PowerPoint Presentation

See the VoicesCreating an Environment of Empathy

Whats missing in our classrooms?Looking at the numbers, it is hard to accept that standardized testing is still the norm, when it is clear that we are failing our students by only emphasizing cognitive skills. Higher curriculum standards dont correlate to higher student achievement, according to a study by the Brookings Institution; empathy does.http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2012/09/26/why-we-should-teach-empathy-to-improve-education-and-test-scores/2/

Whats happening?The average level of empathic concern, meaning peoples feelings of sympathy for the misfortunes of others, declined by 48 percent between 1979 and 2009; the average level of perspective taking, peoples tendencies to imagine others points of view, declined by 34 percent over the same period. There was a particularly steep decline between 2000 and 2009.http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/research_digest/empathy_on_the_decline/

It finds that empathy is declining sharply among college students today. The authors examined the responses of nearly 14,000 students who had completed a questionnaire measuring different types of empathy3What is Empathy?Empathy is like a _____________________ because_____________________.

Share responses with a partner share out a couple of responses4DefinitionMerriam Webster: the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions : the ability to share someone else's feelings

Why is it important?Integral to global communication and understandingPromotes creativity, innovation, respect, and honorEnables students to stand up for ones beliefs; encourages the confidence to make decisions according to ones value system; creates opportunities to listen to, learn from, respect, and problem solve with others. (Center for Inspired Teaching)

What do we do?Recognize our own cultural lensesMake it personal for our audience (stir up the emotions)What are your perceptions?

Do slide show of stereotypes7What are the historical contexts?Analysis See? Think? Wonder?What is the story behind the cartoons?How do you think the characters are feeling? Uncle Sam?

Our beliefs guide our work

We believe:Every culture contributes to the richness of our past and present. Stereotypes and unequal treatment exist in our community today. Understanding cultures increase the opportunities for open communication and honor.Individuals can make a difference in the promotion of social justice.

Common Core StandardsCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1d Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6 Identify aspects of a text that reveal an authors point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).

Resourceswww.honorworks.net

www.honoringourheritage.wikispaces.com

Share responses with a partner share out a couple of responses11