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Many kids and parents are terrified of the threat of ICE entering their schools because of misinformed media coverage and due to this, schooling for these children is being interrupted. This is so unfortunate for those children who live in fear just going to school.

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Threat assessment: ICE raids in schools How to cover threatened ICE raids without unnecessarily disrupting schools, terrifying parents, and interrupting kids’ lives. By Alexander Russo

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Many educators are rightfully concerned about the safety of immigrant students and families because of new government administration. In order to keep students safe at school, it is important for schools to adopt a safe zone.

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Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.

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There is a lack of diverse teacher representation in school that would benefit many students. Increasing the number of teachers from diverse backgrounds will greatly help students of color feel welcome and seen.

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National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ)

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Each fall brings the continuation of many traditions-some of which I love and others that pain me. Halloween costumes, new identities, and candy? Yes to all! Pumpkin spice everything? No, thanks! And yet another school year with a teacher workforce that still lacks the diversity we know would benefit our students. Why?! We are failing to give children daily opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of people and their identities, perspectives, and experiences; and some children see no reflection of themselves in their teachers.To increase the pool of teachers of color, The NCTQ team and I extend our sympathies to those affected by the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In classrooms across our nation, only 20% of public school teachers identify as people of color. A brand new data tool from TNTP shows that 21% of districts nationwide have NO teachers of color whatsoever. None. And only 13% speak a language other than English at home.

I can't help but wonder why some of these traditions persist-and I'm not just referring to the pumpkin spice takeover. Given all that we know about the positive impact that teachers of color have on student outcomes, why do we still fall short of this powerful force to make a positive difference for students? And given the increasing number of multilingual students, why aren't we doubling down on our efforts to recruit and retain linguistically diverse and well-prepared teachers for multi-language learners?

While I wish I could pull a wand out of our family's Halloween costume bin and point out a singular actor who is at fault, the truth is, we all own responsibility. In addition to the challenge of recruitment, we aren't supporting Black and Hispanic teachers and multilingual teachers along their career paths in a way that keeps them in classrooms at scale.

we need to start with children of color's experiences in school, including how they experience teachers and how they perceive teachers-which influences whether they decide they want to become teachers themselves. We also need to look at teacher prep-critical actors in contributing to (or taking away from) the diversity of the teacher workforce. Even the U.S. Congress can agree on this, as EdWeek reported. In a recent hearing hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, witnesses called on teacher prep programs to lead efforts to recruit teachers of color through expanded mentoring and coaching programs, among other supports.

And new research provokes us to look more closely at what happens to Black and Hispanic candidates during teacher prep to identify-and plug-the leaks in the pipeline. In Tennessee, where they conducted the study, Black and white candidates declare and complete teaching programs at similar rates, but Black undergraduate program completers were 31 percentage points less likely to earn a teaching license than their white peers. Not passing the licensure test only explained half of the drop in licensure attainment. The researchers found that the majority of observed disparities between Black and white college students who completed a teaching major but did not receive certification were still unexplained. What's more, Black college grads who did receive their teaching licenses were more likely than their white peers to get jobs, reflecting the demand in the teacher workforce marketplace. This Tennessee study is a good start, but every prep program should be working to answer this question: Where do their candidates go, and why don't their Black and Hispanic candidates become teachers?

We owe these dedicated individuals full support on their path to the classroom. The results in Tennessee signal a need for teacher prep programs to do more to support Black and Hispanic candidates, especially in the latter stages of the program. Indeed, in a recent poll of parents registered to vote, 94% identified ensuring schools have well-trained teachers as the most important policy focus, second only to a concern about protecting schools from violence.

As important as it is to focus on the pipeline for teachers of color, that alone won't be of much help if they don't stay in the profession over time. That's why state and district policymakers also need to focus on retention, especially in the face of mass layoffs.

Federal emergency relief funds in the wake of the pandemic fueled a hiring spree among school districts across the country. With the end of those funds, districts are forced to lay off teachers. In a statement totally without Halloween irony, one district superintendent described her workforce as " gravely skeletal" after implementing layoffs to balance a budget no longer propped up by ESSER funds. These cuts will have an acute impact on teachers of color, given that districts' efforts to build a more diverse workforce means that Black and Hispanic teachers are more prevalent among the novice teachers. As the "last in," they are the "first out" when positions are cut, regardless of their skill or impact with students. While LIFO policies are politically palatable, they work against states' and districts' goals of diversifying the workforce, as we lose teachers of color. Leaders can stand behind those values by acting now to change policies so that layoff decisions are based on school and district needs and on teacher effectiveness rather than seniority.

As education advocates, we too can do more to keep a spotlight on the importance of diversifying the teacher workforce, advocate for policy and practice changes, and make data available to set goals and measure our impact. In December, NCTQ will release Teacher Diversity Dashboards with new data showing snapshots of state and national trends in the diversity of the teacher workforce that can be configured based on user questions. The dashboards will identify teacher prep programs leading in contributing to diversity-and highlight programs that have the opportunity to do more to attract and support diverse candidates to complete teacher prep. Additionally, the dashboards will provide raw data on all teacher preparation programs so users can download the data and do their own analyses.

