A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE^™ is designed to address diversity issues in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school communities. More than 375,000 elementary and secondary school teachers - responsible for nearly 12 million students - have participated in A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE.

At the center of A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE is the anti-bias curriculum that provides teachers with lessons to help students:

• Explore prejudice and bigotry

• Improve critical thinking skills

• Examine diverse viewpoints

• Take leadership roles

Programs:

Teacher Training - The Institute works with teachers, support staff, administrators, students, parents and other family members to create an environment of mutual respect and increased personal safety.

Early Childhood Programs - Anti-bias programs are specifically designed for educators, caregivers and families of children ages 3-5. Programs provide supporting resources to help promote understanding and respect among young children in their classrooms and at home.
• More about Early Childhood Programs

Peer Education - Students learn how to work with their peers, distinguish between personal freedom and discriminatory behavior and develop leadership skills. Since 1991, more than 5,000 students, who influence the lives of more than 60,000 students in the United States and abroad, have been trained as Peer Trainers and Leaders.
• More about the Peer Training and Peer Leadership programs

Yale University: Peer Training Program Works
A new evaluation study conducted by Yale University of the impact of ADL’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute Peer Training Program concluded that “the Peer Training Program can have an important effect on reducing bias in schools.” Through the unique combination of instructional and peer influence strategies the program helps students combat name-calling, bullying and harassment, thus creating safer and more inclusive school communities. For more information, read the study’s Summary Report or view our one-pager highlighting the evaluation’s results.

Names Can Really Hurt Us - Student centered assembly program to assist schools in responding to name calling, bullying and harassment.

The Youth and Family Service - Flexible after-school programs involving parents and families, as well as other providers, to help foster self-esteem and respect. A specially designed Youth Service Activity Guide enables youth to uncover prejudices and develop strategies to confront prejudice and bigotry

Other Specialized Programs - Across the country, the Anti-Defamation League develops and implements special events and programs throughout the year - from essay and art contests to local youth leadership events -all designed to teach participants the skills necessary to succeed in our increasingly diverse nation.

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute conducts seminars, workshops or lectures on a one-time only, or on a continuing basis. For more details, or to schedule an A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE program, contact your ADL Regional Office

Sample Lessons for:

Early Childhood

• Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Activities for Educators

• Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Activities for Families

Elementary and Middle School Students

• I Belong to Many Groups

• Creating an Environment that Respects Diversity

High School Students:

• Culture Tree

• Setting the Stage for Respect

Other Resources:

• Empowering Children in the Aftermath of Hate: A Guide for Educators and Parents

• Discussing Hate and Violence With Children (available in Spanish)

• 101 Ways To Combat Prejudice

• Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice