We All Want to Feel Included
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Team, which is a part of the Office of Teaching and Learning, is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment in which all Kentucky public school students receive equitable access and opportunities. The vision of our team is for each student and educator in Kentucky to feel a sense of belonging. Educators and students who feel a strong sense of belonging will develop connectedness and feel psychologically safe in the school environment.
United We Learn is Kentucky's collective vision for the future of public education in the Commonwealth. This vision builds around three big ideas: creating a more vibrant experience for every student, encouraging innovation in our schools – especially when it comes to assessment – and creating a bold new future for Kentucky’s schools through collaboration with our communities. These three big ideas – students, innovation and community – form the vision for the future of public education in Kentucky.
Let's pull out one of these big three ideas and connect it to belonging.
One of the fundamental precursors to a vibrant learning environment is creating a sense of belonging for all students and educators. The KDE DEIB Team defines belonging in the following way: A sense of belonging in schools describes how learners believe, experience, and feel accepted and respected as valued contributors in their learning and social environment.
By appreciating the strengths in our diverse experiences, creating equitable access and learning opportunities, and including each learner's voice, a strong sense of belonging will be cultivated. In turn, each student will be empowered and equipped to pursue a successful future.
We Are Ali 2.0
The Kentucky Department of Education Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) team will host its 2nd annual two-day retreat at Bluegrass Community and Technical College this month. Our theme, "We Are Ali 2.0," was chosen because Muhammad Ali is a pillar of respect in our community.
During the retreat, participants will learn about culturally sustaining practices to implement in their current roles within KDE and the schools and the districts we serve.
Ali's dream to share his inspiration with the world is realized through the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. The Ali Center appeals to our hearts, spirits and imaginations. It inspires children and adults to form new commitments in their lives in the areas of personal growth, integrity and respect for others, giving them the tools to make these commitments happen.
The retreat will follow three strands of Ali's core principles, which were inspired by our team's partnership with the Ali Center:
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Ali exuded Confidence: Know that your work is making a difference. Believe in your ability to overcome obstacles around DEIB work.
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Ali’s Conviction about peace brought many people together: A firm belief and alignment of one’s team gives them the courage to stand behind that belief, despite pressure to do otherwise.
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Ali’s Calling went beyond boxing: Our collective purpose/why.
 Equity Playbook Continues to Make Connections
During the 2022-2023 school year, the Kentucky Department of Education Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Team has partnered with engage2learn (e2L), an education consulting firm, and Kentucky’s regional educational cooperatives to lead the equity playbook in the Commonwealth.
The equity playbook provides district and school leaders with personalized executive coaching on evidence/research-based practices, content and resources to address opportunity gaps. This past month, regional DEIB coordinators from Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative and Green River Regional Educational Cooperative partnered to provide an informational session on the initiative. Districts heard from the regional DEIB coordinators and equity playbook participants in Daviess and Floyd counties regarding their experiences with the e2L coaching.
Comments from participants included:
- “I worked with five districts in the equity playbook, each selecting a different problem of practice. They’ve learned a lot about evidence-based practices and received many resources about how to increase equity in their districts. I was really impressed by the flexibility of the entire process.”
- “My coach brainstormed with me and it’s just a thought-provoking process.”
- “I worked with reading and math interventions, and my coach and I looked at how I could incorporate some vocabulary building into math lessons that you typically wouldn't and ensure all of the kids had equitable access to that content. It also helped me grow in coaching others, because I haven't had much experience in that. The process makes you rethink things and look at things from a different perspective.”
- “I just wanted all of our kids to feel like they have a place where they have a voice. I think I've kind of always seen that, but the coaching pushed me more, and then it also pushed me because I was coaching my faculty. It’s been really impactful, and we've already been having those conversations about what we will do next year.”
For more information on the equity playbook, contact Damien Sweeney.
Educator Spotlight: Robb Smith, Ph.D.
Robb Smith, Ph.D., is the statewide director of deeper learning for the Kentucky Associations of Educational Cooperatives. We would like to thank him for sharing his story about inclusion and equity. Our team also appreciates Smith's advocacy for students in the Commonwealth to have a sense of belonging.
View a video about Smith's work and learn how to create a more inclusive environment.
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DEIB Team Upcoming Events
June 15-16: DEIB team's 2nd annual two-day retreat at the Bluegrass Community College and Technical College
June 29: DEIB team to participate in a 4-day learning event, "Designing for Engagement," hosted by the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative
July 14-18: DEIB team to attend and present at the American School Counselor Association's Dream Big Conference
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