Classroom Diversity Affects Student Outcomes
Teachers know that when students see their identities reflected in their teachers or their learning materials, students have a better shot at success. But across America, there exists a gap between the diversity of teachers and the diversity of students, and research shows this has an impact on student outcomes:
- 50% of public school students are people of color, but only 20% of their teachers are people of color.
- The dropout rate among black students decreases by 33% if they have just one black teacher between third and fifth grade.
- Women are three time less likely to teach math, and two and a half times less likely to teach science.
- Girls who went to high schools with a higher proportion of female STEM teachers were 19% more likely to graduate from college with a science or math major.
DonorsChoose is the nonprofit classroom funding site for public school teachers. Over the past several years, we’ve seen a huge swell in teachers requesting resources to help students “see themselves” in the classroom, like a pack of crayons that reflect all skin tones, or a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C., or a class set of The Hate U Give.
is the nonprofit classroom funding site for public school teachers. Over the past several years, we’ve seen a huge swell in teachers requesting resources to help students “see themselves” in the classroom, like a pack of crayons that reflect all skin tones, or a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C., or a class set of The Hate U Give.
With support from philanthropists, organizations, and individual donors, DonorsChoose is launching #ISeeMe, a campaign to support classroom projects from underrepresented educators, and from all teachers who seek inclusive materials that reflect their students' identities.
How #ISeeMe Supports Classroom Projects
To celebrate the launch, Google.org is launching their $4M #ISeeMe Match Offer on Thursday, May 16, doubling donations to classroom project requests on DonorsChoose created by teachers of color, women math and science teachers, and teachers of all backgrounds who request materials that reflect their students' identities. To learn more about Google.org’s commitment to #ISeeMe check out their blog, and to see how you can qualify for the match, visit our help center.
Our team is working with philanthropists, organizations, and thought leaders to support #ISeeMe, including Whoopi Goldberg, Former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr., and Yellow Chair Foundation. See a full list of #ISeeMe supporters, and learn why they’re choosing to get involved.
Advice for Teachers: Creating Your #ISeeMe Project
Teachers of all backgrounds and identities can request materials to help bring representation, diversity, and inclusion into their classrooms. Not ready to create a project just yet? As you explore how to make sure students can see their identities reflected in your curriculum, free resources abound! Here are some additional resources that folks have recommended:
- Edutopia's list of diverse book choices. 22 titles for every grade level, ranging from the familiar to the new.
- Immigration: Stories of Yesterday and Today. Resources and lesson plan ideas on the history of immigration in the U.S.
- Multiculturalism and Diversity. A Scholastic one-stop-shop of tips from experts, lesson plan ideas, and ready-to-go activities that speak to the backgrounds of all your students.
- Culture and Diversity. Printables and curriculum resources to help teachers of all grade levels.
- 2019 Diversity Holidays Calendar. A handy list of multicultural holidays and events. They also offer an interactive version!
- Awareness Activities. Strategies and awareness activities for diversifying your lesson plans. These activities may be best suited for students in grades 9–12.
- 5 Ways to Promote Equity & Diversity in the Classroom. Tips on using lessons and classroom environment to promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom.
- Culture in the Classroom. A conversation on culture with tips, videos, and resources.
- 6 Ways Teachers Can Foster Cultural Awareness in the Classroom. An Education Week article on some of the best ways to foster a welcome environment for diversity in the classroom.
- 6 Ways To Celebrate Diversity In the Classroom. Tips on getting your students involved in celebrating diversity in the classroom.
- Center for World Indigenous Studies. A community to help others understand and appreciate the ideas and knowledge of indigenous peoples and the social, economic and political realities of indigenous nations.
- Diversity: Understanding and Teaching Diverse Students. Brigham Young University’s quick advice and activity bank on how adding diversity to your lesson plans can benefit your students.
- Teaching Beyond the Gender Binary in the University Classroom. A resource to equip a teacher with helpful tools to support their gender non-conforming students.
