Kevin+Diversity

Read the [|Introduction] to the Diversity Toolkit Web page from the National Education Association. 1. Copy and paste a sentence or two that you really liked (agreed with, admired the verbiage, could empathize with, . . . ) in between the two quotation marks: " a diverse society enriches all individuals . " 2. Tell why you picked those words: xI think this statement very aptly sums it all up. A diverse school should enrich every students experience. The diversity of all people enriches the world. x

3. Which of the issues did you have the most issue with and why?: *I strongly agreed with al l the issues presented. The one I feel can be utilitzed more widely and effectively, especially in my content area is the "importance of curricula that accurately portray and recognize the roles, contributions, cultures, and history of these diverse groups and individuals. "

4. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the easiest for you to carry out in your own classroom? ^Seize opportunities to learn about people of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences—whether through a book, a film, or a conversation ^

5. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the hardest for you to carry out in your own classroom //and why// ? { Pursue ways to create diversity awareness or to celebrate diversity in your school community. } I think this is the most difficult one in general because it requires the coordination of more people than just yourself. The other strategies are easier to create in your own classroom or individually.

Read the [|Cultural Competence for Educators] Web page from the National Education Association

How will you become culturally competent? Where do you feel you are now in the journey to becoming culturally competent? To become culturally competent I need to learn more about other cultures and have more experiences working with people of a different culture than myself. I think I am still towards the beginning of my journey towards cultural competency. I understand the value of diversity and I think I am fairly self aware but I need to learn more about other cultures and I need to create situations where I am engaging more with people from other cultures.

Read about [|Social Justice]. How do you think this information will impact you as a teacher? How will it impact your classroom? I think that it is important to foster a socially equitable classroom and honor diversity. I think I will need to figure out some kind of plan to deal with these issues when something comes up in my classroom.

Now work with your partner. Read your assigned Information Page from the National Education Association.
 * [|Class and Income]
 * [|English Language Learners]
 * [|Gender]
 * [|Race and Ethnicity]
 * [|Sexual Orientation and Gender Orientation]

Now go to [|Kerpoof] and create a story using one of the many tools available. Your characters should represent your assigned diversity dimension. Create a plot that has a conflict representative of one of the major issues as outlined on your NEA page. Pick one of the strategies and implement it in your story. Is there going to be a resolution? What will the ending be? Save your story to share with the class.