Discussing creating systemic diversity and inclusion in schools
In this episode, host Carole Dorn-Bell speaks with Diane Egbers of LEI Consulting about the right and wrong ways to create systemic diversity and inclusion in schools.
Carole asks about some of the trends that are being seen in diversity and inclusion in schools and beyond.
“What we see is there’s a dramatic need to prepare students better for the career environment, military environment or college environment that they’re headed toward,” Diane says.
She notes that many schools don’t have much diversity, so they’re not naturally or organically getting those cross-cultural experiences that are needed to prepare students for life after high school.
Carole asks why some diversity and inclusion programs don’t stick.
“I would say that many programs have been focused on one area and not the entire system of education,” Diane says.
Many diversity and inclusion programs have been focused on really preparing staff and teachers in the classroom, or they’ve been focused on leadership, or students.
“They’re not broadly focused enough on all cultural needs and cultural skills,” she says. “And also they’re not comprehensive enough, focused on leadership staff, and students, as well as the parents and community and board.”
Carole asks about best practices.
“The best practice, interestingly, is around cultural intelligence,” Diane says. “Cultural intelligence has really been a new developing intelligence for the last 10 years. Most of the work has been worldwide with Fortune 50 companies, Fortune 500 companies and now pretty comprehensively in higher ed.”
The reason cultural intelligence is such an important foundation for all diversity and inclusion programs is that it teaches in four domains that are core skill sets for every leader, every staff member, educator, teacher and every student.
“And so when we think about cultural drive, knowledge, strategies and action, it’s a very comprehensive way to develop the mindset, tool set and skill sets needed to be culturally competent,” Diane says.
Carole asks how listeners can learn more about cultural intelligence.
Diane talks about an upcoming forum featuring a comprehensive approach to leading with cultural intelligence on a path to inclusion.
The event hosted by Leadership Excelleration will feature keynote speaker Dr. Sandra Upton, Vice President of Educational Initiatives with the Cultural Intelligence Center, and a facilitated learning experience.
For more information on the Cultural Intelligence and Inclusion Leadership Forum in Cincinnati this November, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leaders-forum-cultural-intelligence-inclusion-tickets-49435404626
Read the full We Love Schools podcast episode about diversity and inclusion in schools.
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