Learn about diversity and equity together
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Establishing a caring, supportive, and respectful class climate’
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Recognise diversity as a strength
Recognise diversity as a strength
“Diversity” needs to be recognised as a strength for a future-oriented learning system, something to be actively fostered, not a weakness that lowers the system’s performance.
Diversity encompasses everyone’s variations and differences, including their cultures and backgrounds.
Rachel Bolstad and Jane Gilbert, with Sue McDowall, Ally Bull, Sally Boyd and Rosemary Hipkins
Plan for all learners
Plan for all learners
Ask student what inclusion means to them.
Allow their experiences to shape your teaching.
Consider markers of difference
Consider markers of difference
In Springboards to Practice, students identify common markers of difference.
Survey your own students.
- timetables
- lunchtime experiences
- the language and messages used in the school about disability or learning support
- physical access to playgrounds and buildings
- pull-out programmes
- planning for trips
- technology use
- how mobility support is offered to the student
Ask students what can help
Ask students what can help
A student with dyslexia outlines how teachers could support him in class.
Consider the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Consider the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
“The concept of 'diversity' is central to the (BES) synthesis. This frame rejects the notion of a 'normal' group and 'other' or minority groups of children and constitutes diversity and difference as central to the classroom endeavour and central to the focus of quality teaching in Aotearoa, New Zealand. It is fundamental to the approach taken to diversity in New Zealand education that it honours the Treaty of Waitangi.”
Useful resources
Useful resources
Springboards 2 Practice: Belonging
Studies both overseas and in New Zealand have found that students with disabilities don’t always experience a sense of belonging in their relationships with others in their classes and schools.
Download PDF (1.6 MB)
The Same Game
The Same Game is a set of resources, big book, audio, and teacher notes, intended to help foster the curriculum principles of diversity and inclusion. The Same Game is intended to support students to recognise and appreciate their similarities and differences.
Publisher: Social Sciences Online
Index for Inclusion: Developing learning and participation in schools
A set of materials to guide schools through a process of inclusive school development.
Publisher: Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Establish a respectful class climate”:
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Return to the guide “Developing an inclusive classroom culture ”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Inclusive classroom culture
Strategies for action:
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Value what each student bringsShow suggestions for Value what each student brings
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Establish a respectful class climateShow suggestions for Establish a respectful class climate
- Learn about diversity and equity together
- Have high expectations
- Support student leadership
- Strengthen a supportive peer culture
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Plan for everyone to participate and achieveShow suggestions for Plan for everyone to participate and achieve
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Take a community approachShow suggestions for Take a community approach
