Date

Winter 2022

ESRP 9000 Professor

Don Hall, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

David B. Ross, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

The demographics of the United States are changing but private schools do not represent this change. The pervasive lack of diversity in K-12 schools is problematic since studies indicate social and academic benefits to diversity in schools. Research shows that an interdisciplinary and diverse curriculum gives students a sense of belonging and authenticity while learning relevant and representative context for the curriculum and how their courses connect. This improves learning, understanding, and collaboration. At NSU University School, an independent PK-12 school in Davie, Florida, the statements of diversity education and inclusion would be more powerful if there were a more diverse curriculum reaching a more diverse population. This strategic research project creates a plan for diversifying NSU University School.

This project analyzes the impacts of diversity in schools and strategies for increasing diversity. Based on the research, diversity should appear in all courses, requiring teachers to reflect on perspectives included and to identify perspectives missing in their curriculum. Students should be guided to understand diversity is not divisive. The recommendation for NSU University School is to diversify their curriculum. The selected strategy for this solution is to redesign the curriculum. A detailed action plan and key steps for this strategy are included in this project. NSU University School could impact student learning by redesigning its curriculum to include interdisciplinary courses incorporating multiple perspectives. This would help diversify their curriculum and, in turn, diversify their population by attracting more diverse faculty and students.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Language

English

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