Cultural Diversity

This is a blog that I created for a group of teachers at a local elementary school.  When analyzing data about behavioral and discipline incidents, it was realized the majority of our discipline issues were disrespect.  Through our journey of discussion and through simple observations, it was noticed there was not only a general lack of respect from the students towards the teachers, but also from the teachers towards the students.  Conversations were negative and assuming.  A need for cultural sensitivity was the key.  The struggle was finding a resource to guide our journey.  Many self-proclaimed experts in the field come without significant research to back their work and/or they present to reinforce stereotypes.  My journey was to break down barriers and stereotypes.  I wanted to move away from making generalized statements and assumptions about cultures and move to a dialogue of understanding in general.  The book we chose, still had some reinforced stereotypical beliefs, but at the very least, it became a jumping point for conversations.  If I had the chance to go back and re-do this blog, I certainly would, as my beliefs have continued to shift.