DEI Matters at MAC: April 2024 Update

MAC’s intentional approach to integrating anti-bias education into our curriculum helps to create a learning environment that values and respects diversity while fostering students who are informed, compassionate, and motivated to advocate for a just society. Teachers weave anti-bias education throughout units to help students understand both themselves and the world better and learn how to engage within it in a just and equitable manner. This school year, our staff has engaged in professional development work aligned to the four domains of anti-bias education –  identity, diversity, justice and action. Upper Division uses the social justice standards from the Learning for Justice curriculum which are a set of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes divided into these four domains. Using this framework helps to guide learning of abstract concepts into tangible ideas and actions, making the lessons of social justice resonate with students in ways that can be meaningful to them. The social justice standards are included in student reports each December and May, providing a window for families into student learning in each domain. The reports are completed in collaboration with the students who have the opportunity to self-assess and then meet with their teacher about their respective evaluations. This experience allows students to think critically about their learning across the four domains starting at an early age. In this month’s update, we take a closer look at the domains reflected throughout the standards in order to promote a common understanding of the important work happening at MAC.

In the “identity” domain, students start with their understanding of self, developing positive social identities based on their membership in multiple groups in society. Learning in the “diversity” domain aims for students to express comfort with people who are both similar to and different from them and engage respectfully with all people. Learning might be woven into a history unit that reflects on historical events or into a literature unit that considers social interactions. We also leverage our social emotional learning (RULER), providing opportunities for students to practice respectful interactions with each other. In the “justice” domain, students explore the idea of individual bias and institutional discrimination in age-appropriate ways. And finally, the “action” domain empowers students to stand up for people who have been treated unfairly due to their identities. It is within this domain that students develop a sense of responsibility to uphold social justice through individual and collective action.

Maria Montessori famously stated, “An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.” This quote is at the very foundation of this incredible work. We thank our teachers and students for embodying the fearless, forward mindset of our mission to make our world a better place!  

Don't miss our anti-bias workshop for parents and caregivers on Tuesday, April 16th from 4-5:30pm at MAC, facilitated by Dr. Vanessa Santiago Schwarz. Participants will learn how to use books and everyday opportunities to facilitate conversations about identity, diversity, justice and action with their children. Childcare will be available. RSVP here by April 10, 2024. We hope to see you there!