BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

During a recent Parkland School Board workshop, administrators reviewed the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan for the 2021-22 school term.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson reported that due to the numerous challenges of COVID-19, the plan and its message have not moved forward quite as quickly as expected.

“We want to re-communicate our core beliefs and correct a little misinformation that is out there,” Madson said.

“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.”

Madson noted Parkland is a large, diverse community that feels like an extended family.

“We welcome diversity not only in areas such as race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, academic ability and economics, but also in thought, Madson said.

“Productive dialogue to understand our multiple perspectives is precisely what we value.”

He said the No. 1 responsibility of the district is to educate kids.

“Part of that education is to model how to have discussions and review multiple sides while listening and working to understand,” Madson said. “We want to pool all our resources to move forward together.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Minotti said the Parkland Equity and Inclusion Plan aims to help students feel welcome while invoking a feeling of belonging with their classmates and teachers.

She said communication is a huge factor in establishing connections among everyone at Parkland, involving families and individuals from the community.

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Kelly Rosario commented on the plan.

She said the district wants to give every student the opportunity to be successful.

Rosario provided an example of the difference between equality and equity, using a depiction with bicycles.

In equality, every person is given the same bicycle, no matter what their size or ability.

In equity, each one is given a bicycle to meet their own physical needs and size.

Rosario said teachers and students are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and share class discussions from different viewpoints.

She reported the updated social studies curriculum encourages analysis of pros and cons of historical decisions, along with a correlation to events of modern times.

Rosario stated social and emotional learning continues to be a significant factor in the curriculum.

“Social and emotional learning is important for helping children to learn and succeed,” she explained. “We’ve been doing this for years. It is nothing new.

“Academics are first, but SEL is also very important.”