School leaders' roles in promoting diversity and equity in education

DIVERSITY

Defining Diversity

Diversity is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: "the condition of being diverse; especially in the inclusion of 'diverse' people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization…an instance of being diverse." (2009) This work will examine the principles and approaches of diversity learned to assist with working on future issues and similar characteristics and will relate the information required for understanding diversity

School Leaders and Diversity

The school leader understands the critical nature of diversity and equitable treatment in a democratic society. (Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards, 2009) a school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources. (Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards, 2009)

Diversity in the school community is beneficial in creating a learning environment that is safe and supportive and that prepares students to become members of society. Diversity means that all individuals receive fair treatment and that they are allotted respect and dignity.

III. Characteristics of Diversity

Diversity is characterized by consideration that is given to the learning experience for all individuals and is an element that enriches the learning experience and the school. School leaders know that diversity is to be valued and shows this through demonstration of "appreciation for and sensitivity to diversity in the school community. (Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards, 2009)

IV. Modeling Respect for Diversity

Harris (2006) states in the work entitled: "BRAVO Principals" published by Education World that school principals "model respect for diversity when they engage their faculties in addressing issues of identity so that children have successful role models that represent all ethnic groups. Diversity can be integrated across the curriculum by encouraging faculty to seek out guest speakers who represent different ethnicities and to incorporate literature by authors of Hispanic, African-American, American Indian, Middle Eastern, and other origins. Another way to ensure a curriculum that reflects the student body is to involve faculty in evaluating texts; do they include a broad range of historic events, not just those that are Eurocentric?" (Harris, 2006)

According to Harris (2006) that which is often the root cause in situations involving bullying or harassment of peers at school is "a lack of appreciation for diversity." Harris states that principals who "take a stand and advocate for all students build relationships with our "different" students and make them feel part of the school community. At the same time they take a giant step toward establishing a school atmosphere that reduces bullying and values diversity." (2006)

The work of Sanchez, Thornton, and Usinger (2008) entitled: "Promoting Diversity in Public Education Leadership' identifies an existing 'gap' between "skills and knowledge developed by principal preparation programs and the skills and knowledge needed by leaders…" Sanchez, Thornton and Usinger additionally state "In combination with specific components to preparation programs, there are general skills and knowledge that education leaders need." (2008)