Jesika+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: " Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. "

2. Tell why you picked those words: x I chose thatsentence because it is the best description of diversity that I've come across. x

3. Which of the issues did you have the most issue with and why?: * "The Association further believes in the importance of observances, programs, and curricula that accurately portray and recognize the roles, contributions, cultures, and history of these diverse groups and individuals." Yes, making sure that people are tolerant of diversity is important, but giving too much attention to is can have an alienating effect and can detract from what the students (all students) should be learning. *

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// ? { "Assess the diversity in your school and how students of different backgrounds are faring." It might be difficult for me to keep track of all the students of diverse background because all students are diverse. I would have to get all of my colleagues on board and that can be difficult. }

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? I feel that I am doing relatively well, but there is always room for improvement. I feel that with some more learning about the methods of teaching diverse students I will be doing even better.

Read about [|Social Justice]. How do you think this information will impact you as a teacher? How will it impact your classroom? As a teacher I will have to work hard to make sure that my classroom is a place of tolerance and awareness. I will need to get more in formation about teaching to the diverse population.

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.