Respect for diversity is one of the 5 action areas outlined in the supporting successful transitions: School decision-making tool (PDF, 1.6MB).
When supporting children's transition to school, schools recognise and address children's diversity in a number of ways.
The respect for diversity action area has 2 key focuses which support school reflection – knowing the community and knowing and responding to children.
For each focus area, there is a description of a range of behaviours across 3 decision-making levels (school-centred, consultative and collaborative) to assist schools in their reflections and planning.
Diversity in schools
Dockett and Perry (2014) note that 'respect for diversity can only be accomplished when educators reflect critically on their own positions, understandings and expectations, understand other perspectives and embrace the strengths in diversity'.
Recently, the definition of diversity has expanded to include a multitude of individual differences. Diversity can characterise not only culture, but also various linguistic, location, social, economic, learning, ability, gender or other distinctive characteristics.
This definition of diversity encourages us to see differences as a strength and recognise that diversity is present in some way in all children.
Translated resources
Queensland state schools can access translated versions of the Our school community poster and the transition to school chatterbox resources.
Related information
Action area research
View the range of research relating to each action area, as outlined in the Supporting successful transitions: School decision-making tool.