Common Bonds: Anti-Bias Teaching in a Diverse Society 3rd Edition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2005

Common Bonds:
Anti-Bias Teaching in a Diverse Society 3rd Edition

Olney, MD — September 2005. We live in an increasingly ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse society. Yet, schools often do little to prepare children to live harmoniously and equitably with such diversity. Common Bonds examines the growing diversity in schools in a constructive, empowering way. In this 3rd edition, the authors write about various forms of cultural diversity in schools: racial/ethnic, religious, ability, socioeconomic class, linguistic, gender, and sexual orientation, and suggest ways that educators (most specifically, the classroom teacher) can build inclusive classroom environments. The common theme that emerges is that while diversity poses difficulties, teachers can create an environment in which differences are recognized and accepted while simultaneously reinforcing a common set of norms and values that bind students together.

New to the 3rd edition of Common Bonds is Chapter 7, "Sexual Diversity Issues in Schools." The central theme of this chapter is how educators can create school environments that are safe and nurturing for all students, regardless of sexual orientation.

Every chapter suggests ways for helping students to discard existing stereotypes and actively question and reject attitudes and actions not congruent with a pluralistic society. These are the goals of anti-bias teaching in a diverse society. By inviting children to explore and understand the cultural heritages and traditions of their neighbors, classmates, and friends, the teacher opens a window of opportunity to instill respect and denounce prejudice and discrimination. Simple lessons last a lifetime.

Common Bonds concludes by offering a useful checklist that summarizes issues teachers need to bear in mind as they create inclusive classroom environments where common bonds are discovered and differences respected. Teachers can use this checklist as a guide for how to establish successful anti-bias learning environments.

Common Bonds: Anti-Bias Teaching in a Diverse Society, 3rd edition. Editors: Deborah A. Byrnes and Gary Kiger, 144 pp. 2005. ISBN 0-87173-167-3. $22.00 | To order, or to request a review copy, contact the ACEI Marketing Department at (301) 570-2111 or (800) 423-3563.

For further information about this topic or other childhood education issues, contact Jana Pauldin or visit the ACEI Web site, www.acei.org.

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About ACEI: Founded in 1892, ACEI is the oldest professional organization in the world dedicated to the development of the whole child, from birth to early adolescence. Its primary purpose is to promote the inherent rights, education, and well-being of children in the home, school, and community. ACEI publishes the award-winning publication Childhood Education, as well as the Journal of Research in Childhood Education

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