Week #8, and #9

Step 3. Discussing

Now that we have talked about culturally responsive pedagogy, we are ready to analyze some of the most common beliefs when it comes to education. 

You are assigned to read and discuss just one common belief according to the first letter of your name as it follows:

If your name starts by.....     Read Common Belief number...

V,W,X,Y,Z                                 13

Instructions:

1) Read your assigned common belief 

2) Look at the "Questions to Consider section"

3) Ask yourself if you are the kind of teacher described by the belief

4) Use the Discussion Forum section to answer the question below your assigned belief to discuss the implications of this belief for your job as a classroom teacher or counselor 

COMMON BELIEF 13 Talking about race with my colleagues could open up a can of worms — little good is likely to come from it. Background Talking about what appear to be racial issues with respect to student interactions, student-teacher interactions or interactions among members of the school staff is uncommon. Race is a “hot button” in our country and it may feel that discussing potential misunderstandings or conflicts will make things worse. Moreover, many worry about being seen as insensitive or preoccupied with race. No doubt some issues that could be race-related are not. But, this cannot be known without bringing up the issue. While the country has made great progress in reducing racial prejudice and discrimination, negative stereotypes, concerns about fairness, and the absence of comfort in interracial relationships persist, especially when the stakes of common action or the resolution of interpersonal conflict are high. In schools where racial issues are openly dealt with, school leaders make clear that it is important to be candid and to trust one another while ensuring that action is taken when problems are surfaced. Questions to Consider 1. Why is it important to openly discuss issues that are seen as having racial dimensions? 2. What do educators need to do to foster productive examination of issues that are seen by some—or all—as being influenced by the race or ethnicity? What are some examples of effective strategies for initiating and facilitating conversations about race?

DOES NOT HAVE A WORD COUNT REQUIRE AS LONG AS THE QUESTION IS ANSWERED. PLEASE ANSWER RELATE TO COUNSELING