Teaching Tolerance

Maria Montessori discovered and applied this a hundred years ago!

Yeah, there is probably some element of condescension, but perhaps also some of the "cool" kids realized that the "special needs" kids can be good friends and fun to be with. It happens and deserves celebration.

Oh - literary reference (if Stephen King can be "literary,") think of the kids in Dreamcatcher and Dudders.

wow, that's scary how these groups are targeting younger people.

That's frightening.

I had never watch that program, but I think it is our reality, despite the country where you live or you teach. As teacher we need to teach to all students , respect them and treat them fairly.

Despite Finn and Rachel both being white, their families are what make them diverse: Finn comes from a single parent home and Rachel is Jewish and her parents are an interracial same-sex couple. I think that when the show returns in April that it will yield more stories involving more of the characters. Looking at the show as a business, it makes ... See Moresense that they would use romantic triangles of Rachel, Finn, Puck, and Quinn in the first few episodes because that's what the target audience (teenage girls) will watch. But you have to remember that in the show's context, Rachel is the social outcast (she's the first to get a slushee in the face and still doesn't have many friends), and Mercedes isn't going to stand for being in the background consistently. Now that the show is popular, I think the writers will take more risks with storylines involving Kurt, Mercedes, Artie, and Tina (Santana will probably stay a supporting character because she isn't one of the original six). If I had to compare this show to others from the past, aside from the singing numbers, I'd compare it to My So-Called Life and it only lasted one season. I think that the creators are learning from shows like that to introduce its audience to newer characters in a way that is comfortable (storylines about love), and then write less traditional stories involving Kurt, Mercedes, Artie, and Tina once they get support from the audience.

Hi, I need to give a friendly warning to those with epilepsy or migraine problems. I tried watching this yesterday from another link, and could not get through it because of the flashing on and off. I think the premise is great and what I saw of it was entertaining, but it would have been great if the creator had used fade-in/out instead of quick ... See Moreflashing on/off because it does have a negative affect. I don't mean to be critical in a petty way, this is an honest observation, for some who are severely afflicted with these problems (such as myself) this can be a problematic video to watch. Just letting you know.

@Roland: I'm not epileptic and I don't get migraines, but I could barely watch this with all the flashing. It's great to listen to, though!

I'm unsure how I feel about this subject. I feel for the students. I believe we all benefit from an educated society. But I also am aware of how poorly funded schools are right now. To give legal status to college aged students whose parents have not paid income tax for the entire life of those students seems to be stretching the educational funding even more thin.

people who are undocumented pay income tax the same as everyone else, usually more, & they do not get to get any thing back because they can't file taxes at the end of the year. & all the money they put into social security & such, they will never be able to use. & when they are deported they lose their house or anything else they own. so who gets ... See Moreto keep all of it? not them. so much money goes back into our country. the undocumented workers have no protection under the law & their children shouldn't have to pay because of their parents situation. think about it.

How disappointing.

Melissa, I was reading a document by The New Teacher Project called "Unintended Consequences" that makes the case for reforming staffing rules in urban teachers union contracts. It might answer some of your questions. I also remember (but haven't had a chance to watch) a documentary called Rubber Room.

http://boingboing.net/2009/06/28/rubber-room-document.html

Thanks for the link, Izdzan

I live around the corner from the school...what is happening in the minds of these teenagers....?!?!?!

Seems like a no-brainer to me too...ah...duh! Yes, it starts at home...but no one noticed a kid getting hurt so much that his arm was in a sling...please.

Agree....it starts long before high school. As a parent of a 4 and 2 year old I am witnessing the tremendous influence my wife and I have over our little ones. But when compassion/respect isn't modeled and expected at home, as is all too often the case, what, beyond no tolerance, can be done? What actually works?

ignorant's damaging effects. very deep article. children need more positive role models- such as teachers; introducing the power of options, as they are our future.