Equity & Access Newsletter
Secondary Edition
What Allies and Leaders Sometimes have to do to make students feel safe
Recently five African American Air Force cadets had racial slurs written on their dorm room door. Lt. General Jay Silveria, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy decided to bring over 4,000 cadets and 1500 faculty staff together. Lt. General Silveria used this moment as a learning opportunity for the cadets and staff to let them know what types of behaviors or actions will not be tolerated at the Academy.
The video is an excellent example of courage and taking action when incidents occur. As these uncomfortable incidents happen, how might you find your courage when the opportunity arises?
What's Wrong with Positive Stereotypes?
Let's think for a moment if we have a middle school student who is Asian, and their assessments show that math is not their highest area of achievement. If we have the stereotype about Asian students, how might those beliefs affect how we interact and teach the student? We may think the student just isn't putting in the required effort to do better. We want all students to perform at a higher level, but we must make sure that we have realistic expectations of growth. Spend the time to find out more about the student and what motivates them. Our blind spots may interfere with seeing the student as their true self.
The video, Myth of the Model Minority will give you more insight into how this stereotype evolved in the U.S. in a short period.
The article, The Pain of Positive Stereotypes gives several reasons why we shouldn't use positive stereotypes.
Markman, Art. “The Pain of Positive Stereotypes.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 15 Feb. 2013, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201302/the-pain-positive-stereotypes.
What's in Your Toolbox?
Possible Signs of Trauma and How To Support Others Dealing With It
There are ways we can support students who may be experiencing trauma.
- Learn about local resources in your community.
- Ask how you can best help.
- Talk with the person as an equal.
- Offer support in whatever form seems right, including small things like a hug or having coffee together.
- Know that behaviors like withdrawal, irritability, and bad temper may be a response to trauma. Remain friendly.
- Encourage the person to talk about their reactions if they feel ready and want to do so.
- Don't interrupt to share your own feelings, experiences or opinions.
- Don't trivialize the person's feelings or minimize his or her experience.
- If the person wants help, offer your support and connect him or her with local resources and services.
- If at any time the person becomes suicidal or begins abusing drugs or alcohol, seek professional help. The counselors in your buildings are an incredible resource.
Here are some possible signs you may notice someone experiencing trauma
- Shock, denial or disbelief
- Anger, irritability or mood swings
- Sandness or hopelessness
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety or fear
- Withdrawal from others
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Easily startled
- Fatigue
- Racing heart, aches, and pains or muscle tension
That trauma could affect their behavior at school and academic performance. We know that engaged learning happens when students feel safe, valued, and supported.
10 Tips to Help Someone Experiencing Trauma, 10 Signs a Person May Be Experiencing Trauma
10 Tips to Help Someone Experiencing Trauma - National Council. www.bing.com/cr?IG=3F4F2D4B6FFE4F738D3F4C00A78794D5&CID=16EA2917B5BA61392FA22221B4BC602A&rd=1&h=JAFoWnmL7DeHfj1SzCubWrXkUsFV4SVJtIKSgxOgW8k&v=1&r=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thenationalcouncil.org%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2016%2f06%2f10-Tips-to-Help-Someone-Experiencing-Trauma-1.pdf&p=DevEx,5068.1.