Key Characteristic 3: Engagement of Learning

STANDARD # 16
Learners experience curriculum and instruction that emphasize the value of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities.

Elements

Respect for the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities is present in the institution’s culture and learning environments. The presence and contributions of the global community are included in the curricular content and instructional practices.

Evidence

Evidence 1: MNTS syllabus (https://www.mntamilschool.org/mnts-syllabus-overview/) and its evolution into an intuitive courseware has been explained. MNTS Syllabus is aligned with national proficiency standards not only for US (ACTFL) but also with European Framework (CEFR) and thus providing global perspective for anyone can use it to learn the Tamil language from anywhere and at any age.

MNTS Syllabus is developed to be completely nonreligious so that anyone who wants to learn the language can embrace the content. In order to respect the diverse cultures and various age groups, the syllabus uses real world topics and reference and so it can be fully relatable to everyone.

While festivals following any particular religion or faith are not being referenced in the syllabus or instructions, students may use those for responding to their assignments on the real-world scenarios.

MNTS Tamil School would like to introduce Social Justice and anti racism contents in their curriculum and assessments for all levels. School continuously seeking feedback (https://www.mntamilschool.org/mnts-social-justice-antiracism/) from anyone to review, contribute and adopt.

Evidence 2: Mission statement 3 (https://www.mntamilschool.org/bylaws/) emphasizes on educating students on the Tamil language, culture and heritage, school commits itself in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. As Tamil community is built on the linguistic ethnicity, it is of paramount importance for us to stay fair and secular against religious, caste and class diversity.

Evidence 3: Refer to sections 18 and 18a from the bylaw (https://www.mntamilsangam.org/bylaws/) of the parent organization (MNTS) where non-political and non-religious aspects are emphasized. School adopts these principles in the operations.

Evidence 4: Rules, Regulations and Policy Compliance (https://www.mntamilschool.org/teachers-handbook/) Section (19) guides teachers to assess and treat everyone equally and fairly.