Akem Solange Ojong’s Post

Inclusive education isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for preparing students to thrive in a diverse world. Yet, many school curriculums are ill equipped to reflect the richness of the communities they serve. When students see themselves in their lessons, the impact is transformative: 💡 Higher engagement and academic performance 🌍 Greater understanding and respect for different cultures 💪 Boosted confidence and sense of identity At FOBBS, we’re working to make culturally inclusive resources—like our in-app daily quiz on Black Britons —accessible to schools across the UK. These aren’t just resources; they’re pathways to a more equitable and informed future. It’s time for a shift. Students shouldn’t have to wait until university—or beyond—to learn about the contributions of Britons like Mary Seacole, Olaudah Equiano, or Sislin Fay Allen. It's not all doom and gloom though. Some schools are going above and beyond at providing inclusive educational resources in their schools. How is your school ensuring that all students feel seen and valued in the classroom? Let's start a conversation Kevin Buchanan, Gerry Robinson, Likhon Gulam Muhammad, and Chris Deller FCCT. Together, we can shape the future of inclusive education.

Latino teaching candidates in California are on the rise, outpacing their white counterparts in enrollment for teacher preparation programs. Our Bay Area Executive Director, José Magaña, was among those who spoke with EdSource about the significance of this progress and the ongoing efforts to diversify California’s educator workforce. Read the full article here: https://hubs.ly/Q032x0lS0

Dialogue: More Than Just Talking What is dialogue in education? It’s not just talking; it’s where true learning starts. Creating a space where students can share their thoughts, ask questions, and feel safe doing so is like saying, “You belong here. Your voice matters.” Unquiet Pedagogy emphasizes that dialogue isn’t passive; it’s an active, vibrant exchange that questions assumptions and encourages students to think critically. I’ve witnessed this firsthand. When classrooms become places where students can openly speak and listen, magic happens. Participation increases, discussions deepen, and curiosity takes the lead. For students of the African diaspora, who may not always see their stories in mainstream narratives, having a space where they are heard is powerful. It’s the shift from feeling invisible to being seen and understood.

📚 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻📚 Did you know that inclusive education benefits all students? Inclusive education leads to higher academic achievements and improved social skills for everyone involved. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. Research shows that students with disabilities who learn in inclusive classrooms achieve better academic outcomes and have improved social skills compared to those in segregated settings. Our services are designed to help schools and organisations develop inclusive cultures and support diverse needs. You can learn more about how we can help your institution create a more inclusive environment for all students. https://lnkd.in/dJyTPam6

How do you navigate your identity in an academic environment? Have you ever felt like your true self was at odds with the expectations placed on you in higher education? 🎓 This article sheds light on the complexities of identity within higher education, exploring how students, faculty, and administrators can better understand and manage the pressures that shape their academic and personal identities. It offers key insights into fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. Written by Shardia O’Connor, Cultural Consultant #HigherEducation #IdentityManagement #InclusiveEducation #StudentWellBeing #AcademicJourney #BrainzMagazine #MentalHealthAwareness #EducationInsights

Dallas College, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in North Texas, is one of the largest community college systems in the state. While enrollment in teacher preparation programs has declined nationally, the opposite is true for Dallas College. In fact, more than 80% of students are aspiring educators of color, multilingual, and/or first-generation college students, helping to close the educator-to-student diversity gap. Dallas College is creating a pipeline of effective educators whose identities reflect the students and communities they will serve—and who will prepare all students to navigate the multicultural workforce of tomorrow.  How? By transforming Teacher Preparation with high-quality instructional materials (#HQIM). Here's their story: https://ow.ly/Twgq50RNTX0

Culturally Responsive Discipline Practices The nexus of discipline and cultural responsiveness resides in the intricate interplay between societal norms, individual identity, and systemic structures. In educational realms, discipline often reflects not only the values of a given community but also the implicit biases woven into institutional fabrics. To reimagine discipline through a culturally responsive lens is to challenge the historical narratives of exclusion and inequity that have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. At its core, culturally responsive discipline necessitates a paradigm shift—eschewing punitive measures rooted in control and compliance in favor of restorative practices that honor the dignity of every learner. Such an approach requires educators to transcend surface-level interventions, delving instead into the sociocultural contexts that shape behavior. Discipline, when viewed through this lens, transforms into an act of connection rather than correction, fostering a climate of mutual respect and understanding. However, the praxis of culturally responsive discipline is far from monolithic. It demands a multifaceted approach, integrating the lived experiences of students into the fabric of educational policy. For African American students, whose behavior is often pathologized through deficit-oriented frameworks, this means addressing the over-policing of Black bodies in classrooms. For Latinx and Indigenous students, it means acknowledging the intergenerational traumas inflicted by colonization and displacement, creating spaces where their voices are not only heard but amplified. For Asian and Pacific Islander students, it means dismantling the model minority myth, which often obscures the unique challenges they face. Yet, to implement such practices effectively, educators themselves must undergo a process of unlearning. This entails confronting their own biases, cultivating cultural humility, and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Training programs must equip teachers to navigate the delicate balance between upholding standards and affirming the diverse cultural expressions of their students. In essence, culturally responsive discipline is not merely a pedagogical tool but a profound assertion of equity. It is an acknowledgment that every act of discipline carries the potential to either perpetuate systemic harm or sow the seeds of transformation. Within this framework, all races are honored, their histories valued, and their humanity affirmed. All races are. All voices matter. All rights reserved 2024 by Dr. Bryan K. Hickman. #CulturalResponsiveness #EquityInEducation #RestorativeJustice #InclusiveSchools #AntiBiasEducation #MulticulturalDiscipline #EducationForAll #CulturalHumility #BreakingBarriers #TransformativePractices

🧐Debunking Bias in Legislation 🧐 Expose how laws and policies shape perceptions.  Did you know that some educational policies perpetuate bias without us even realizing it? - Limited Perspectives: Restricting DEI-focused curricula deprives children of opportunities to learn about diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints, leading to a narrow understanding of the world and reinforcing stereotypes. - Hindered Social-Emotional Development: Excluding DEI topics can stifle students' ability to develop empathy, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills essential for thriving in a multicultural society. - Increased Marginalization: Students from underrepresented groups may feel invisible or devalued when their identities and experiences are excluded from the curriculum, negatively impacting their sense of belonging and academic engagement. My book unpacks how hidden curricula influence young minds—and what we can do to challenge these norms.

This post emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices in education. By prioritizing inclusivity, teachers can create a supportive learning environment that benefits all students. Embracing diversity not only fosters engagement and boosts academic achievement but also cultivates empathy among students. Inclusive classrooms play a crucial role in promoting understanding and collaboration, which in turn help students develop essential social skills. Ultimately, these practices enrich the educational experience for everyone involved. Gratitude is extended to Alison Education for providing informative CPD courses that support educators in implementing inclusive practices.🌱

Since we're early in the academic year, it’s vital to address how our education system often overlooks marginalized perspectives in history. This selective storytelling limits students' understanding of the past and their ability to engage with today's social issues. To learn more about the importance of inclusive education, read Alika Jimenez’s full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/ee4EiGt7.