Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Credentialed Faculty PD Pathways with the OESIS Network
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How do we thoughtfully understand and navigate the complexities of multiple cultures in our curricula and school communities? Why should we provide culturally relevant and accessible content and instruction in our schools? For generations, education has been delivered in such a way that the stories and experiences of certain populations have been used as a lens through which to approach everything. Too often, this creates classrooms that do not feel safe or welcoming to all students, leading to a reluctance to take risks in the process of learning and growth. Teachers need to acknowledge that in order to assist all students in reaching their Zone of Proximal Development for optimal learning, we need to create safe communities and build trust. In order to support all students in their learning journey, it is vitally important to create communities and learning experiences that acknowledge and validate all students while also setting expectations for independent learning.
By looking through the lens of neuroscience, in Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, Zaretta Hammond shows us how the brain responds to various teaching approaches and learning environments and helps us understand why, despite our best efforts, many students simply haven’t responded to the kinds of interventions many schools put in place for them. Many of the underlying issues and lessons to be learned are transferable to any disadvantaged groups such as those struggling with racial inequity, gender identification, linguistic learners, those of differing abilities, religious, and ethnic diversity. Schools may register academic faculty for cohort pathways that are verified by OESIS Network Leaders. Each pathway is designed to be completed within eight to 10 hours, featuring readings, videos, discussions, and assignments. There are 3 levels for each domain typically: Level 1 is Understanding the approach. Level 2 is Design and Level 3 is Implementation. Each Level earns a certificate and Level 3 earns a credential. OESIS Credentialing is Asynchronous feedback based on rubrics for level 1. Asynchronous and Synchronous with 1:1 Tutorial feedback for Level 2. An extra layer of Double Synchronous is added for Level 3. Some courses require and benefit from fieldwork assessment. Site visits are possible when a sufficient volume of teachers are involved.
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