Norwood High Students Lead Cultural Proficiency Programs

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood Public Schools have been making an effort to increase cultural proficiency for students and staff and the high school students have taken the reins.

This year, 25 students were chosen as program leaders in the Anti-Defamation League's A World of Difference Institute Peer Training program. This is the second year that the program was run in the schools. It focuses on having diverse groups of students lead their peers through curriculum that aims to create and sustain positive social change in their schools.

Leaders have to apply and interview for the position and then complete three full days of training. This year, peer leaders and advisers are planning a series of hybrid learning sessions for the ninth grade students.

According to the school district, students are trained to lead developmentally appropriate activities and discussions with their peers on bias-related issues pertaining to race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other aspects of human diversity. The student leaders also learn strategies to address prejudicial behaviors when they occur.

"It has been great to see so many students over the past few years actively participating in programs like the Global Citizenship Certificate and leading their peers in learning about and addressing prejudicial behaviors," Superintendent Thomson said. "By offering opportunities for students to learn about how to create inclusive environments or address bias when it occurs, we hope that they leave Norwood Schools as respectful and responsible global citizens who understand, appreciate and promote diversity in their daily lives."