Increasing teacher diversity is a powerful force to make a difference for students. NCTQ continues to seek ways to drive improvements through our research and analyses, including showcasing pioneering states, districts, and prep programs. Key resources from NCTQ include:

Read more here. (Just click on "Search by Topic" on the right side of the page and toggle on "Teacher Diversity").

There is no magic Halloween spell or elixir to increase teacher diversity; we need intentional goals, sustained effort, a lot of listening, and good data. Our forthcoming Teacher Diversity Dashboards will contribute to this goal. If we can commit to increasing the diversity of our teacher workforce-and use the best available data to take action and measure our outcomes-we will see positive returns for students, teachers, and our nation.

With thanks to Sharif El-Mekki and Dominque Howse, Center for Black Educator Development; and Simone Hardeman-Jones, NCTQ Board Member and Green Light Fund, for their feedback on earlier drafts.

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As seasons change, one thing remains the same: The persistent lack of diversity in the teacher workforce

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Each fall brings the continuation of many traditions-some of which I love and others that pain me. Halloween costumes, new identities, and candy? Yes to all! Pumpkin spice everything? No, thanks! And yet another school year with a teacher workforce that still lacks the diversity we know would benefit our students.

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There is a definite imbalance in schools between the number of students of color vs. the number of teachers of color. This is detrimental to the schooling systems across America.

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Middle school educator Jeffrey Lee is the only Black male English teacher at his school, which serves about 815 students northwest of Philadelphia.

" It can be a lonely existence. I almost feel like the last dinosaur that roamed the Earth," Lee said. "I have students say, 'You're the first African American or male teacher of color' they've ever had."

Seventy years after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public schools, Lee's story illustrates a lingering imbalance at schools nationwide: Students of color now make up more than half of America's students, but the number of teachers and principals of color has not kept apace.

An analysis of state-by-state data from The New Teacher Project, a nonprofit organization working to redesign education to meet the needs of students of color and students living in poverty, shows that across a majority of U.S. campuses, nearly one-fourth of public schools did not have an educator of color on staff. Meanwhile, students of color were the majority at public schools.

Teacher representation hasn't kept up: about one-fourth of the nation's teachers identified as people of color, according to the nonprofit's analysis. Research conducted by scholars has shown the imbalance impedes learning, since students across the board and especially students of color, do better academically when they have teachers from diverse backgrounds.

While the reasons for the disparities are varied, education experts told USA TODAY the imbalance is part of a legacy, an unintended consequence, of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.

How Brown v. Board contributed to teacher diversity imbalance

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that separating children based on race in public schools was inherently unequal and violated the right to Equal Protection under the 14th Amendment.

Outlawing segregation in schools was a victory for the civil rights movement, but it enraged Southern white leaders, school superintendents, parents and others.

Before the Brown v. Board ruling, Black teachers made up 35 to 50 percent of the workforce in the 17 states with segregated school systems, Education Week reported. Following the decision, many Black schools closed, thousands of Black educators were pushed out of the field and less-qualified white teachers replaced them, wrote Leslie Fenwick, the dean emerita of the Howard University School of Education and a professor of education policy, i n an op-ed for Politico.

The precipitous drop in the number of Black educators in the workforce was an unintended consequence of the ruling, said Tequilla Brownie, CEO of the nonprofit organization The New Teacher Project.

"Our nation's current lack of educator diversity is a direct result of Brown (v. Board)," Brownie said. "It had a devastating effect not only on the school building and its demographics but also on Black communities and families. Educators of color were the lynchpin to creating the middle class in communities."

Diversity in the workforce also limited opportunities for Latino educators after the 1947 Mendez vs. Westminster ruling, in which a circuit judge in California ruled the forced segregation among Mexican American and white students was unconstitutional. That case set a precedent for Brown v. Board of Education, according to the Zinn Education Project, a collaboration of historical content from the groups Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change.

There would be reverberations from both cases for decades to come.

Many other factors propel the teacher diversity imbalance

Beyond the landmark events, several factors limited access to the workforce for teachers of color, preventing them from entering the workforce, making their careers as educators difficult to sustain or pushing them out of the field, experts told USA TODAY. They include:

Teacher layoffs: Schools are laying off teachers en masse as they prepare to lose COVID-19 funding in the fall. Many schools hired educators of color in recent years who work at schools with "last in, first out" policies where the last teachers hired are laid off will be cut from their roles. (The financial cliff is expected to affect students of color and students of low-income communities most, research from the national nonprofit the Brookings Institution shows.)

Burnout and frustration: Over the last several years, some teachers of color have left the profession, citing burnout and low morale, pandemic-related stressors and a toxic climate amid political attacks on schools. Educators and education leaders of color conveyed to Sharhonda Bossier, CEO of Education Leaders of Color, that they are also worried about school safety issues, such as shootings and increased misbehavior among kids.

Financial concerns: Low pay, costly teacher training programs and difficult exams have prevented people of color interested in teaching from entering the workforce, several education experts told USA TODAY.

