CPAWSB Strengthens Commitment to EDI through Contractor Development Initiative

In a continuous effort to enhance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) awareness within the teaching and learning environment, CPAWSB will soon launch an initiative to support education and exam contractors in building equity and inclusion competencies.

Identifying the Need

This initiative began in June 2024, when the CPAWSB Contractor Team collaborated with organizational consulting firm Beyond Diversity, Inc. to assess contractors' needs. Through interviews with education contractors, exam contractors, and CPAWSB leadership, the team gathered insights on the specific areas where support was required.

Collaborative Approach

The information gathered from the interviews informed the creation of tailored EDI learning modules. Designed to maximize impact, these modules address:

• Bias: Social stereotypes about certain groups of people that lead to judgments or decisions on the basis of prior experience, assumptions, or personal deep-seated thought patterns.
• Cultural Competence: Building the skills to effectively interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Dimensions of Diversity: Exploring the breadth of diversity in the workplace and beyond.
• Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing self-awareness and interpersonal skills to foster an inclusive environment.
• Generational Variants: Learning about generational differences among the different groups in the teaching-learning environment will help in better understanding expectations, preferred learning methods and ways of integrating learning into work and life.
• Neurodiversity: This concept describes differences in the way people think and the wide range of ways people perceive and respond to the world, with varying strengths and weaknesses. Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for creating an inclusive learning environment.
• Psychological Safety and Mental Wellness: Enhancing psychological and mental health literacy to support and address wellness issues.

 

Flexible Learning Modules

The EDI micro-learning modules will be delivered in a flexible format, allowing participants to engage with the content at their own pace. Course offerings will include interactive, self-guided materials, and opportunities for personal reflection.

Looking Ahead

This initiative aims to provide participants with the tools to create a more inclusive and supportive teaching and learning environment. The official launch of the EDI education awareness initiative is scheduled for early 2025.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion within CPAWSB.