Curriculum

STANDARD 9:  DIVERSITY

    Students see, understand, and respect different perspectives and communicate effectively with those whose lives, languages, and cultures vary from their own.

     Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions and social roles.

     Language can foster understanding, both socially and culturally.  Students bring a diverse heritage into the classroom. They build the groundwork for unity by understanding and respecting differences.  Students deserve and need learning environments that encourage respect for culture, age, race, gender, religious and ethnic diversity.

 · Investigate shared beliefs and traditions, and honor what is distinctive about individuals and groups

· Read and discuss stories and texts that explore diversity

· Recognize how linguistic diversity influences language and perceptions of the world

· Participate in creating a safe, accepting environment

· Develop an appreciation for the complexities of language and dialect

  Suggestions for Assessment of Standard 9:

KINDERGARTEN

1. Listen and respond to literature of thematic units

2. Listen and respond to multicultural literature

3. Respond to diverse literature, music, and movement

4. Discuss age, race, gender, religious, and ethnic issues appropriate to children’s needs

FIRST GRADE

1.  Compare cultures and portray learning in a variety of ways (e.g., indigenous people, different countries)

2. Draw inferences and determine why certain characters behave the way they do in literature and in life

3. Read and discuss a variety of books celebrating differences and similarities among people

4. Discuss age, race, gender, religious, and ethnic issues appropriate to children’s needs

SECOND GRADE

1. Compare folk tales with a common theme from a variety of cultures and countries

2. Study characters and relationships that represent diversity

3. Respond diverse music and movement

4. Discuss age, race, gender, religious, and ethnic issues appropriate to children’s needs

THIRD GRADE

1. Respond to literature, art, music, and movement that represent diversity

2. Make relevant connections within thematic units

3. Discuss age, race, gender, religious, and ethnic issues appropriate to children’s needs

FOURTH GRADE

1. Respond to diverse literature, art, music, and movement to create an awareness of values, ethics, and customs

2. Compare tales from different cultures by tracing the exploits of one character type 

3. Develop ideas to   account for similar tales in diverse cultures

FIFTH GRADE

1. Respond to diverse literature, art, music, and movement to create an awareness of values, ethics, and customs

2. Evaluate the meaning of language patterns and symbols found in fiction and nonfiction from different times and places

3. Share common beliefs and customs; explore how they relate to literature from

different eras and cultures

SIXTH GRADE

1. Respond to diverse literature, art, music, and movement to create an awareness of values, ethics, and customs

2. Recognize stereotypes and cultural bias in literature

3. Document  an oral tradition from personal culture/ethnic background

4. Read about and discuss gender roles

SEVENTH GRADE

1. Respond to diverse literature, art, music, and movement to create an awareness of values, ethics, and customs

2. Define roles and share responsibility for a team project; set objectives and time frame for work to be  completed; establish process for group decision-making; review progress and make adjustments

EIGHTH GRADE

1. Respond to diverse literature, art, music, and movement to create an awareness of values, ethics, and customs

2. Define roles and share responsibility for a team project; specify goals and constraints; generate alternatives;  consider risks; evaluate and choose solutions; monitor progress  and make adjustments to meet stated objectives

3. Study, discuss, and respond to readings/films on racism and prejudice

NINTH/TENTH GRADE

 ELEVENTH/TWELFTH GRADE

1. Describe how works by members of different cultures relate to one another in each period

2. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and/or social influences that shaped characters, plots, and settings