MS. DIXON: ...our state-wide science exam next week. These are some sophisticated questions, and I want you all to be prepared. Let's take a look at the questions in your book.
MS. DIXON: Gabriel, why don't you read the first problem.
GABRIEL: (heavy Spanish accent) B-bacterial genes are found on one keer... keer-yu…
VICTORIA: Circular! It's "circular." Stupid illegal doesn't even know how to read.
JACKIE (voiceover): If this were your class, what would you do?
MS. DIXON: (curt, disciplinary tone) Victoria, that word is not acceptable.
VICTORIA: (sassy, unintimidated) What word? "Circular?" It's right there in the book!
MS. DIXON: We have all agreed not to use biased language in this community.
VICTORIA: I'm not usin' any "bias language!" I'm just sayin' Chico can't read!
GABRIEL THOUGHT: Thank you, Ms. D. I was hoping you would say something.
FEEDBACK: This was short, clear, and direct. Addressing biased statements doesn’t always require a detailed lecture. Even if Victoria doesn't seem affected, your words reach more than just her. The class as a whole is hearing that biased language is unacceptable and won't be overlooked.
MS. DIXON: (indicating poster with community agreements) Would someone please remind us about the community agreements we made at the beginning of the year?
MS. DIXON: Sylvia. Will you read #3? How do we treat people in this classroom?
SYLVIA: (referencing poster in classroom) We treat all people with kindness and respect.
MS. DIXON: That's right, Sylvia. Thank you.
MS. DIXON: We are all part of this community, and it's everyone's responsibility to help make it a safe place for all of us to learn.
VICTORIA: (exaggeratedly insincere) Okay, fine. Sorry. (Then, to her seatmate, under her breath) Little bitch looks like he's gonna cry.
GABRIEL THOUGHT: I'm not gonna look at her. Looking's only gonna make it worse…
SYLVIA THOUGHT: Yeah, we all agreed to be nicer. What's Vic doing?
JACKIE: Good! Ms. Dixon took the smart step of having community agreements that she set up at the beginning of the year. Asking the class about the agreements is a good way to engage students to speak up and take an active role in keeping the classroom respectful.
MS. DIXON: If you have any more trouble following the rules, you and I can discuss it after class.
VICTORIA: I said I was sorry.
MS. DIXON: All right. Now, let's continue.
MS. DIXON: We were reading about natural selection in bacteria...
VICTORIA: (whispering) Yeah, Same thing that's gonna take Chico (jerks her head toward Gabriel) out of the gene pool...
SYLVIA: Oh, lay off him already, Vic.
MS. DIXON: Thank you, Sylvia. (motions to the community agreement on the wall) This is everyone's responsibility in this class. If you see someone mistreating one of your classmates, speak up, show that you support them, or come and tell me if I wasn't around.
MS. DIXON: Gabriel, let's give a try on question 2.
GABRIEL: Bacteria r-rep-reproduce...
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