Blog Post #5

What are some of the benefits of infusing equity & inclusive education into the Social Studies curriculum?

Frieze of the Rotunda of The United States Capitol, Death of Tecumeh. 1824.

       There are many benefits gained by infusing equality and inclusive education into the social studies curriculum.  The document Capacity Building Series, chapter entitled: "Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Towards Equity and Inclusivity in Ontario Schools" demarcates and explains many such benefits.  Some benefits include: using culture as resource for learning, developing a personal understanding and relationship with students, creating social-cultural awareness, and developing culturally diverse curriculum that has a wide variety of inclusiveness.  Another ministry document entitled Equality and Inclusive Education in Ontario Schools, supports these view about the benefits of inclusive education.  It identifies inclusive education as means of promoting enduring equality, well being, and public confidence.  Significantly it is important that cultural diversity is taught in schools so students can be educated and exposed to complex cultures at an early age.  Teaching students about cultural diversity at early age in a safe and nurturing environment is important because it instills a level of comfort with diversity.  Developing the capacity of all students to appreciate and understand various cultures that are estranged to their own is a great method for establishing empathy and dispelling ignorance or bigotry before it is able to take root in impressionable youths.