Because bias is universal, bias-based incidents involving hateful imagery, language and actions, including the use of hurtful jokes, slurs and stereotypes, can and will happen in our schools. It is not a matter of if a bias incident will occur, but when. Preparation matters. The best time to consider how to respond to a bias incident is before such incidents occur, rather than only after an incident has happened. This session will help participants use ADL’s incident response resources and general anti-bias learning principles to build their capacity to anticipate, recognize, and respond to bias incidents in their classrooms and schools. By challenging biased language and behaviors as well as educating students about the impact bias incidents can have on all members of the school community, educators and school administrators can be role models and partners with students in creating school environments where all students can learn and thrive.
Challenging all forms of identity-based bias can be an effective intervention to ensure that antisemitic language, behaviors, and incidents are responsibly addressed. However, the current climate of antisemitism in the U.S. has brought increased attention to the need for specific education about Jewish identity and antisemitism. In recent years, antisemitic incidents in our schools, and the normalization of antisemitic attitudes, stereotypes and “othering,” has contributed to a climate in which many Jewish students, educators and Jewish families, feel marginalized, unsafe, and unwelcome. Because of Colonial School District’s years-long engagement with ADL’s No Place for Hate program and ADL’s particular expertise in antisemitism research and education, session participants will leave with a deeper understanding of who Jewish people are, what antisemitism is, and the impact of antisemitism on Jewish students and their family members. This session will strengthen educators capacity to understand impact and respond effectively to antisemitism and all forms of identity-based bias.
This session will explore how executive functioning challenges commonly present in middle and high school students and how these difficulties impact academic performance, independence, and participation across the school day. Participants will gain practical strategies to support skills such as organization, time management, task initiation, planning, self-monitoring, and emotional regulation. This presentation is designed for secondary educators looking to better understand EF needs and implement supports into their everyday classroom routines.
