Friday, April 23, 2010

ISED/Political views in the classroom

We have had complaints this year from some parents and students that
teachers sometimes inappropriately express their opinions in class. I'm
sure there is not a single source of this problem, and I'm sure what some
students and parents consider inappropriate would be thought quite
unoffensive by others. There is no question, too, that some of this has to
do with our ongoing conversations at school about diversity and
inclusiveness. Nevertheless, we think it would make sense to begin to have
some discussions among faculty about what is appropriate and what is not, as
well as the most effective ways to discuss topics that may be controversial
for some (sexual orientation, diversity, climate change--a whole range of
things), especially students whose parents espouse very different views from
what the students hear in school.

I wonder if anyone is aware of any articles (or even books or chapters from
books) that might be of use for us to read in anticipation of such
discussions.

Thanks.

Jim
--
Jim Dunaway
Dean of Faculty
The Kinkaid School
Houston, TX
(713) 243-6555

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