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!) First off I'm surprised that the principal nor the teacher took this concern that the girl wants to commit suicide seriously. I would definently have the counselor speak to this young lady. Yes, I agree with the administration, have the students look for similarities. They will notice the differences that is human nature. Serious issues are happening amongst the students and soon their parents will be calling and complaining about the instruction. It is good that the teacher spoke with the principal so that principal is better prepared to make comments and back you up if parents do complain about the instruction. However, if the teacher does not make changes to instruction, then the administration cannot support the teacher.