Home Faculty & Research Research Belonging and Inclusion in Identity Safe Schools: A Guide for Educational Leaders
Belonging and Inclusion in Identity Safe Schools: A Guide for Educational Leaders
Cohn-Vargas, B., Creer Kahn, A., Epstein, A., & Gogolewski, K. (2021). Corwin. 01/14/22
Students of all backgrounds reach their full potential when they feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. When their social identities are valued as assets rather than barriers to learning, they flourish. Co-authored by Alexandrea Creer Khan, Alder’s Senior Director of Academic Programs, this guide provides evidence-based strategies that support you as a leader in creating an environment that promotes identity safe students, who experience a challenging curriculum that respects their diverse social identities.
Features in the book include:
- Guiding principles for student voice, equalizing status and cultivating acceptance across race, ethnicity, gender and other differences
- Ideas and examples for anti-racist dialogue and activities for teachers and students that counter colorblind practices, stereotype threat and biases
- Vignettes, and examples of identity safe practices for students and adult learning for staff, families and the community
- Systems for student-centered assessment and data collection
- Resources for developing equitable school policies and a comprehensive identity safety plan for your school
Educators fulfill the promise of an equitable education when students of all backgrounds know that who they are and what they think matters.