With continued growth comes change, and Chesterfield County’s Public Schools are no exception. Over the past 10 years, the county’s school system has seen a significant shift in ethnic demographics. During the 1998-1999 school year, 74.3 percent of students were white, 21 percent were African-American, and 1.9 percent were Hispanic. Since then, the school system has diversified significantly; during the 2007-2008 school year, 61.6 percent of students were white, 27.4 percent were African-American, and 7.1 percent were Hispanic.

To help better prepare administrators and staff for these shifting demographics, the School Board held a public engagement session on September 23 detailing these changes. Facilitated by Dr. Otis Smith, Senior Consultant for Stand By Systems II, Inc., the forum, “Educating a Diverse Community,” welcomed students, teachers, parents, administrators, county government leaders, community organizations, and residents to discuss how to educate diverse learners.

“We understand that schools belong to the community and you should know the challenges that we face in educating different types of students,” says Dianne Pettitt, School Board Chair. “It is important for students and teachers to build relationships with people of different backgrounds.”

Before beginning group discussions, Smith showcased how diversity went far beyond just gender and ethnic differences and the challenges that it can bring to educators.

“Diversity is not just what you can see; everyone brings some unique experiences and values to the table,” says Smith. “Unless you can understand the different values of different students, you will never be able to relate the material effectively to all students.”

To get the ball rolling for diversity discussions, Smith asked the attendees for their feedback on three questions:

What are the key benefits of diversity that the Chesterfield County Public School system needs to carry forward through the 21st century?

Among attendees, one of the biggest benefits of diversity is that it helps students learn from each other, adapt to the world outside, and open up to different ideas and communication. They also noted how few barriers elementary students have when interacting with other people and asked what the schools can do to capture and maintain that spirit.

Where are our critical curricular challenges and opportunities as we seek excellence with multiple cultures and perspectives?

Presenting the findings from her table, Samantha McMillian, second grade teacher at Gates Elementary, reported that her group thought that the current structure of the school system presented many of the challenges.

“We are not moving forward enough to get away from the K-12 system, which hasn’t benefited the needs of 21st century skills,” says McMillian. “The leveling system itself causes stereotypes. Often, gifted kids get more creative teaching styles, and that is something that should be brought to all classes. We should be giving all kids the opportunity to go to their full potential.”

Other challenges included the need for a more diverse staff within the schools, as well as curriculums chosen by more diverse groups of people with different perspectives. Groups also felt that after-school activities should be more open to all students.

“It’s sad that so many kids can’t stay after to participate in extracurricular activities because they have no transportation,” says Diann DeLaPena, parent of a third grader at Hopkins Elementary. “Some subgroups can’t participate because they can’t pay for an activity that could end up stimulating the rest of their school work.”

Along with the challenges, attendees did find some opportunities in teaching a diverse group of students.

“Students have so many diverse learning styles and so many different ways to learn. By involving parents in the education process, this is an opportunity for us to stretch students and raise their expectations,” says Joe Tylus, Director of High Schools.

What are the key responsibilities of parents, students, teachers, administrative leaders, and support staff as we effectively enhance our opportunities and development in areas of diversity and appreciation of multiple cultures?

Dianne Mallory, Vice Chair of Citizens for Chesterfield Schools, expressed that one of the biggest ways to enhance opportunities is by looking at time, tools, and place.

“We need to look at how we deliver education. Why must it be a $40 million physical structure? We need to embrace the tools that let students connect 24/7 instead of just telling them that they can’t use them,” says Mallory. “If you think that 180 days is enough time for education, we need to find ways to use the time differently and more effectively.”

Teachers suggested that morning meetings at the elementary level have been helpful in getting kids to open up to and understand each other. Other groups expressed that the School Board should be more conscientious of economic disparities, stating that more opportunities were open to students from more affluent families.

Despite the conversation generated during the forum, Stella Edwards, President of the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs, warns that it’s all for naught unless the School Board takes the correct actions.

“Whatever ideas are decided to be the best to embrace diversity, we have to have a systematic way to institute them across the county.”

nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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