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CBA 221– Diversity Issues. Facilitator: Lisa Bond Brewer. Purpose:. This class will address diversity issues in the context of education. We will address questions related to: What is the challenge in providing educational diversity? How does diversity impact our schools?
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CBA 221– Diversity Issues Facilitator: Lisa Bond Brewer
Purpose: This class will address diversity issues in the context of education. We will address questions related to: • What is the challenge in providing educational diversity? • How does diversity impact our schools? • What are the implications for school board members? Salient issues and techniques in handling diversity issues in the multiple contexts relevant to school board members will be discussed.
Overview: • What is diversity? • Who lives in your district/community? • Impact of diversity on schools • Managing Diversity: What’s the role of the board? • The implications and challenges of diversity for K-12 education
Diversity goes beyond race and gender Diversity includes characteristics such as: • Ethnicity • Gender • Age • Religion • Disability • Sexual orientation
By 2020, demographers predict minorities will account for almost 1/2 of school age children. Multicultural Education and Human Relations: Valuing Diversity.David and Roger Johnson.Allyn & Bacon. Boston, MA. 2002.
Implications for K-12 & Higher Ed • Globalize the curriculum • Internationalize faculty and staff • Transform teacher education • Mandatory “Diversity Sensitivity” training for school personnel – staff and faculty • Restructure extra-curricular activities • Invest greater resources in adult education (especially ESL courses)
Challenges for K-12 & Higher Ed • Growing population of students with limited English abilities • Achievement gap • Balkanization of the population • Racial and ethnic segregation • Interethnic and interracial tensions and conflicts • Financial support for new initiatives
IV. Managing Diversity: What’s the Role of the School Board?
What’s the role of the board? • Vision • Structure • Accountability • Advocating
Board Policy • Expresses/articulates the expectations and wishes of the community. • Creates a framework for action plans. • Helps the board hold administrators and teachers accountable. • Guides and regulates behavior of students, staff, administrators and board.