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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!)
The use of a journal in the classroom is a common practice. Since writing across the curriculum has become a focus in many school systems, it is important to integrate writing in all content areas. However, if free-writing is new to your students, limiting their topic choices may be a better way to begin. However, as many have already posted, I totally agree Gail's journal entries should be discussed with a counselor. As a teacher, I also think it is important to speak with Warren about his feelings of embarrassment regarding the topic of African American culture. If the emphasis is related to the curriculum, it must be discussed. However, you might need to reflect on your word choices and be sure any personal feelings or opinions are not reflected in your classroom instruction. It is important that Warren realize we are all different and culturally diverse. Although some topics are "uncomfortable" we cannot change history, however, we can use it to change the future.

I think it is important for you and your principal to sit down and have a conversation regarding your choices of teaching methods in reference to small grouping and use of journals. I agree with his suggestions of discussing similarities, maybe even emphasizing the similarities. I would provide your principal with research-based documentation of using small grouping and the use of writing journals as it relates to enhancing student learning. If he is an effective principal and cares about his students and teachers, he should be willing to read the information and revisit the conversation with you again. However, ultimately, he is your supervisor and it is important to follow his request if he feels your methods of instruction or not in the best interest of your students.