Gallery
How does a school create a climate of safety and respect for all students—regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation? One approach used by Portland’s Madison High School was to collect, honor, and explore students’ differences and commonalities through a powerful photographic exhibit that served as the springboard for classroom discussions and teacher trainings.
In the words of project organizers David Colton, Shauna Adams, and Kat Nyberg, “These images speak to the complexity of our students’ lives, the value and challenges of school, and the potent and tender places where these worlds connect. They remind us that at the center of all success—emotional, social, and academic—are trusting relationships; people who see us; people who know our strengths and challenges; and people who are willing to stand by us as well as stand up for us.”
“It makes a difference if your teacher wants to know you. If you like your teacher, you want to live up to their expectations.”
“We got to write our biographies [in class] and it was great because it helped my teacher get to know the different stuff that was going on with us.”
“We need to understand where everyone’s coming from—not judge or be disrespectful.”
“Madison is diverse, but the problem with that is races don’t seek out friends in different groups. At lunch everyone is separated in their own groups.”
“If a kid gets involved in school activities, it keeps them out of trouble and keeps them getting good grades.”