A lack of representation in leadership roles: U.S. schools face a pipeline issue, said Jean Desravines, CEO of New Leaders, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to train and develop "transformational, equity-minded" school leaders. Teachers of color are being blocked from leadership roles, which means they're missing the chance to lift up others, Desravines said.

Diversity, equity and inclusion program cuts: Conservative lawmakers passed measures requiring schools to axe their diversity, equity and inclusion programs which resulted in educators of color being cut from those jobs.

What's needed to close the gap?

To close the gap, American schools would need to hire about 1 million teachers of color and 30,000 leaders of color, according to an analysis of federal data from the school year 2017-2018. The analysis was published by the One Million Teachers of Color Campaign, which was created by a consortium of education organizations advocating for an increase in teacher diversity.

Education experts have outlined a number of ways the federal government, states and schools can work together to improve access for educators of color.

One approach would be to change how schools conduct layoffs: Some want to see schools remove "last in, first out" layoff policies to avoid pushing out teachers of color who are newly hired when funds disappear.

States could also fund programs that help recruit teachers of color, including "grow your own" programs which incentivize paraprofessionals to become teachers at the schools where they're already employed. Another solution: districts could fund teacher residencies that allow people with a bachelor's degree to teach alongside a teacher in a classroom while working to earn their certification or completing fellowships and apprenticeships.

Another route to fixing the imbalance would be to pay teachers better. Some people of color are worried that encouraging young people to enter into a teaching career with low-paying jobs will exacerbate the racial wealth gap, Bossier said. Bossier left her position as a teacher years ago, in part because of the earning gap she experienced among her peers. While working as a teacher, she recalled, she had to wait tables to supplement her income.

It would also help to invest in recruiting, training and hiring school leaders of color who would be more likely to hire, promote and support teachers whose backgrounds align with the demographics of their students, Desravines said.

One such funding source is readily available, according to Education Department Secretary Miguel Cardona. Cardona has also repeatedly called on states to spend COVID-19 funds to increase diversity in the teaching workforce. Some states have made investments in the teacher pipeline to close these gaps over the last few years. However, those funds are drying up soon - which leaves the trajectory of success uncertain.

One method experiencing success

In California, which has invested in teacher residency programs, Peter Watts' Village Initiative program provides Black male teachers with housing, mentorship and resources so they can teach in Los Angeles neighborhoods they live in and connect with the kids in their classrooms without worrying about financial strife.

One of the teachers in the program teaches U.S. history at a charter school in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and can afford to live there because of financial and mentorship support from the program, according to Watts from the Village Initiative.

Fontae Smith said he was inspired to pursue the role by the Black male teachers in the schools he grew up attending. Now, he's one of the only Black male educators at the school where he teaches - in a similar position to Lee at the middle school in Pennsylvania.

Smith and Lee both said they'd experienced uncomfortable comments or remarks about their race from students in their classrooms, but they felt the role was rewarding and could expose kids to Black male leaders they respected. Black teachers inspired both of them to enter the workforce.

"You have to be the type of person that's like, 'It's bigger than me,'" Smith said. He said it keeps him going to know he may inspire as many as 150 students each year and they will go on to inspire others.

"It spreads like wildfire," Smith said.

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

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There's a surprising reason why many schools don't have a single Black teacher

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Seventy years after Brown v. Board outlawed segregation in schools, there's a lingering imbalance in the teaching ranks, they lack educators of color.

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With the growing diversity in today's classrooms, some educators are worried about how they can create an inclusive environment for everyone. Understanding that everyone is different and learns differently can help both students and teachers in the classroom.

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Equity and inclusion in education are all about giving every student an equal opportunity to learn and grow. It's also about making sure every student feels valued and supported by their teachers and classmates. In essence, you're creating a learning environment where everyone can thrive.

Read on to learn more about fostering educational equity and tips for ongoing success.

Understanding the Importance of Equity and Inclusion in Education

As classrooms become increasingly diverse - thanks to global challenges like rising inequality, digital transformation, and refugee crises - there's a growing need for equity and inclusion in the education system. According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, 65% of school leaders are more concerned than ever about closing academic opportunity gaps that impact learning for students of different races, socioeconomic levels, disability categories, and English-learner statuses. An equitable approach goes beyond crossing ethnic and identity boundaries to ensure that every student has a fair shot at academic achievement.

Equity in Education

At its heart, educational equity means giving all students equal access to top-notch learning opportunities. It's about removing barriers and creating a level playing field, no matter a student's background, abilities, or circumstances. Fair education recognizes that each learner has unique needs and aims to support them in the best way possible.

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Inclusion in Education

Inclusion, on the other hand, emphasizes creating an environment where diversity isn't just accepted but celebrated. It involves embracing all the ways people are different - whether it's their culture, language, learning styles, or abilities. Inclusive education understands that these differences enrich learning and prepare students to reach improved educational outcomes and thrive in a diverse world.

