Small Bites Friday Five 08-7-20:
20-30m – Watch the rest of Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise on PBS.
15-20m – Check out Burbank High School’s curated Justice in June resources.
10-15m –Reflect on Kellie Bahri’s ITEA (Inquiry-Truth-Empathy-Action) learning framework and article.
5-10m – Watch Kenyona “Sunny” Matthews talk about how she hates diversity. Funny and poignant.
0-5m – Pick a Small Bites episode or blog you missed and catch up.
While talking to Chuck Poole on a recent episode of his Teacher Summit live series, we started talking about the HUGE difference between two words that are often used interchangeably, ‘diversity’ and ‘equity’.
When talking about education in the classroom or workplace, the Big Three, diversity, equity and inclusion or, ‘DEI’, are always a part of the conversation. So often do we use the three terms together, in fact, that they have come to mean the same thing in the hearts and minds of many.
Let’s be clear, those terms are not coequal. Diversity means we all have a seat at the table. But equity means that each person at the table is being served dinner. Further, the dinner meets the unique needs of each individual. Is it equitable to serve a Philly cheesesteak to someone who is gluten and lactose intolerant? Umm, no. Is it equitable to serve turkey and dressing to a vegan? Again, no. Well meaning offerings to diverse students without understanding and considering their unique needs will never lead to equity.
Some ways to better understand the needs of diverse students:
- Learn about history from diverse perspectives.
- Explore and teach literature through a culturally diverse lens.
- Be aware and focused on the changes teaching and learning have undergone.
Until we start focusing on the needs of diverse students in all the ways they are diverse, we will be able to celebrate diversity but not reap the benefits of equity.
Small Bites Episode 10!
Next week, join me for a frank conversation on equity and social justice for the new school year. Bring your questions and I’ll see you on YouTube at 8PM Central–LIVE!