Programs
	Gordon’s equity and inclusion programs support the mission of the school, by ensuring that every student and family feels entitled to full membership in the community. The school supports affinity groups, which recognizes shared experiences and promotes cross-cultural dialogue.   Affinity groups The Parents of Students of Color is a network of parents who meet regularly throughout the school year to support students of color. Common Ground is a voluntary program that began in 2006 for students of color that begins in the first grade and ends in eighth grade.  In 2010, Gordon's Faculty of Color program expanded to become a series of race-based affinity group meetings for all faculty and staff.   Gordon has developed other affinity groups over the years in response to vrious communities, including a religion-based group for students and a group for LGBT faculty at local independent schools,   Board leadership   Board members, parents, and administrators serve on this committee, which provides advice and counsel on issues of equity and the implementation of the goals of the Strategic Plan. In 2010 the Diversity Committee is launching a parent discussion series, with the theme this year focused on gender issues.   Professional development   A portion of Gordon’s professional development is devoted to the work of becoming an excellent multicultural educator. Faculty and staff meet monthly in affinity group structures to work on understanding how racial identity development influences teaching practice and effectiveness. They also investigate how many of their identities, such as gender, ability, religion, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, age and other characteristics influence how people teach and learn, and how students engage in the learning process.   Workshops and presentations   Gordon encourages students and faculty to attend diversity conferences such as New England Conference on Multicultural Education, Teaching for the Future: A Conference for Middle School Faculty, International NAME, AISNE Diversity Conference, NAIS People of Color Conference, Annual White Privilege Conference, and AISNE Middle School Students of Color Conference. Gordon faculty presents at many conferences across the country.   Books and resources

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