DIVERSITY TRAINING ARMS STUDENTS WITH SKILLS FOR THE CLASSROOM AND THE WORKPLACE

            GRAND RAPIDS – Ninth graders across Kent ISD are learning to work with people from many different races and cultures. The 2008-2009 school year begins the second year of the Ninth Grade Diversity Training program funded by a grant from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

“We are all unique – diversity should be respected and appreciated,” one student notes. Through open group discussion, the program helps kids explore differences in gender, race and culture in order to eliminate the barriers of prejudice and strengthen our community. Each student also completes an action plan to identify what they can do to help. Schools use a summary of their students’ responses to help educators focus on their school’s diversity issues and foster a climate of tolerance and respect.

“West Michigan and its classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse,” says Valdis Gailitis, Diversity Leadership Team Co-chair and Superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools. “This type of training teaches our students how to work with others in the classroom, regardless of cultural and ethnic differences, and prepares them for success in the workplace later.”  

This school year 14 training sessions are planned with 17 high schools participating and potentially 4000 ninth graders. Last year 2,500 students participated. A special training session will be held in late September for all Ottawa-Kent Conference League student councils, from 51 schools in 7 counties.

            For many students, the program has been an eye-opening experience. As one student put it, “Now I know what I can do to help make things better in my community and country!” The program is part of the Superintendents’ Association Diversity Initiative.