Implementing Strategies For The Diversification Of Schools: An Analysis Of Media And Sociological Reports
Implementing Strategies for the Diversification of Schools: An analysis of media and sociological reports
Canadian schools, particularly in urban centres, are increasingly becoming more diversified. Immigration is affecting change in the racial and ethnic composition of the student population. According to a recent demographic survey, 52 percent of the students in the Toronto District School Board identified themselves as a racial minority (Yau, Maria and Janet O’Reilly, 2007). Changes in the school environment introduce the need for systemic evolution, in order to meet the needs of every student.
Addressing diversity in public schools involves the development of equity for both students and staff through the adaptation of curriculum and an increase in the representation of racial minorities among the teaching and administrative staff. The newspaper article explores the implementation of diversity strategies in the Peel District School Board, engaging in a critical explanation of anti-racist education (Belgrave, Robert, 2007). The discussion of this paper will focus on definitions of racism and the idea of white privilege to explore strategies of achieving equity in the school system.
The issue of race, though complex in nature, is imperative to the implementation of equity in schools. For the purpose of this discussion, race is defined as a social construction, which classifies individuals into groups, based on visible characteristics (Satzwich, Vic and Nikolaos Liodakis, 2007, p. 1). The oppression of a group of people based on their perceived race, which is expressed in attitudes and behaviour, whether conscious or unconscious, by individuals, groups or institutions is referred to as racism (Colin S.A.J. III and T.K. Preciphs, 1991, p. 62). According to George Dei, a professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, issues related to power and white privilege are essential to understanding the prevalence of racism...
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