Description
Book SynopsisThe changing demographics of students and educators in schools today suggest that much of what we do as educational leaders revolves around the complex issues related to our various cultural understandings. In this book the authors discuss the relationship between culture and conflict and provide a continuum to better understand the basis for much cultural conflict. Authors emphasize a systematic framework that can be used to guide the practitioner in resolving conflicts rooted in cultural issues from less difficult issues such as the cultural conflicts that occur on a campus between academic cultures and athletic cultures, to the more complicated and delicate issues rooted in racial or sexual identity issues.
Trade ReviewHarris and Jenkins take the reader on a journey to a destination called cultural community and clearly recognize both the challenges of the trip and the joy of traveling towards such a worthy goal. This book with great clarity presents cases, activities and strategies to better understand cultural conflict, and most importantly ways to manage such conflicts and reach resolutions that are authentic and valuable to all in the community. In today’s climate of cultural transitions, this book serves as a must read for all educational leaders. -- Dr. Rosemary Papa, Del and Jewell Lewis Endowed Chair and professor, Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
Sandy Harris and Steve Jenkins have created a very useful guide for navigating through the multifaceted issues of school culture. Substantive school improvement depends on addressing a culture that is often complex and intricate. Conflicts in Culture: Strategies to Understand and Resolve the Issues will provide you with useful information, an informed perspective, and successful strategies for addressing school culture. -- Richard A. Flanary, former deputy executive director of programs & services, National Association of Secondary School Principals, president, Flanary Educational Consulting
The authors remind us that courage is a requirement for great leaders and the willingness to act when faced with uncomfortable situations is a reflection of leadership. This book offers leaders real-life scenarios and activities that will provide a road map of strategies and direction down the often-uncomfortable “cultural highway”. With the challenges of today’s fast changing demographics across our nation’s schools Harris and Jenkins provide a lifeline for practitioners as their book captures and reveals the essential tools to lead a district or campus to cultural community. -- Howell Wright, EdD. Superintendent of Education, Rockdale ISD, Rockdale, Texas
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 – The Cultural Highway Chapter 2 – Framework for Analyzing Cultural Conflict Chapter 3 - Conflict Resolution Strategies Chapter 4 – Cultural Deficit Chapter 5 – Cultural Denial Chapter 6 – Culture Discovery Chapter 7 – Culture Celebration Chapter 8 – Culture Conscience Chapter 9 – Cultural Community Chapter 10 – Are We There Yet? Appendices References Author Biographies
