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!) I believe that in your anticipation to go in and embrace multicultural education in the classroom you may have skipped some pivotal steps that would have building blocks to the types of things that you would like to integrate into the classroom. The African American boy, Warren Jackson, probably feels that you are isolating him in some way. He may also feel embarrassed because when historical aspects of their ancestors are discussed because their ancestors are portrayed as defenseless victims. Gail Smith, the white girl in your class, apparently lives in a household that contradicts your teachings. I would first make sure that I spoke with the counselor in the class about Gail. This needs to be reported immediately so that other interventions can take place. I would not stop the journals because I believe that students need to be given the time to reflect upon their experiences and articulate them in writing. I do, however, think that you should give students specific topics to discuss, rather than letting the students just choose what they want to write about in the journals. Next, I would make sure that when I taught about African American culture and historical aspects, it will be a good idea to not forget the contributions of other races throughout the course of history. Also, I believe that it would be a good idea to move to different cultures in your teaching and not only on American white or black culture. The students in this town also need to see representations of cultures outside of their communities. This would help with possible future culture shock and intolerance.