Why These Principles Matter

So, why are equity and inclusion so crucial in a quality education system? The answer is simple: they have a huge impact on both individuals and society. When students have an equal opportunity for education, they're more likely to excel, pursue higher education, and make positive contributions to their communities.

Equitable education ensures that every student, no matter their background, feels valued and succeeds in school. It helps close the achievement gap and fosters a sense of belonging for all.

Inclusion goes hand in hand with equity by promoting empathy, respect, and understanding among students. It prepares them to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. Plus, it supports disabled and disadvantaged students by creating an environment where they can fully participate and reach their potential.

Ultimately, these principles lay the groundwork for a fair and just society. As UNESCO puts it, " Every learner matters and matters equally."

Overcoming Barriers to Equity in Schools Today

To create an equitable learning environment, schools must tackle several key barriers head-on. Here's a look at these challenges and how to address them:

Socioeconomic hurdles: Poverty and lack of resources can hold underserved students back. Schools can step up by offering extra support and resources to help all learners reach academic achievement.

Cultural and language gaps: Students from diverse backgrounds might feel left out or misunderstood. Teachers can make a big difference by using culturally responsive teaching and providing language support.

Learning differences: Every student learns differently. For disabled or disadvantaged students with unique learning needs, personalized learning plans and accessible resources are key to helping them thrive.‍

Bias and discrimination: Bias and discrimination can create inequity. Schools should minimize this through diversity training and a commitment to equity and inclusion at all levels.

8 Key Steps for Building Equity and Inclusion in Education

To close the equity gap and create a fair and inclusive educational environment, stakeholders and educators need to take thoughtful action. Here are eight crucial steps to enhance fairness and ensure every learner feels valued:

1. Understand and Recognize Diversity

Dive deep into understanding the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and needs of your students. Recognizing this diversity allows for tailored approaches that support every learner's unique experiences and perspectives.

2. Create an Inclusive Policy Framework

Develop a policy framework that embeds fairness and inclusion at every level of the school system. Governments should review how education is managed, funded, and overseen to ensure all students' needs are met.

3. Design Fair Funding Approaches

Implement funding plans that focus on equity and inclusiveness. This means balancing regular and targeted funding to avoid issues like redundant programs, disorganization, and inefficiencies.

4. Equip Teachers for Inclusive Teaching

Ensure that teacher training and professional development emphasize equity and inclusion. This helps educators embrace diversity and create supportive classroom environments.

5. Engage All Stakeholders for Inclusive Education

Engage teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups in promoting equitable access and inclusive policies. Collaboration helps build understanding and improves the learning environment for everyone.

6. Tailor Support for Individual Student Needs

Provide personalized support to meet the unique needs of each student. This might include specialized learning plans and access to psychological services to aid their education outcomes.

7. Ensure Equitable Access to Resources

Guarantee that all students have access to necessary resources, including technology, learning materials, and extracurricular opportunities. This helps level the playing field and ensures that no student is left behind.

8. Make Education Flexible

Make sure education systems are flexible and responsive to individual needs. This can involve offering:

A range of class options

Inclusive curricula

Diverse teaching methods, like one-on-one or small-group instruction

7 Practical Ways Teachers Can Make the Classroom More Equitable and Inclusive

Promoting fairness and inclusion in the classroom ensures every student has equal opportunities to learn and feel like they belong. Here are seven practical tips to help educational leadership foster equity and inclusion:

1. Start With Yourself

Start by examining your own beliefs and biases. Stay curious about different cultures and backgrounds, and be open to learning from diverse perspectives.

2. Set Clear Rules

Make sure every student understands the classroom rules, which should focus on respect and openness to differences.

3. Use Diverse Materials and Teaching Styles

Use learning materials and activities that reflect the diversity of your students. Since everyone learns differently, mix up your teaching methods and present various viewpoints.

4. Incorporate a Dynamic Classroom Setup

Arrange the classroom to encourage collaboration. This might mean rearranging desks to promote group work and interaction.

5. Let Students Choose

Involve students in choosing topics and learning strategies. Allowing them to express their interests and share their experiences boosts their sense of autonomy and engagement.

6. Make Room for Learning Styles and Disabilities

Ensure your classroom supports various learning styles and disabilities by:

Presenting information in multiple formats (e.g., verbal, aural, and visual)

Reading test instructions aloud

Providing transcripts for multimedia content

Using a range of media, like movies and audiobooks

Offering supplementary materials, such as illustrations and glossaries

Ensuring technology is accessible (e.g., adjustable screen brightness, and enlarged text)

7. Find Help

Look for resources designed to help create a more equitable and inclusive classroom. Learn how to use these tools to improve your teaching practices.

By applying these strategies, you'll help ensure that every student has a fair chance to learn and feel included in your classroom community.

Measuring and Evaluating Your School's Equity Efforts

You can measure and evaluate the impact of your school district's equity initiatives by:

Setting clear goals and benchmarks: Establish specific objectives and benchmarks to gauge the success of your equity efforts.

Collecting and analyzing data: Regularly gather data on student performance and experiences to get a clear picture of how your initiatives are performing.

