Like music bares the soul of the musician, like dance shares the individual vulnerabilities of the dancer, like the stage is home for the actor – the art of mural-making reaches far beyond that of words. Murals express personal feelings and beliefs, explore cultural heritages, and send messages that are common amongst all people – things that mere words cannot adequately explain because they communicate in the universally understood language of art. Read the rest of this entry »
The Cultural Reach of Murals
Asian Americans and their Gifts to America
Have you ever wondered what America would be like without the creativity inspired by other cultures? Ours is a nation of diversity. We have the unique capacity to design and create, to dream and build, to explore and experiment – all because we have so many different people, customs, cultures, beliefs, talents, and backgrounds on our shores. Read the rest of this entry »
Honoring Asian Americans and Their Contributions
As spring settles in and the school year winds down, it is important to consider the amazing contributions of some very significant leaders in the Asian American community. May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and there are many notable Asian Americans worthy of study. Their dedication to discover and to strive to reach the stars proves that anything is possible, and that dreams do come true. Teachers and schools should take the opportunity to celebrate and honor their accomplishments. Read the rest of this entry »
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (2012)
ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
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Dreams Into Deeds
Putting the Diversity Pledge into Action at Your School
You’ve got the diversity pledge written for your school. You’ve set the goals for the process. Now it’s time to put those words into action. How do you get the whole school – student body, faculty, staff, and administration – involved and excited? Below are some examples of ways that you can include everyone at your school in the diversity pledge. Read the rest of this entry »
Eyes on the Prize
Goal-Setting: Strategies for Involvement and Achievement
Once the diversity mission statement has been created and the pledge for diversity has been written, it is time to develop some realistic goals for achieving your diversity ideals. Who should be involved in determining the goals for your school? What should the goals be? Below are a few guidelines and examples for setting the diversity goals for your school. Read the rest of this entry »
Making Promises
Benefits of Creating a Diversity Pledge in Your School
With diversity playing such a big role in schools today, it is essential for students of all cultures to understand and respect one another. Schools all over the country are creating diversity mission statements that unify and support students. In order to establish a mission statement and pledge for your school, it is first necessary to explain the essentials.
What is a diversity mission statement?
Basically, this is a statement that tells what the school’s purpose is in reference to diversity. It should tell why they have this purpose, what they believe, and the goal they hope to achieve for the future of diversity in the school. Read the rest of this entry »
Diversity : Words Into Deeds
The Positives of Learning in a Diverse Environment
While there are many difficulties in learning or teaching in a diverse classroom, there are equally as many (if not more) rewards of learning in such an environment. Students gain so many positives from a culturally aware classroom, and these advantages follow them through adulthood. Diversity in education provides a wide array of experiences for students, and allows them to acquire invaluable knowledge and understanding of those who are different from themselves.
Teachers and schools recognize the necessity and value of cultural awareness in the classroom. With so much focus in our country on immigration, it is important for others to realize the significant impact that other cultures have had (and are having) on our future leaders. Read the rest of this entry »
Taking Care
Empathy: Teaching Students to Stand Firm and Consider Others
Empathy. It is such a difficult concept to teach because it deals with the emotions of others. Students often struggle with this because they are accustomed to focusing on themselves and their own needs/desires. As students get older, it becomes more and more essential that they have this quality. Empathy builds strong character and underscores the values of being culturally sensitive.
Families, communities, and educators all strive to produce confident, compassionate, and capable members of our youth. Yet, students often have a hard time putting into practice the abstract concept of empathy. How can teachers and schools encourage these characteristics of strength in students? Read the rest of this entry »
Quit The Bullying !
The Bully: Why They Bully and Tips for Prevention
Bullying is an on-going issue that has affected people of all ages. It comes in many different forms – from physical to verbal to digital. It is hurtful and inappropriate, regardless of the way it is displayed. Oftentimes, it has lifelong outcomes for the victims. Why do bullies bully, though? What makes them behave in this manner or say what they do to others? Below are a few explanations for why students bully, and a few tips for preventing bullying at your school. Read the rest of this entry »
