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 multicultural education in the classroom can be very successful as long as it is implemented effectively. I do not believe you should abandon the program however, maybe you should re-evaluate your approach. I like the idea of dialog journals. I think this can be very beneficial because it allows students to speak their mind without fear of what their peers may think or say. I do agree with your principal that you should begin your multicultural education with more positive aspects. Discuss the positive things different cultures bring to the table and interpersonal skills. Since it appears that issues of prejudice have already arose in your classroom, try to address this issues in a positive manner. I believe both students, Gail and Warren, would benefit from speaking to a counselor. However, I think you should show your principal what you are trying to accomplishment and work together to make it work.