Adjusting strategies as needed: Use the insights from your data to tweak and enhance your strategies, ensuring they align with your goals.

Celebrating successes: Recognize and celebrate milestones to keep the momentum going and motivate continued progress.

A Collaborative Path Toward Equity and Inclusion

Achieving equity and inclusiveness in education is essential, especially in today's diverse classrooms. Schools need to equip educational leadership with the right training and resources to embrace these crucial concepts.

It all starts with self-reflection and adopting strategies that celebrate differences. Teachers are key to this effort, and schools can leverage powerful tools to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.

If you're looking for new ways to enhance the student learning experience, consider automating tasks and streamlining processes to give teachers more time to focus on teaching. Education Advanced offers a range of tools designed to help, including:

Testhound: Our test accommodation software helps schools manage thousands of students across state and local assessments, accommodating various needs like reading disabilities, physical disabilities, and translations.

Pathways: Our college and career readiness software assists administrators and counselors in creating, tracking, and analyzing graduation pathways to keep students on track.‍

Evaluation: Our teacher evaluation software streamlines the evaluation process with features for documenting walk-throughs, self-evaluations, supporting evidence, reporting, and performance analytics.

‍

‍ Original Publish Date October 26, 2023 | Updated August 14, 2024

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What Is Equity in Education? Strategies for Schools and Teachers in 2024

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Explore key strategies for promoting equitable education with practical tips and strategies, ensuring every student thrives and feels valued.

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Promoting an inclusive environment in the classroom is very beneficial for students in many different ways. As educators, it is very important to create an inclusive environment for all students.

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It's been a little more than 60 years since Brown vs. Board of Education, one of the most important Supreme Court cases in the history of the United States. The decision made it illegal to segregate public schools on the basis of race. That cornerstone decision of the civil rights movement has played a major role in breaking down racial barriers in the decades since. It has also enabled social scientists to study how diversity in the classroom leads to students' increased cultural understanding, stronger critical thinking skills and enhanced creativity, which all better prepare them for adulthood.

The National Education Association reports that 2014 was the first year in which the majority of students in American public schools represented racial and ethnic minorities. In addition, the Southern Education Foundation found that in 2013, a full 51 percent of public school children were from low-income families. While student demographics vary greatly across the country, there is no question that cultural respect and inclusion are values that matter greatly in the modern classroom. Those considering enrolling in a Doctorate in Education (EdD) program should seek out one that emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity in the classroom, and the benefits they can provide.

Exploring the Benefits of Classroom Diversity and Inclusion

Diverse schools feature differences in ethnicity, socioeconomic class, religion, reading level, athletic ability, background, gender, personality, and much more. Strong EdD programs teach educators to value the unique aspects of what makes each student different, and helps them embrace those differences in the classroom.

An in-depth research review of dozens of other studies on diversity-conducted by The Century Foundation, a New York-based think tank-found that having different and divergent perspectives can create positive learning outcomes. Those outcomes, explored below, can have benefits that reflect well beyond students' graduation and can impact their lives going forward.

Diversity Improves Cognitive Skills and Critical Thinking

The presence of diversity in the classroom allows students to consider perspectives and opinions beyond those they've already formed or were shaped in early life by family and friends. By presenting students with viewpoints far different from their own, it gives them the opportunity to think critically about their own beliefs and examine the world in fresh ways. As noted by an article in Scientific American, exposure to diversity alters the way individuals think by promoting creativity and innovation, as well as decision-making and problem-solving skills. As the article summarizes, "Diversity jolts us into cognitive action in ways that homogeneity simply does not."

Exposure to Diversity Helps Students Enter Adulthood

When students enter the professional world, they join a vast and diverse workforce. Interacting with people of all different backgrounds and mindsets can present a challenge without prior exposure to diversity, especially at a younger age. Companies are taking note of their employees' ability to handle diversity with grace and maturity; 96 percent of major employers, according to the Century Foundation, say it is vital that employees are able to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Diversity Prepares Students for Citizenship

As part of the Century Foundation's research study on diversity, the authors reviewed 27 different studies about the effects of diversity on people's willingness to interact with and improve their local community-a concept known as civic engagement. The study found that experiences with diversity in college do lead to increased civic engagement. This indicates the more involved citizens are with their government and political landscape, and the more educated they become about government processes, the more informed decisions they can make about how they are governed. As the U.S. Department of Education notes, students' experiences with diversity help mold them into more engaged citizens.

At its core, creativity is all about bringing together different ideas and transforming them to make something new, unique, and personal. The more ideas and experiences people are exposed to, the more creative they can be. Indeed, Scientific American cites a study conducted by several research professors who found that groups with racial diversity significantly outperformed groups without diversity in a problem-solving scenario. In professional and nonprofessional situations that call for creativity, it is a wise choice to bring together diverse perspectives.

Discover How to Encourage Inclusivity and Diversity as an Educator

As has been discussed, diversity in the classroom has numerous positive benefits for students, but how can educators ensure their pupils are getting the most out of interacting with their diverse peers? Well-trained educators, like those with an EdD, are equipped with the tools to encourage the exchange of ideas and interpersonal understanding. No matter what level of education, elementary school teachers through college professors can all utilize the following strategies to benefit their classrooms.

