Standard 14:

Elementary teachers develop strategies to address topics that are controversial to diverse groups.

Indicator 1:

Teachers understand and respect that families and communities may have diverse attitudes about the education process.

Within the Culturally Relevant Teaching Practices section, I addressed that families value education differently. I spoke of the importance of encouraging children of diverse backgrounds that their education is an important step to success in today's society. I included some community resources for African American support. I included information about speaking to parents. I believe when the parents understand your care for their child, they will be more willing to support your effort to their education, regardless of their own personal beliefs about the education system itself.

Indicator 2:

Teachers promote the open minded discussion of controversial issues by developing and using various strategies such as debates, use of data gathering and analysis for informed decision making, and recognition of bias and propaganda.

I have met this standard by studying the stereotypes associated with African American students, and developing appropriate practices in the classroom to combat racism. I have interviewed educated two professionals about racism and stereotypes and have learned to fight racism head on. Prevention of racism should be promoted by establishing a community in the classroom in which every child has equal opportunity. It will be my job to teach multicultural lessons and help students understand their differences in a positive fashion. I have reviewed data regarding this population and understand the parallel between poverty rates and drop out rates in schools. I have also studied the media, and its effect on racism over time with this population.

Indicator 3:

Teacher guides students in developing rational solutions to controversial problems.

In the Culturally Relevant Teaching Practices section of this paper, I have laid out effect teaching strategies in teaching African American children. I included information about being open and honest with your class, and creating a community of trust. When students trust the other people in the classroom (including the teacher) they will be more willing to share their views on controversial topics. In the Resource Bank, there is information included about addressing racism, as well as support agencies to go to. In the Stereotypes section, there is information about teaching children how to appropriately react to stereotypes.

Indicator 4:

Teachers explore multiple viewpoints and respect values consistent with a democratic community by recognizing and valuing the family roles in educating children of diversity.

I have met this goal within several sections of this report. In the Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies, I spoke of creating communities within the classroom, as well as the importance of involving the family. I addressed issues of diviserity understanding in the Children's Literature section, the Resource Bank has lesson plans encouraging cultural understanding, and the Stereotypes section outlines how to deal with stereotypes and where they come from.

Indicator 5:

Teachers discourage prejudice, derogatory comments, and stereotypical perspectives by modeling and selecting bias free instructional materials.

I have met this indicator by providing Culturally Relevant Teaching Practices that include all the students their learning. I have addressed stereotype issues in the Stereotypes section, and spoken about methods for combating them. I have provided several children's books that are bias free instructional materials, as well as several instructional ideas for a multicultural classroom.

Indicator 6:

Teachers search for more effective means of educating all students in creating effective instructional goals, methods, materials, and skills that match the diversity of students.

Within the Culturally Relevant Teaching Practices section, I have included information about instructional methods and skills to meet the needs of diverse learners. I have also provided sample lesson plans to use in classrooms to promote cultural understanding.