Let’s talk about diversity

Sharon Bramlett-Solomon associate professor with Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication began her presentation on diversity by defining her top three Es – explanation, expectation and evaluation. But before exploring how to convey your commitment to diversity, let’s look at why a commitment is needed. Why would your school dedicate resources into drafting an official policy? Why would you spend time and energy ingraining diversity into the very fiber of your class culture? The answer goes further than building community or in many cases – because it’s the law. As teachers, our role is not simply getting to the end of the district assigned textbook or increasing test scores. Our true task is producing well-rounded, contributing members of society. This includes the ability to connect with people who don’t look like you. Omitting this lesson will leave our student ill equipped to deal with situations at college, and in the long term, in the workplace. This video may help start the diversity conversation in your classroom. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taNBM4pmzoM&feature=youtu.be

Claudia Solórzano

Wharton High School

Tampa, Fla