Diversity Defining Diversity Is Defined Essay

When school leadership values diversity and demonstrates the value of diversity the school is more likely to be characterized by diversity in the classroom.

IV. Modeling Respect for Diversity

Harris (2006) states in the work entitled: "BRAVO Principals" published by Education World that school principals "model respect for diversity when they engage their faculties in addressing issues of identity so that children have successful role models that represent all ethnic groups. Diversity can be integrated across the curriculum by encouraging faculty to seek out guest speakers who represent different ethnicities and to incorporate literature by authors of Hispanic, African-American, American Indian, Middle Eastern, and other origins. Another way to ensure a curriculum that reflects the student body is to involve faculty in evaluating texts; do they include a broad range of historic events, not just those that are Eurocentric?" (Harris, 2006)

According to Harris (2006) that which is often the root cause in situations involving bullying or harassment of peers at school is "a lack of appreciation for diversity." Harris states that principals who "take a stand and advocate for all students build relationships with our "different" students and make them feel part of the school community. At the same time they take a giant step toward establishing a school atmosphere that reduces bullying and values diversity." (2006)

The work of Sanchez, Thornton, and Usinger (2008) entitled: "Promoting Diversity in Public Education Leadership' identifies an existing 'gap' between "skills and knowledge developed by principal preparation programs and the skills and knowledge needed by leaders…" Sanchez, Thornton and Usinger additionally state "In combination with specific components to preparation programs, there are general skills and knowledge that education leaders need." (2008)

Bibliography

Diversity (2009) Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online. Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity

Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards (2009) Educational Leadership. Online available at: http://www.uni.edu/coe/elcpe/edleadership/professionaldevelopment/isllc_standards.shtml

Harris, Sandra (2006) BRAVO Principals Celebrate Diversity. Education World. Online available at: http://www.education-world.com/a_admin/columnists/BRAVO/BRAVO008.shtml

Sanchez, Jafeth, Thornton, Bill and Usinger, Janet (2008) Promoting Diversity in Public Education Leadership. Connexionational Council of Professors of Educational Administration on Dec 4, 2008 12:03 PM U.S./Central.