Project Diversity

              The Mesa School District's 7th grade

     diversity awareness and appreciation program.

D    iversity Awareness: The students develop an awarness of the meaning of diversity. This includes the variety of elements that comprise the dynamics of cultural and societal diversity. They are informed about the Mesa School District policy, which prohibits negative behaviors that may be the result of cultural or social differences.

I      nclusion: The students realize the importance of inclusion. This involves an investigation of the possible conscious and unconscious attitudes and biases that may be directed at others who may be culturally and/or socially different.

V    aluing Diversity: The students are given the opportunity to investigate the contributions made by individuals or groups comprising the diverse cultural and social groups living in the United States.

E    quity: The studnets are introduced to the concept of equity as it relates to educational rights, the differently able, and the socio-economic realities.

R    espect for Differences: The students discuss methods that help the school move towards a school climate of respect and understanding.

S    chool Climate: Discussion centers  on the students' openess or reaction towards the cultural and social groups represented on the school campus.

I    nterpersonal Relationships: The students are engaged in discussion of the implications and their effect on relationships between groups (i.e. ethnicity, race, gender, etc.).

T    olerance: The students are introduced to the meanings of tolerance with the idea of moving from tolerance to respect for human diversity.

Y    ou Make the Difference: The students discuss their individual role in creating a school community of inclusion and respect.