EDUC 640: Diversity in the Classroom

July 17 - 20, 2017

Many of the most pressing challenges facing us in education have to do with how we live with various kinds of diversity in our classrooms, schools, and communities. How can we respond to them in ways that are informed, faithful, and honoring of both student differences and our own faith commitments? Join us for a 4-day workshop exploring diversity through several crucial lenses. Each day we will address a new topic with an expert from the relevant field.

Participants will gain a more confident grasp of current issues around various kinds of diversity and practical strategies for engaging diverse learners.

Topics include:

Disability — Challenges and Opportunities

• various kinds of disabilities and how they impact individuals and families
• social challenges faced by individuals and families with disability
• basics of IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• particular steps that can be taken to make a community more inclusive and welcoming for individuals with disabilities

Race and Ethnicity (and Culture) Matter

• how and why race and ethnicity matter in education
• the dynamics of racial and ethnic identity development and the stereotype threat that can accompany them
• cultural differences and how they can impact learning and classroom interactions

Sexual and Gender Diversity at School: Prioritizing Student Support

• how teachers and schools can support students navigating difficult questions of sexuality or gender identity
• frameworks for understanding the needs, identity development, and faith journeys of these students
• language and terminology, the challenges facing LGBT+ students, best practices for a safe and inclusive school climate, and resources for engaging the conversation about sexual and gender diversity in school communities with a focus on safety, respect, and student support

Interpersonal Cultural Intelligence and Managing Flashpoints in the Classroom

• introduction to the concepts of Interpersonal Cultural Intelligence (ICQ) and micro-aggressions
• opportunity to take an ICQ self-assessment
• concrete strategies on how to manage diversity flashpoints
• exploration of how to identify and guard against micro-aggressions

Instructors

• Michelle Loyd-Paige
• Kevin Timpe
• Julia Smith

Details

• 8:30 – 3:00 Monday – Thursday
• $572 for 2 semester hours
• Parking in lots 3 and 4

Registration

To register, complete the guest application form.