OSBA’s division of legal services works to provide resources and professional development events for OSBA’s membership to enhance their understanding of diversity and inclusion in schools. We know that diverse communities benefit student learning, enhance workplace culture and augment district successes and hope that these resources help you and your colleagues promote leadership and professional skills and practices for more diverse, equitable and inclusive school communities.
Diverse Student Learner Resources – This website provides background, contextual information and specific guidance around diversity and inclusion in Ohio schools, including resources on supporting foster students, students who are homeless or economically disadvantaged, immigrant students, students with disabilities, LGBT students, and students who are racial, religious or ethnic minorities. A section of resources relating to bullying also is included.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Law Workshop – Join the division of legal services for a professional development event that provides sessions on: the benefits of diverse and inclusive climates in schools, discipline disparities and why they matter, boosting inclusion for students with disabilities, managing religious diversity in schools, and what a new president means for Ohio’s diverse student leaders.
OSBA Capital Conference Sessions
- High-quality EL supports for districts: Hear about Ohio’s changing demographics and the impact on English learners (ELs). Hamilton County ESC explains the basic legal compliance districts must develop and how to innovate supports for ELs, including Title III program audit; coaching for urban districts with large EL populations; sheltered instruction training; itinerant EL teachers; and professional development vocabulary. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m.)
- A structure for diversity in schools: Olentangy Local shares the structure it has adopted to support equity, diversity and inclusion development in grades K-12. Learn how to begin building support structures in your district. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m.)
- Bridges out of poverty: Lancaster City explores the mindsets of economic classes, overcoming the hurdles of poverty, research categories for studying poverty and mental models of poverty. Learn about the hidden rules of class, including attitudes toward education and differences in family structure; resource definitions; and the concept of physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and financial capital. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m.)
- Closing the gap for African-American males: Canton City describes the creation of an inner-city school mentoring program that closes the achievement gap for African-American males. The McKinley Men of Honor program serves African-American males in grades nine to 12 who must meet certain requirements and give back through peer mentoring in middle and elementary schools. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.)
- Supporting children of the rainbow: Sexual and gender minority students add rich diversity to schools as well as nuanced challenges for school staff. Akron City covers the broad area of gender and sexual minority students, specific considerations for mitigating bullying, legal implications and evidence-based intervention to ensure their social-emotional well-being within your schools. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m.)
- Transforming public education: Vouchers, school choice and the Trump administration present great challenges for funding and advancing public education. The documentary film “Most Likely to Succeed” offers critical insights to help schools address those challenges. View the film and join a follow-up discussion about what public schools are doing to radically transform education. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m.)
- When ICE comes knocking: How does the evolving immigration enforcement landscape affect your district? Scott Scriven LLP attorneys share recent changes to immigration enforcement and practical tips for addressing immigration issues in your schools. (Monday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.)
- Hiring those with disabilities? Yes! School boards can be key stakeholders in establishing the value of people with disabilities as a diverse and rich talent pool of dedicated employees. Join several statewide advocacy groups to see how your school board can help people with disabilities create a brighter future for themselves. (Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m.)
- Ten things about living in poverty: Hear how a student’s success is affected by living in poverty. Clearview Local (Lorain) shares 10 ways in which poverty is a deterrent to academic success and how schools can combat these negative impacts. (Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m.)
- Released time for religious instruction: More than half of Ohio school districts have adopted a policy of released time for religious instruction. Upper Sandusky EV, Beck & Martin LLC and School Ministries Ohio offer practical information on legal aspects, the benefits of cooperating with the community and high school elective credit. (Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m.)
Do you have ideas for other resources or future programming? We would love to hear from you. Please contact a member of OSBA’s division of legal services or Lenore Winfrey or Damon Asbury, the 2017 D&I Committee co-chairs.