Learn about Students' Cultural Backgrounds

Classroom students aren't the only ones who can benefit from learning about what makes them diverse. According to the NDT Resource Center, an academic source committed to nondestructive evaluation, educators should also get to know their students and what makes them unique, thereby discovering the viewpoint from which they see the world and their personal learning style. For an educator, understanding cultural diversity in the classroom is a crucial part of being able to anticipate where certain lessons might lead, or any issues that might arise between students of different backgrounds. Educators can establish a tone of inclusion, emphasizing that all perspectives are valuable.

Create a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment

An educator who properly creates a culturally responsive environment will have fostered a classroom where students become respectful and understanding of cultures different from their own. Those students are typically more willing to listen respectfully to different viewpoints, rather than mock, scorn, or fear the unfamiliar. The best way for educators to achieve this, according to The Edvocate, is to teach students that people who do not look the same as them-or who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds, follow different religious traditions, speak different languages, or have a different sexual orientation or gender identity-are still just the same as them on the inside.

Allow Students to Learn about Their Community

Learning about one's own culture is just as important as learning about others when it comes to developing cultural understanding among students. Educators with a strong teaching background such as an EdD can facilitate projects for their students that encourage them to get to know their own history. The NDT Resource Center suggests activities such as visiting community landmarks of importance to their culture, and interviewing important members of their community. Students can then be given the opportunity to share what they discover with their classmates.

Establish a Zero-Indifference Negative Behavior Policy

In recent years, schools have enacted zero-tolerance policies in an attempt to curb bullying, harassment, and intimidation. However, the tide is now shifting toward zero-indifference policies instead, according to GLSEN. Zero-indifference is an alternative that promotes safety in schools by consistently and firmly addressing disrespectful behavior. Unlike zero-tolerance, in which a first offense results in punishments as harsh as suspension or expulsion, zero-indifference allows the teacher to use culturally insensitive moments as opportunities for learning and understanding. The Tolerance.org project of the Southern Poverty Law Center recommends zero-indifference policies when it comes to addressing bullying and harassment, as does the Anti-Defamation League; the American Civil Liberties Union; the Respect for All Project; and the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network-according to research by Jacqueline Leung on the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs.

Learn How to Foster Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

Teachers who wish to be at the forefront of their profession should have a strong foundation in understanding diversity and how to create an environment of inclusion in the classroom. To accomplish this, educators would do well to explore an award-winning education program, such as American University's Online Doctorate of Education. The curriculum is designed to provide educators with the tools and understanding to adapt to any classroom, regardless of its diverse student makeup-and to ultimately foster a wider appreciation of our human differences.

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The Benefits of Inclusion and Diversity in the Classroom | American University

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Diversity in the classroom benefits students for life. Explore how American University's online EdD program teaches cultural diversity in the classroom.

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Children who have experienced trauma often have diverse needs that teachers should be informed on in their classrooms. All students can benefit from the inclusive environment that these teachers create.

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In partnership with our friends at SHARE professional learning.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as a widespread health problem that " occurs as a result of violence, traumatic experiences abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war and other emotionally harmful experiences." Traumatic circumstances can occur singly as an acute event or occur repeatedly as with situations of neglect and abuse. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, working in coordination with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, more than 38% of children in each state have suffered a traumatic event ranging from the death of a parent to living with someone with substance addiction. These children then show up in the classroom, armed with their backpacks and pencils, as well as their fears and chronic - some experts say 'toxic' - stress. For this reason, educators nationwide must begin to foster trauma-sensitive classrooms where the diverse needs of children can be met with empathy and support. This is where trauma-informed professional development can come to the rescue.

What Causes Trauma?

Trauma can take a wide range of forms. As mentioned, it can stem from abuse and neglect at home, but it can also result from an assault outside of the home. According to recent statistics, four out of ten students report they've been the victim of an assault. One in four children say they've been the victim of a robbery or vandalism. Witnessing violence or other traumatic events like natural disasters can be traumatic for children.

The Trauma-Informed Approach

To better address trauma-related issues, SAMHSA has developed a framework to help trauma survivors, families, and communities understand the connections between suffered trauma and behavioral health. With the trauma-informed approach, educators learn how to identify signs of trauma as well as how to foster an environment that does not re-trigger traumatic feelings and impede healing and recovery. For classrooms to embrace this approach, administrations are tasked to support the initiative, including making provisions for class training.

6 Key Elements of a Trauma-Informed Approach

SAMHSA outlines six key elements of a trauma-informed approach that include:

Benefits of the Trauma-Informed Approach

In classrooms that embrace a trauma-informed approach to learning, there are some key benefits for the students as well as the instructor. All students, those suffering from trauma and those who are not, benefit from a supportive environment that emphasizes empowerment, trust, safety, etc. Students who are coping with traumatic events benefit from instructors who are tuned into their needs and trained to foster collaboration. This includes looping in professional mental health providers, such as counselors, when necessary to enhance support for students who may be struggling. Teachers benefit from this collaboration. Plus, additional training helps them better manage traumatized kids, helping children avoid negative behaviors in favor of healthier coping methods.

