Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
There are many definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While these three words are often grouped together in the acronym DEI, it is important to distinguish between these terms.
We encourage you to explore definitions, like the ones contained on the Réseau québécois pour l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion (RQÉDI) website.
Promoting connection and a sense of belonging can be enhanced through learning opportunities that prioritize student voices and offer them choices. Such approaches represent a step forward in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive classrooms and communities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Schools:
- Increase student engagement
- Support a culture of respect and safety
- Acknowledge and value different perspectives, types of knowledge, and ways of knowing
- Help nurture sense of belonging
How to work towards DEI in your classroom, school, and community
- Look at your current teaching materials. Who is included? Are the representations accurate and respectful? Who is not represented? Use a variety of different resources in your classrooms that highlight different perspectives, knowledges and ways of knowing
- Discuss equity, diversity and inclusion with your students, colleagues and broader school community. What can be done to promote belonging and safety at your school.
- Provide students with choice in how they engage, represent, and express their understanding. You can work towards implementing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Click to learn more about UDL on the Digital Competency in Action Website.
- Seek out professional learning opportunities on the subject of diversity, equity and inclusion
Check out the I Belong Project!
This project encourages students to explore their identity and sense of belonging through the arts!
LEARN Teacher Resources:
Is Everyone Equal?
In this resource, students will observe different examples of social inequality like division of household tasks and mental load. This lesson explores the cultural reality:
Culture, Respect and Fair Treatment in Society
In this resource, students will explore concepts related to social groups and power relations, such as racism, colonialism, and reconciliation. This lesson explores the cultural
Spotting Social Inequalities
In this resource, students will explore concepts like social inequalities, social movements, and how they bring about social change. This lesson explores the cultural reality:
Discovering Diversity
In this resource, students will explore what makes people feel included. Some of the ways to do this are through interpersonal, emotional and romantic relationships,
Same But Different
In this resource, students will learn that people can be alike and different in many ways—like how they look, how they act, and how they
Diversity Around Us
In this resource, students will learn about what makes individuals unique, as well was sexual parts and their functions. This lesson explores the cultural reality: