So, What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Anyway?
We could spell it out for you, but we think the students in this video from McCracken County and Paducah Tilghman Public Schools did a way better job. Watch to see what DEIB means for Kentucky students on a daily basis.
Still not sure? Let’s break it down further:
Diversity: Individual traits and differences which directly impact the engagement, inclusivity and experiences of students such as: race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, differing abilities, personality and learning styles, as well as cultural, political, religious or other affiliations.
Equity: The promotion of access, opportunity and advancement of all individuals, including those in underserved communities, in order to identify and eliminate conditions that prevent the ability of all students to reach their full potential.
Inclusion: The intentional act of creating an environment that fosters mutually respectful relationships in which each student, regardless of intellectual, social, cultural and geographic background, is welcomed, supported and valued as fully participating members of society.
Belonging: The degree to which learners believe, experience and feel that they are accepted by adults and peers, as well as respected as a valued contributor in their learning and social environment.
KDE's commitment to DEIB means fostering an inclusive learning environment in which all Kentucky public school students receive equitable access and opportunities.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
In the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Team, our vision is that each student and educator in Kentucky has a sense of belonging.” By creating a sense of belonging, we help to create the conditions needed to support the larger KDE vision that each and every student is empowered and equipped to pursue a successful future.
Read more about how the KDE's Commissioner's Student Advisory Council (SAC) recommends creating more inclusive communities at the beginning of the school year.
Prioritizing the Student Voice
The goal of diversity, equity and inclusion work is to foster a sense of belonging. To create an inclusive environment, it is essential to elevate student voice to continuously assess the degree to which students do or do not feel a sense of belonging.
Practical strategies for elevating student voice include:
● Utilizing survey data on sense of belonging in your school improvement plan;
● Conduct empathy interviews with diverse groups of students, especially those from under-represented populations in your community; and
● Creating student leadership opportunities and affinity groups for students to be active leaders in creating an inclusive learning and social community.
Though change doesn’t happen overnight, practicing the tips above will ensure students have the opportunities they need to share their stories, feel represented and help create a more equitable learning environment for everyone.
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