At Compass Charter Schools (Compass), we believe everyone deserves access to personalized learning. Because diversity and equity are essential to our tuition-free TK-12 public schools, serving Los Angeles, San Diego, Yolo, and surrounding counties, we’d like to share a few teaching essentials for a well-rounded and inclusive learning journey.
Diversity 101
First, we need to acknowledge all the areas we embrace diversity and opportunities to teach scholars that everyone belongs. Diversity includes:
- Race. Scholars see different skin tones. What they learn is how we interact with or embrace people with different skin tones, now and throughout history.
- Sexual orientation and gender identity. Scholars may develop an understanding of their sexual and gender identities as they grow through grade levels. This is normal.
- Ethnicity. Ethnicity includes culture and heritage that form a community and family. Scholars learn how race and ethnicity are not the same.
- Religion. Scholars learn there are many religions, beliefs, and practices of sects within religions around the world.
- Economics. Tuition-free public schools accept scholars from all levels of income. Scholars learn that quality people are not defined by financial status.
- Language. For some scholars, English is a second language. Primary English speaking scholars can learn other languages too as a way to embrace common ground with fellow scholars.
Incorporating DEI into Lessons
To create an inclusive and equitable environment, learning coaches (parents) may include diversity-based lessons and mindful activities to provide opportunities for scholars to practice empathy, tolerance, and acceptance. By creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance of others, learning coaches support scholars in learning to build a more tolerant and just society.
Belonging
Belonging means feeling safe and seen for who you are. Teachers and learning coaches can foster a sense of belonging by creating a safe environment of empathy, acceptance, and connection in every scholar’s experience, including in a scholar-led club, field trip, learning center, and community. Practicing and teaching active listening, being curious, and avoiding assumptions are a few ways to encourage an environment of inclusion and belonging.
Leading by Example and Leaning in
Teaching “taboo” topics without fear is critical to solving social problems. Learning coaches can lead by example by modeling inclusive behaviors and encouraging scholars to discuss difficult topics openly, without shame. Scholars at any age can learn these topics at an appropriate level. Consider the difference between Fair, Equal, and Equity. Let’s use the example of a field trip to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Every scholar who signs up equally attends the same tour (everyone considered the same). The field trip provides equitable learning experiences for all learning types – visual, auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic (different needs for the same learning outcome). It is fair to give one scholar extra breaks as needed to handle their anxiety and fear of heights (impartial and without favoritism).
Creating an inclusive and equitable environment is a practice, not a theory, and requires ongoing effort and commitment to ensure all scholars feel safe, valued, and that they belong. As the Gold Standard for Personalized Learning, we feel it is an essential practice. The benefits are tremendous and rewarding for lifelong learning. Are you looking for excellence in personalized learning? Join us at Compass today!
About Compass
Compass Charter Schools (Compass) is the Gold Standard in Personalized Learning for innovative, creative self-learners. We celebrate diversity & equity in our tuition-free public school – every scholar belongs in our tailored education programs: Online and Options home study. As one of California’s leading WASC-accredited virtual charter schools of choice, we nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning. Every TK-12 scholar and learning coach (our term for parents) is fully supported with in-house counselors, welcoming staff, and talented accredited teachers. Additionally, we are the only virtual Purple Star School in California, and one of few virtual AVID programs in the nation. Join our collaborative virtual learning community. Rise and Soar with our Firebirds – Enroll with Compass today!