Adolescent Identity Turmoil: Is it imaginary or real?

Adolescence is a time of turmoil and change for every young adult, especially for students of color and other minorities. As our world becomes increasingly global, there is a disconnect between our students and academics.
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• Do some students do better in Math or English because of race?

• What are your perceptions and experiences around the world? How do you define yourself?

• Does your self-identity change based on your interactions with a particular group or race? How does it impact your sense of self-worth? Did you have multiple personalities (i.e. one for school, one for home, and one for your friends)?
  

• How did doing well in school, participating in class discussions or participating in school activities and clubs impact your identity?

• As a parent, have you asked "What is going on with my son or daughter? What is behind this sudden change in behavior?" If so, what did you determine? In answering these questions, please let us know how you resolved these conflicts and emotions?

• As an educator or policy planner, what have you done to ensure the success of all students in your classroom? Have you asked your students if it is working?

Please feel free to answer all, some or only one of the questions above. If it intrigues you, please let us know why. Do you have a personal story? If so, please let us know.

Talking about race in your classroom

A lot of people are sort of afraid to talk about race in their classroom. They might talk about other countries, and try food from their classmates' homeland, but they rarely ever talk about what it's like not to be like most of the other kids in the class.

• Do you remember ever talking about what it's like to be different in class?
• If you are a teacher, what have you done to help students respect each other, even if they are of different races or cultures?
• As a parent, do you want your child to have friends who are of different races or cultures?
• Do you think it is a good idea to think about each other's race, or is it best to ignore it?
• Do you mostly just accept everyone in your class, no matter what their background or race is?
• Do you visit the homes of classmates from other cultures or race?