WELLBEING and regularly discussed . Educating children to be open-minded and respectful of diversity often starts with understanding the language they use . Their slang expressions can often reflect casual racism , homophobia , or ableism , for example , and keeping up with the changing expressions can be hard . But it is worth the effort . As important as picking up on language ( or a gesture ) which is disrespectful to others is recognising and dealing with comments based on stereotypes in a sensitive yet visible manner .
• Knowledge construction : School leaders should view concepts , events and issues from the perspectives and experiences of a range of racial , ethnic , and cultural groups . This is vital when writing school policies and devising procedures leading from those policies . The more diverse the community , the easier it is to harness the knowledge within the community to help shape the way leaders view decision making . Having someone in the school leadership who is responsible for equity , diversity and inclusion also ensures that this lens is deployed for every decision made . This also helps with the last element :
• Empowering school culture and social structure : This involves shaping school culture and organisation to foster equity and empowerment . It is vital that all members of the community have a voice in this work which will help guarantee that the culture of the school is truly reflective of the diversity of its members . Surveys and affinity groups for pupils and staff enable time for these weighty subjects to be considered and discussed . Open communication is then required to ensure that everyone is aware of both the representation and the work undertaken as a result .
Conclusion
Conventional methods of education through assimilation to a dominant culture are not suited to a society which values global perspective , and which is characterised by rapidly changing economic , social and cultural conditions . If we are to educate pupils who can flourish in such an environment , one where they are equipped to challenge inequalities and the prejudice which causes them , then schools must move to an educational model which values diversity and , therefore , fosters international understanding and social justice .
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