Professional Development for a Trauma-Informed Classroom

To develop a trauma-informed classroom, teachers need training. Both schools and individual teachers need to consider the many benefits of professional development in this field. For current teachers, continuing education that foster trauma-informed learning environments can help. With the right training and support, teachers can expect to be able to:

Learn to identify traumatic behaviors in students

Create a consistent classroom structure

Teach students self-care and learn self-resilience strategies for educators

Design a learning environment that benefits all students, including those who have experienced trauma

Online education modalities for teachers are becoming more prevalent. School districts that are contemplating this type of professional development must consider elements such as program cost, schedule, and expert legitimacy. While a conference may provide excellent introductory material on the topic for educators, it's most likely online coursework that will give districts the building blocks they need to create a comprehensive program for their schools.

Online courses devoted to the topic and multi-session programs are good examples of post-conference approaches to trauma-informed professional development. There are platforms and resources available today to help teachers and schools develop trauma-informed classrooms. One of those platforms is SHARE professional learning.

Designed For Teachers

SHARE is an online learning platform that:

Enables teachers to discover trauma's effects on the body and brain, manage stress in the classroom, and cultivate resilience in themselves, their students, and the community

Guides the creation of learning activities and materials to use in the classroom

Connects educators with other teachers concerned about trauma and resilience in education

Course Overview

Course Module

Course Discussion

Course Assignment

Easy Management For Administrators

SHARE makes implementation fast and easy. From system access to all the whys and hows, their team handles all the details.

Custom landing page for each district partner

Completely web-based solution

Fast and easy enrollment process-teachers can begin working immediately

Certificates of completion featuring teacher time on task

Reporting engine for district HR / PD stakeholders

Try SHARE for Free
(and receive a Certificate of Completion)

Want to try SHARE for free? "Teaching Through the Coronavirus Pandemic" is a free, 90-minute self-paced course that discusses the stress caused by responses to COVID-19, such as quarantine and social distancing, and provides strategies to help teachers and their students remain strong during the pandemic.

Register Here

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Trauma-Informed PD: Necessary for All Educators | Resilient Educator

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In partnership with our friends at SHARE professional learning. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as a widespread health problem that " occurs as a result of violence, traumatic experiences abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war and other emotionally harmful experiences."

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There are many different tactics that educators can use to create an inclusive environment for students who have experienced trauma. Encouraging teachers to be informed on these practices can help create a more inclusive environment.

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Trauma-Informed Practices (TIP) have been a topic of interest and need for the past several years. Researchers have defined TIP as a set of practices that address the impact of trauma by creating a safe and caring environment. Trauma-informed practices focus on creating a safe school culture, building relationships, and supporting students' self-efficacy. Despite the plethora of research on trauma-informed practices, sometimes research-based practices are disconnected from the daily needs of educators in the field.

Below is a list of common Trauma-Informed practices that educators can implement across all educational settings. This list has been reviewed by a group of educators representing education support professionals, teachers, and specialized instructional support personnel.

Support students from the bus stop to the classroom (and beyond!)
Using trauma-informed practices across all educational spaces can help educators collaborate to support student mental and physical health.Supporting students across settings helps to foster a positive school climate where students feel safe and confident. Be intentional in supporting families and community members in understanding and using trauma-informed practices for long-term student success.

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No matter where you work in our school communities, you can use these practices to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

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When creating an inclusive classroom for students with special needs, it is important to assess the type of disability the student has, and what accommodations can be made for that student.

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Inclusive education involves teaching all students in the same age-appropriate general education classroom at their local school, regardless of the challenges they face. The philosophy of inclusive education promotes the idea that students with disabilities are just as competent as students without disabilities. Successful inclusive education for students with disabilities involves accepting their differences, ensuring they feel supported and encouraging them to participate fully in the classroom.

Take a look at the benefits of inclusive education and what strategies teachers can use to ensure classrooms are welcoming and accessible to all students.

Benefits of inclusive classrooms

Students with or without disabilities benefit from inclusive education in a variety of ways. For instance, teaching students with special needs in inclusive classrooms can lead to:

Greater academic gains in literacy, math, and social studies

Better communication and social skills

Fewer absences

Less disruptive behavior

More motivation to work and learn

Research shows that students without special needs also benefit from learning alongside those with special needs, developing both their cognitive and social abilities. This is generally because inclusive classrooms can enable new learning opportunities to emerge. Serving as a peer coach, for instance, can enable students without special needs to improve their own academic performance by helping others learn.

Classroom teachers can start by providing instruction using learning modalities that cater to a diverse range of learners, which should end up benefiting all students in a general classroom.

Creating an inclusive classroom for students with disabilities

When developing inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities, it's crucial to review the individual education plan (IEP) of each student before incorporating new methods. The type of disability that a student has can determine what strategies work best.

