EVALUATE YOUR MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
To promote a truly diverse and inclusive setting in education, it is vital that materials and resources are evaluated on a regular basis, to ensure that they are up-to-date with the usage of phrases, historic events, representation and other applicable material. This proactive behavior creates a progressive environment and a safe space for all members.
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Below are some examples of ways you can evaluate your materials and resources to ensure they are inclusive
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Examine historical narratives to see which voices are missing: Is the material provided and being taught including equal representation of genders, BIPOC, special needs, LGBTQIA+, etc.?
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Languages: Are the materials provided in multiple languages relevant to the students and their families? It is especially important for children who come from families who may not speak English, that they are able to assist and understand materials/emails/etc. that are sent home
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Use diverse images/videos in resources: Ensure that images, videos and other media represent different families and individuals. Things to think about: Not all children have 2 parents, not all children have parents of the same nationality or gender, not all children have the same abilities
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Make use of current news events: Keep this age appropriate, but there are many current events that can help promote an inclusive culture. By educating students about these things at a young age, they are better able to identify how change comes about, how to make a difference, recognize injustices and more
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Use gender neutral pronouns: In general try to use gender neutral pronouns as much as possible. This avoids individuals feeling ostracized or left out because they don't fall into a select category. It also sets the tone for children of a young age to grow up using non-offensive terminology
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Communicate your goals for diversity in the classroom to parents/guardians: This opens up the conversation. Make it known that you want to hear ideas and ways that you can improve the materials, and to come to you if they identify anything that does not promote equality or if voices aren't being heard
ACTIVELY PROMOTE DIVERSITY
Make it a point to take the time to talk about, highlight, and promote diversity to:
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Students
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Parents
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Colleagues
Dedicate each week or month to focus on materials that include different family dynamics, cultures and diversity so everyone is heard, seen and included.
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Choose materials whose authors are of different backgrounds
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Have guest speakers from the local community who represent different diverse backgrounds and lifestyles
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Open up the conversation within your classroom for peers to identify differences and celebrate them, while also shutting down any negative behaviors and holding individuals accountable for unacceptable behaviors
Book recommendations
pushout: the criminalization of black girls in schools
By Monique Morris
The "powerful" (Michelle Alexander) exploration―featured by The Atlantic, Essence, the Washington Post, New York magazine, NPR, and others―of the harsh and harmful experiences confronting Black girls in schools
TYPE
Anti-Racism
how we fight white supremacy
By Akiba Soloman
In these pages, leading organizers, artists, journalists, comedians, and filmmakers offer wisdom on how they fight White supremacy. It's a must-read for anyone new to resistance work, and for the next generation of leaders building a better future.
TYPE
Anti-Racism
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
By Beverly Daniel Tatum
Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about enabling communication across racial and ethnic divides.
TYPE
Anti-Racism
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People
By Mahzarin R. Banaji
“Blindspot” is the authors’ metaphor for the portion of the mind that houses hidden biases. Writing with simplicity and verve, Banaji and Greenwald question the extent to which our perceptions of social groups—without our awareness or conscious control—shape our likes and dislikes and our judgments about people’s character, abilities, and potential.
TYPE
Anti-Racism
Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
By Emily S. Fisher
The importance of creating safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in the school environment cannot be overstated. It is one of the most prominent issues facing school professionals today, and its success has lasting, positive effects on the entire student body.
TYPE
LGBTQIA+
One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium
By Kevin Jennings
For more than twenty years, the One Teacher in Ten series has served as an invaluable source of strength and inspiration for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender educators. This all-new edition brings together stories from across America—and around the world—resulting in a rich tapestry of varied experiences.
TYPE
LGBTQIA+
safe is not enough
By Michael Sadowski
Safe Is Not Enough illustrates how educators can support the positive development of LGBTQ students in a comprehensive way so as to create truly inclusive school communities. Using examples from classrooms, schools, and districts across the country, Michael Sadowski identifies emerging practices such as creating an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum; fostering a whole-school climate that is supportive of LGBTQ students; providing adults who can act as mentors and role models; and initiating effective family and community outreach programs.
TYPE
LGBTQIA+