School News

 

Diversity Discussions

Area Elementary Schools Gather to Discuss Diversity
 
Twenty (20) teachers and staff members from Lowell joined colleagues from area elementary schools to discuss issues of diversity and multicultural education on Thursday, January 28. The idea for the event, featuring an Open Space discussion protocol, was hatched at the NAIS People of Color Conference, which seven members of the Lowell community attended in December.
 
There were over 100 educators present at the event, which was hosted by Sidwell Friends Lower School. An Open Space protocol was used to structure the discussion, with topics brought forward from those in attendance. Resources were shared, and participants were passionate to continue the dialogue. Topics included:
 
  • How can we do a better job helping kids [children who may be the “only”] belong rather than “fit in”? 
  • “Black Boys”
  • LGBTQ issues in lower school
  • Age-appropriateness in diversity discussions or curriculum
  • Cultural competency as part of the curriculum
  • Bridge the divisional divide
  • Best practices for sustaining the diversity discussion
  • Talking about bias in age-appropriate ways
  • Gender messages sent implicitly and explicitly
  • Stereotypes and micro-aggressions 
  • Balancing the need for identity with need for individuality
  • Taking action! (because it is the right thing to do)
  • Affinity groups in lower school
 
Schools in attendance included Lowell, Alexandria Country Day School, Green Acres School, The River School, Washington International School, Sidwell Friends School, and many others.
 
Representatives from schools will gather again on Mar. 31 to keep the conversation going!
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