Diversity Practicum Revised Oct 3 2015 Identity Diagram

Diversity Practicum Revised Oct 3, 2015

Identity Diagram Take a few minutes to complete this diagram. In as many circles as you can, write a word that describes who you You are or how you choose to identify yourself to others. (e. g. , student, woman, etc. ) From Paige, R. M. , Cohen, A. D. , Kappler, B. , Chi, J. C. , & Lassegard, J. P. (2006). Maximizing study abroad: A student’s guide to strategies for language and culture learning and use. (2 nd edition). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota.

Identity Diagram 1. 2. If you had to pick just one oval, which would it be? Put a star on that circle. Two circles? Place a check on the second circle. Why are these the most important parts of your cultural identity? Did you have difficulty filling in the eight circles? Did you find eight was not enough? Questions for reflection… 1. What insights have you gained about yourself from this exercise? 2. Is there an identity that others don’t readily recognize in you? Is this okay? Or is it frustrating?

What is diversity? di·ver·si·ty noun də-vər-sə-tē, dī- the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : VARIETY; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization <programs intended to promote diversity in schools> http: //www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/diversity

K-12 Education Statistics 84% percent of teachers in public schools are White, and of these, 83. 7% are female 42. 9% of students are non-White ↑ 70% of Black students, 73% of Hispanic students, 33% of Asian/Pacific Islander students, and 65% of American Indian/Native Alaskan students qualify for free/reduced lunch 10% of students are English language learners ↑ 9. 2% of students have a documented disability 2% of students are homeless Unknown % of LGBT students

Who are the students in your class? Considering the statistics we just looked at, take a moment to think about the classes you visited today. Think about the classes you attended when you were in school. What is their race? What is their native language? Are Do any students receiving free/reduced lunch? any of your students have disabilities? Other identifying characteristics?

One thing to consider as we talk about diversity… 1 priv·i·lege ˈpriv-lij, ˈpri-və-Function: noun. Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin privilegium law for or against a private person, from privus private + leg-, lex law. Date: 12 th century: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor ; especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office (http: //www. merriamwebster. com/dictionary/privilege) PONDER: What privileges do you have? In what areas do others have more privilege?

The other side of privilege…and what this means for you If you belong to a group that is not privileged, it can change your experiences in life…within your family, with friends, at school, at work, etc. As teachers, you are expected to help students succeed, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses. That help includes how you talk with your students and how you talk about them.

Paper clip chains adapted from Butler, A. (2006). Unlocking the chains of privilege: A practical method for discussing privilege in America. For each of the following statements to which you can personally agree, give yourself a corresponding colored paper clip. String the clips together as we go through the activity. After responding to the statements, examine your chain of clips and share with others.

Give yourself one BLUE (pile #1)paper clip if… You can turn on the television or open the front page of the newspaper and see people of your race widely represented in a positive light. You can be sure that your children (or future children or yourself as a child) would be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race. You can be pretty sure that your neighbors in a new location will be neutral or pleasant to you.

Give yourself one Yellow paper clip (pile #2)if… You can be pretty sure that you will be able to have accessibility to any apartment or house that you want to live in and you won’t be hampered by steps, curbs, tight corners, or narrow doorways. You can be sure that if you want to participate in most activities you can without having to have any accessibility adaptations. When you purchase an item in a store for $5 and give the cashier $10, you know whether he has given you a five dollar bill or a one dollar bill as change, without asking.

Give yourself one PINK paper clip (stack #3) if… You can be sure that if you are aggressive and/or assertive in business that you will not be called a “bitch” behind your back. You can be sure that you will not encounter countless advertisements which advise you to gain weight, lose weight, get a better hairstyle, a better wardrobe– if you want to have a happy relationship. When you look at portraits of the past Presidents of the United States, you can be certain to see someone of your gender.

Give yourself one GREEN paper clip (Stack #4) if… You can be sure that when you make an emergency call to your child’s school that someone will speak your language. You can be sure that you will not be discriminated against in this country based on the way you speak. You can easily turn on the radio, television, or the computer, and immediately read and hear your native language used.

Give yourself one RED paper clip (group #5)if… You had to gain access to $500 immediately you could do so without much stress. (Or you know your family can help you without much stress with easily accessible $500. You have enough money to save $100 a month without struggling to pay all of your bills and still have funds for leisure activities. It were necessary to place your vehicle in the shop to replace the brakes you would be able to pay the $250 bill without much worry over where to get the money—or you know family will help you without much worry.

Give yourself one Black paper clip (Group #6) if… Most major businesses are closed or close early on your religion’s days of worship. Most of your religious holidays are recognized as National Holidays. A person who shares your religious affiliation has ever been elected President of the United States.

Give yourself one Turquoise (#7 stack) paper clip if… You can display pictures of your significant other on your desk without fear that you will be shunned or that someone will make a negative comment about the nature of your relationship. You can publically display affection towards your partner without people looking at your partner and you disapprovingly. If you marry the person you love, your marriage will be recognized everywhere…and could have been prior to this summer.

Give yourself one PURPLE paper clip (#8)if… You can read the newspaper and understand its contents. You can write and communicate through your writing. You have more than a high school education.

Give yourself one Silver paper clip(#9) if… You can take a sick day or go to the doctor and still pay your monthly bills. You can go to public places and not constantly worry about catching a common cold that could be devastating to you. You can eat at most restaurants without risking a severe medical reaction. – OR– You do not suffer from “invisible” medical condition where people comment on you seeming “tired” or saying, “you are always so sick. ” You are not dealing with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, substance issue, OCD, bipolar disorder, etc. Nor are you managing a medical condition that may be misunderstood, like Asperger's or ADHD…

Paper clip chains Examine Look your chain of clips and share with others. at the Privilege Color Key. Where exist? does your privilege or lack of privilege

Privilege color key Privilege Race Language Socio Economics Education Religion Gender Sexual Orientation Physical Ability Health Paperclip Color Blue 1 Green 2 Red 3 Purple 4 BLACK 5 Pink 6 Turquoise 7 Yellow 8 Silver 9

Things to consider as you prepare to teach…. Your experiences in the classroom as a student will impact how you interact with your students Acknowledge the differences that students bring to school Students’ identities will influence how they experience school Accepting differences means making provisions for them Celebrating cultures with food on special holidays is fine, as long as you dig deeper and get to know your students as people with a unique background From: Nieto, S. & Bode, P. (2012). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education. Boston: Pearson.

Further reading… Nieto, S. & Bode, P. (2012). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education. Boston: Pearson. – a great book on multicultural education with practical suggestions for the classroom http: //www. jamievollmer. com/blueberries - a short and amusing story on differing perspectives on teaching that is full of truth (with a capital T) Thank you!