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 agree that it is important to listen to the advice of your principal; however, I do not feel that you must follow his instructions verbatim. It sounds like your principal was merely offering suggestions (not demanding that you change your curriculum). Now, in regards to your use of journals, I would continue with them. These are a great communication tool that allow you access to your students you would not get regularly. It is because of these journals you have an idea of what is going on with Gail and can get her some help and quick! The journals also let you know how your students respond to what you have been teaching. Warren expressed his discomfort with some of your topics; now you can adapt the focus of your discussions. Keep teaching the important topics while listening to your students. Your kids will always tell you what you need to know.