Learning disabilities

Students with learning disabilities succeed academically when given specific remedial instructions. This could involve breaking down an assignment into smaller steps, using diagrams or pictures to emphasize directions and modeling instructions to help students visualize what they need to do.

Scaffolding practices can also make a difference. Start with an explicit instruction to help students acquire a new skill before easing them into the next learning segment. Asking students about their processes and encouraging them to monitor their own progress can help them better grasp what they're learning.

Down syndrome

Full-inclusion special education for students with Down syndrome should involve a multisensory-based program. Multisensory instruction engages more than one sense at a time, such as pairing visuals with auditory instructions or demonstrations of how to complete a task.

Breaking instructions into smaller steps and repeating small chunks of information can make it easier for students to retain what they're reading or viewing. Because students with Down syndrome learn at a slower pace than their peers, allowing adequate response time ensures they have a chance to apply what they've learned on their own.

Autism

Students with autism may have sensory processing difficulties and need quieter classrooms, dimmer lights, and minimal smells to participate fully. Creating designated learning areas can provide students with a distraction-free zone to focus on their work. Using visuals to establish classroom boundaries or explain activities can better communicate expectations and help students become more independent.

Health impairments

Health impairments can be due to a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, epilepsy, ADHD, and seizure disorder. Each condition comes with unique impairments and modifying the classroom with technology can make it easier for students to learn and communicate. Providing assignments electronically or audio-recording lessons helps students access materials on their own if they find it difficult to focus. Peer coaches can also provide guidance during hands-on activities for students with physical limitations.

Emotional disturbances

Students who suffer from Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBDs) may find it difficult to practice impulse control or interact with other students. Providing clear classroom guidelines and implementing a reward system that recognizes positive behavior can influence students to engage with their peers and do well in their lessons.

EBD students may also struggle to focus for long periods. Providing mini-breaks or extra time to finish assignments throughout the school day gives students a chance to burn off excess energy or catch up with the rest of the class.

Orthopedic impairments

Classroom accessibility is one of the major challenges students with orthopedic impairments face. If the student is in a wheelchair, they may require special tables or seats to participate comfortably. Writing aids, such as pencil grips or special paper, can benefit students with upper limb disabilities. Teachers may also need to modify lesson plans and class activities for accessibility. For instance, assigning a peer mentor or special tasks the student can accomplish on their own while still being part of the group can help them feel included.

Hearing impairments

Students with a hearing impairment may require assistive devices, such as an induction loop or a transmitter with a clip-on microphone worn by the teacher, to succeed in the classroom. Written materials and captioned videos can make it easier for students to understand instructions.

Assigning students with hearing loss a seat in the front row ensures they have a clear view of the whiteboard, projector, or instructor, especially if they lip-read. Teachers can take an extra step by facing the class instead of the board when lecturing and allowing students to record lectures to better access information.

Visual impairments

Inclusive activities for visually-impaired students require verbal instruction for them to participate fully. Alternative options may need to be offered if the activities are off-campus. Supplying course materials electronically can also help students adapt information to a more suitable format, such as audio.

Because students with visual impairments may take longer to read or complete assignments, making a weekly or monthly schedule can help them plan accordingly and get a head start if they wish. Providing audio-recorded comments on tasks instead of written comments can make feedback and instruction more accessible.

Multiple disabilities

Students can have multiple physical or mental disabilities that make the classroom environment more difficult to navigate. Rather than rigidly sticking to a singular program for all students to follow, provide students with disabilities an individualized schedule with alternative assignments or tasks that align with their needs. Ensuring there are minimal distractions in the classroom and that class materials are available in multiple formats can help students stay focused and get the information they need. Having a separate, quieter room available for exams or other solo tasks can help students successfully complete their work in a distraction-free zone.

Conclusion

Inclusive classrooms offer a plethora of advantages for students with disabilities, as well as those without. By introducing certain teaching strategies and adapting the instruction to guarantee access, students can have an improved educational experience. For instance, individualized timetables for a range of impairments and providing course material electronically for those with visual impairments can help generate a learning atmosphere that caters to everyone's needs. All in all, inclusive classrooms can help cultivate a feeling of fellowship and acceptance, allowing for a more fulfilling learning experience.

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Tags: Early Childhood and Elementary (Grades: PreK-5), Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology, High School (Grades: 9-12), Leadership and Administration, Mid-Career Teacher, New Teacher, Professional Development, Special Education

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Inclusive Education for Special Needs Students | Resilient Educator

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Inclusive education involves teaching all students in the same age-appropriate general education classroom at their local school, regardless of the challenges they face. The philosophy of inclusive education promotes the idea that students with disabilities are just as competent as students without disabilities.

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There are many benefits to creating a classroom inclusive to student with special needs. Students with special needs can meet the same education goals as their peers if given the proper resources.

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The University of Texas Permian Basin | UTPB

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Creating an Inclusive Classroom in Special Education | UT Permian Basin Online

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Classroom inclusion for special needs provides improved learning environments for students with disabilities. It’s just one topic covered in UTPB’s online MA in special education program.

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Creating an Inclusive Classroom in Special Education