rated By: uPanaS