Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

Professional Learning
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From the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE)
Culturally Responsive Teaching Video Collection
The Culturally Responsive Teaching Video Collection features culturally responsive teaching examples by MA educators. The purpose of this video library is to provide examples of culturally responsive teaching practices in all contents, elevate MA educators, and support educators to continue building their capacity to provide a culturally responsive education to all students in the Commonwealth.
How We Develop Grade-Level Learning for DEI&J
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In the Dedham Public Schools, we believe that DEI & J should be embedded in all core content (English/la, social studies/history, mathematics, science, world languages, and the arts). For this reason, each content team will identify, select, and apply Learning For Justice standards for Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action.
Click here to view the anchor standards
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Overview of Dedham DEI&J 2022
On January 5, 2022 Dr. Fox Roye presented an overview of Dedham Public Schools DEI&J efforts and plans to the Dedham School Committee. View her presentation here.
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Dedham Public Schools is committed to creating a community where student outcomes are not determined by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, language, disability, or socioeconomic status.
The mission of the DEI & J office in the Dedham Public Schools is to build the capacity in our community to view learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g. race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, language, disability, or socioeconomic status) are recognized, and regarded as assets for teaching and learning. Culture is a critical component and understanding it matters in how people learn.
Our goal is to ensure that students experience academic success by (1) understanding, using, and building on their assets; (2) developing and or maintaining cultural competence; and (3) developing a critical consciousness through which they can examine historical perspectives to build belonging, justice, and inclusion.

District News & Features
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Diversity Talks PERM Assessment
The DEIJ Office in partnership with Diversity Talks administered the PERM assessment to educators at the start and end of the 2021-2022 academic year. The PERM is a framework of cultural competence based on four dimensions; Power, Empathy, Relationships, and Mindset. The PERM was designed to provide a roadmap of culturally responsive practices for educators and other adults working in youth-serving organizations. Highlights from the data: *Statistically significant increase in cultural competence * Reduction in cultural blindness reported *Reported behavior shifts as a result of attending the workshop.
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2021-2022 Commissioner letter to district and school leaders about the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
As educators, we play an important role in fostering resilience, joy, safety, and positive relationships for LGBTQ students, despite the many disparities that LGBTQ students continue to face. The communication comes from Jeffery Riley, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding his commitment to supporting inclusive learning environments.
Defining DEI & J in Dedham Public Schools
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DIVERSITY
Diversity is defined as conceptualizing and understanding that each student brings unique experiences, strengths, and ideas to our classroom. Diversity are those numerous elements of difference between groups of people that play significant roles in social institutions, including race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, language, disability, or socioeconomic status.
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EQUITY
Equity is defined in recognizing that power imbalances exist within both historical and modern contexts of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, language, disability, or socioeconomic status and accounts for these differences. Equity is achieved when an individual receives something different (not same) to maintain fairness and access.(1) Equity also entails a focus on outcomes and results.
(1) Morton, B. and Fasching-Varner, K. (2015). “Equity.” Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice. Vol. 1. (Ed. S. Thompson). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 303-4.
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INCLUSION
Inclusion is defined by intentionally creating space for all voices to be heard, respected, and valued - to belong. Inclusion refers to the degree to which diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes within an organization or group.(2) Inclusion is an outcome.
(2) Derived from Carter-Hicks, J. (2015). “Inclusive Education.” Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice. Vol. 1. (Ed. S. Thompson). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. P. 412-3.
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JUSTICE
Justice is both a process and a goal. The goal of justice is the full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. The process is an analysis of how power, privilege, and oppression impact our experience of our social identities.(3)
(3) Bell, L. (2013). Theoretical foundations. In M. Adams, W.J. Blumenfeld, C. Castañeda, H.W. Hackman, M.L. Peters, & X. Zúñiga. (Eds.), Readings for diversity and social justice. New York: Routledge.
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The plan for Dedham Public Schools, is to create a school community that provides a safe, brave, and supportive learning environment for all students inclusive of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, language, disability, or socioeconomic status.