A learning environment where all identities are embraced, and students feel comfortable enough to share and learn helps to foster creativity, a better understanding, and a sense of belonging.
To assist international schools with DEIJ transformation processes, AISA’s Wellbeing for All programme created Pathways to Transformation: A Guide to Unlocking the Power and Potential of International Schools Grounded in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging.
This DEIJ Guide offers educators and administrators strategies and resources to support long-term DEIJ change initiatives in schools. Created for everyone committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments, the DEIJ Guide equips users with the skills to support and embody DEIJ processes, promote a sense of belonging, and improve mental health for both educators and students.
The DEIJ Guide comprehensive interactive platform features eight distinctive sections:
- DEIJ First Steps inaugurates the journey by underscoring the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in cultivating inclusive environments. It also provides an understanding of DEIJ within an African context and the significance of embracing our local communities authentically.
- DEIJ Strategic Thinking provides insight into integrating DEIJ strategically, touching upon governance, leadership, readiness to implement DEIJ, and human resource practices that foster a DEIJ-oriented atmosphere within your school.
- DEIJ in the Classroom pivots the focus towards curriculum design, the role of the classroom teacher, and innovative teaching strategies that encourage and support DEIJ.
- Supporting Students and Staff focuses on empowering students and staff, ensuring their wellbeing, and extending support to sexually diverse students and staff. It also prioritises staff’s mental health, cultivating a healthy and nurturing work and learning environment.
- DEIJ Critical Issues delves into specific areas of DEIJ, including the importance of professional learning, supporting sexual and gender diversity, emphasising women in leadership roles, the role of service learning, and DEIJ’s significance in school accreditation.
- Case Studies offer real-world examples in service learning, human resources, BIPOC educators, inclusion, child protection, and governance, illustrating practical applications of DEIJ principles.
- Tools and Templates is an ever-growing section that provides various student standards, strategies for conducting difficult conversations, guidelines for inclusive language, pallets, and various external links to enhance DEIJ understanding and implementation.
- DEIJ Partners offers valuable templates and exemplars, including DEIJ statements of belief, school policies, anti-discrimination/inclusion policies, and job descriptions of a DEIJ coordinator, aiding schools in formalising their commitment to DEIJ.
The resource includes an inclusive language guide, highlighting the importance of recognising and respecting the evolving nature of language, particularly regarding gender identity, race, culture, neurodiversity, ability, and religious diversity.
AISA is grateful for the passion, commitment, and dedication to creating inclusive and equitable international schools from all who contributed to this guide. AISA also invites schools and organisations worldwide to submit additional resources, policies, and case studies. This collaborative approach will help place the AISA DEIJ Guide globally and enable us to learn from diverse experiences and perspectives, strengthening our commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments.
This guide will continue to grow as additional resources, tools, and case studies develop. Explore the AISA DEIJ Guide today.
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