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 think both suggestions can be warranted. The use of journals in a classroom are crucial. Students are able to write down and express their thoughts in those...sometimes write things that they would normally not say to anyone. The case with Gail Smith is something that is so major and what if she didn't keep a journal? Would she have gone through with her suicide? We will never know, but at least now you can try to help her. The case about Warren Jackson not wanting you to put so much emphasis on the African American culture helps you, too. The journals can help you adjust things that make students uncomfortable. I definitely agree with the journals and the small groups staying just the way they are. Since it was just a "suggestion" from the principal, there shouldn't be a problem, right? As far as focusing on the similarities instead of differences of cultures other than American is actually a good recommendation. Yes, there are differences, but the students know the differences. I don't think it's logical to change up your entire plan, because maybe these are just two cases that are extreme and every one else is really enjoying them.