Answer the Following Questions after Reading the Case Study.
1. Mr. Olson suggested that they call the event a Holiday Party and try to include “all of the holidays.” What do you think he meant by “all of the holidays?” Do you believe his suggestion is a good one? Why or why not?
2. What kind of privilege can happen when teachers and schools turn decision-making over to parents? How can teachers and schools encourage parent engagement and empowerment and ensure that multiple viewpoints are heard?
3. What role can teachers play in either ensuring equity or enshrining privilege in the ways that they communicate with or “hear” from different parents? How can a teacher’s biases, perhaps sub-conscious, impact who is truly “heard”?
4. If you were in Ms. Tate’s shoes, would you encourage the group to refocus its efforts on a winter theme instead of a holiday theme, or wait until next year and be more proactive with anticipating the issue?