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!) The first thing I suggest is to pull Gail aside and find out what is going on with her. If she is contemplating suicide, there must be some other issues and she needs help quick! You may even want to pull the counselor into this situation. The next thing you have to look at is your use of journals. I think it is important to consider the advice of your principal, but it is your classroom. You have to use your professional judgment in this matter. Personally, I like the journals. I think they are a great communication tool. Lastly, find out more about why Warren is uncomfortable, perhaps he lacks knowledge on the issues being addressed. Change is hard, and if the school has been a predominately white area for a long time, there will be some prejudices still in place. People are uncomfortable when their ideas and way of thinking is challenged. I say keep doing what you are doing, and just make sure to be open and respectful with your students.