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What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Schools?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a set of policies and programs that aim to create inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all students. DEI initiatives in schools recognize that students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and that education should reflect this diversity.
DEI in schools can help to:
Prepare students for the world
Improve student outcomes
Address historical disparities
DEI initiatives help students learn to navigate a diverse world by addressing systemic barriers and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups.
DEI initiatives can improve student outcomes by creating inclusive learning environments that inspire and motivate students.
DEI initiatives can help to address historical disparities by providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to excel.
Resources
NAIS - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Center for Urban Education (CUE) Racial Equity Tools, University of Southern California
Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege, Master of Social Work Program, University of Southern California
Faculty Toolkit on Digital Inclusion, Office of Global Inclusion, New York University
Inclusive Pedagogy, University of Chicago
Inclusive Teaching Practices, Office of Teaching & Learning, University of Denver
Inclusive Teaching Resources and Strategies, CRLT, University of Michigan
Resources on Equity and Anti-Racism, University of Texas at Austin
Teaching Race: Pedagogy and Practice, Center for Teaching, Vanderbilt University
What is Multicultural Education? Guidance for Educators on Culturally Responsive Teaching, Grand Canyon University
Students who are members of marginalized populations within the United States have historically encountered barriers to equitable education. These marginalized populations encompass a range of students, including, but not limited to, students of color, girls, students with disabilities (Education and Human Resources Development, 2017) and LGBTQ+ students (Leung et al., 2022).
The inequitable treatment of students of color is well-documented. There are significant achievement gaps in graduation rates for Black and Hispanic students of color compared with their Asian and white counterparts. In addition, male students of color graduate at lower rates than female students of color, further illustrating that intersecting cultural identities can create additional inequities for students (Reeves & Kalkat, 2023). Similarly, recent statistics also indicate that graduation rates for Black, Hispanic and Indigenous students are below the U.S. average and lower than those of white students (NCES, 2023b).
School Counselor Role
School counselors develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program promoting equity and access for all students. School counselors understand the importance of collaborating with school and community partners to help all students succeed and work to close achievement, opportunity, attainment and funding gaps in their schools, districts and communities. School counselors demonstrate cultural competence by possessing the skills and knowledge necessary to serve students in a culturally responsive manner (American Psychological Association, 2023).
School counselors promote equitable treatment of all students by:
Providing equitable access to school counseling programs for all students
Advocating for the academic, career and social/emotional development of students from marginalized groups
Using data to identify gaps in achievement and opportunity and developing a plan to address such disparities
Advocating for access to rigorous courses and postsecondary opportunities for marginalized groups
Maintaining professional knowledge of the ever-changing and complex world of students’ culture
Maintaining knowledge and skills for working in a diverse and multicultural work setting
Sharing up-to-date culturally competent best practices with administration, faculty and staff
Promoting the review and development of school policies leading to equitable treatment of all students and opposing school policies hindering equitable treatment of any student
Creating a plan to address any programmatic disparities or inequities that affect access and enrollment within educational programs, such as English-language learners, special education, gifted and talented education, honors, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and International Baccalaureate
Collaborating with families to provide access to resources to meet student needs
Acting as a liaison between home and school to foster two-way communication and assist students and families with promoting positive academic, career and social/emotional development
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