Twelve other states currently have similar laws. And a federal bill, which would require every school in the country to offer those protections, has been gaining support in congress.
An important aspect of the Encompass approach is that it’s not about changing a teacher’s attitudes or personal beliefs about homosexuality. Instead, the training offers tools to help teachers recognize and address sexual bias in their class.
After watching the first scene, teachers in the audience offer suggestions on how to better handle the situation. The actors then restage the scene, incorporating those suggestions.
There are other diversity training programs, but Encompass is different. Instead of getting a list of do’s and don’ts, teachers get the chance to examine their own preconceptions, trade experiences, and then watch their ideas played out in the classroom.
“What really made a difference was the improv," says Beverly Tate, who teaches at Pasadena City College, "the way they came back the second time and really stayed true to their characters and to see the changes in the way the teacher addressed the bias and the language in the classroom.”
Student actor Drew Cameron hopes they’re making a difference. “Hopefully teachers are watching this and not just thinking, 'Here’s some students that are putting on a scene for us.' [They’re thinking], 'Here are some students who are showing us how to be better teachers.'”
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25