If we can't change hearts and minds then what else is there?

[LWolf]

5. I support that.

Many individual teachers actually DO spend some time on that, but it's hit and miss. Since the onset of the high-stakes testing, punishment, and blame system, if it's not tested, we can get in trouble for spending instructional time on it. That includes academic subjects that are not tested. For example, I've been told by 3 administrators in the last 10 years that I'm spending too much time on Social Studies; I should just let the high school deal with it when they get there, and focus on their reading scores.

Social studies: history, geography, economics, current events, government...nah, those aren't important classroom focuses.

I would gladly embrace a comprehensive effort to teach tolerance. We've already got some resources. Give us the time, the permission, and, yes, for the reluctant, the requirement.

http://www.tolerance.org/