Greetings,
Modern media often portrays the state of our world in a dim light. We see countries in conflict, intolerance of lifestyles and cultural misunderstanding. Within this context, it is important that our schools demonstrate respect for diversity and provide welcoming, inclusive and effective learning environments for all students, regardless of their gender, race, national origin, language background, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, or disability.
Students, who see themselves reflected objectively in their educational program tend to develop healthier self-concepts, are more motivated to learn and ultimately achieve at higher levels. At the same time, it is important for all students to see the contributions and perspectives of persons from other groups. This cultivates respect for others and builds a foundation that makes it more difficult for the seeds of stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate to grow and flourish.
In the past, the Iowa Equity Resource Center has provided information and support related to diversity and equity. To expand accessibility, the resources are now offered through the Diversity Iowa Website. The website is meant to be a tool that supports Iowa educators from kindergarten to postsecondary school in their efforts to recognize and reflect diversity in their classrooms and to provide students with a welcoming, supportive and effective learning environment.
We hope that you will be a frequent visitor to this website and will offer suggestions as to how we can improve its usefulness and quality. Your ideas, opinions and needs as educators will guide our direction. Thanks, in advance, for sharing information about this website with your colleagues and inviting them to check it out, and thank you for taking the time to learn.
| Helene Grossman Equity/ESL/Family Literacy Consultant  |
Tom Andersen Consultant for Equity in School Improvement  |
DISCLAIMER: Although representation from the Iowa Dept. of Education has reviewed the website links offered as resources on this website, it is impossible to continually check all the sites to be sure that the contents continue to be relevant and appropriate. We will make every effort possible to review the sites often and make additions and deletions as needed. However, we urge you, as a visitor to the website, to please make us aware of any questionable information, images or links. Please contact us with any questions and concerns. Thank you!