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Five Practices for Equity Focused School Leadership: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Inclusive and Equitable Schools

E.E. Cummings

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In the United States, there is a persistent achievement gap between students of color and white students. This gap is due to a number of factors, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to high-quality education. Equity focused school leadership is a powerful tool that can be used to close the achievement gap and create more just and equitable schools for all students.

Five Practices for Equity Focused School Leadership is the essential guide for school leaders who are committed to creating inclusive and equitable schools. Based on the latest research and best practices, this book provides a roadmap for implementing five key practices that will help schools close the achievement gap and create a more just and equitable learning environment for all students.

Five Practices for Equity-Focused School Leadership

by George Theoharis

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1909 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages

The five practices are:

Create a shared vision for equity
Build a culture of respect and belonging
Use data to drive instruction
Provide targeted support for students who need it most
Engage families and community members

Each of these practices is essential for creating equity focused schools. By implementing these practices, school leaders can create more inclusive and equitable schools where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Create a Shared Vision for Equity

The first step in creating equity focused schools is to create a shared vision for equity. This vision should be developed with input from all stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and community members. The vision should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Once the vision is developed, it is important to communicate it to all stakeholders. The vision should be posted in a prominent location in the school and should be discussed regularly at school events. The vision should also be used to guide all decision-making at the school.

Build a Culture of Respect and Belonging

A culture of respect and belonging is essential for equity focused schools. In this type of culture, all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Schools can build a culture of respect and belonging by:

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
Celebrating diversity
Addressing bias and discrimination
Providing opportunities for students to build relationships with each other

When students feel respected and belonging, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning and to achieve success.

Use Data to Drive Instruction

Data is essential for equity focused school leadership. Data can be used to identify students who are struggling and to develop targeted interventions to help them succeed. Data can also be used to track progress towards equity goals.

Schools can use a variety of data sources to inform their decision-making, including:

Student assessment data
Attendance data
Discipline data
Demographic data

By using data to drive instruction, schools can ensure that all students are getting the support they need to succeed.

Provide Targeted Support for Students Who Need It Most

Some students need more support than others to succeed in school. Equity focused schools provide targeted support for students who need it most. This support may include:

Academic interventions
Social and emotional support
Mentoring
Counseling

By providing targeted support for students who need it most, schools can help them overcome the barriers to their success.

Engage Families and Community Members

Families and community members play a vital role in student success. Equity focused schools engage families and community members in a variety of ways, including:

Providing information about school programs and policies
Inviting families and community members to participate in school events
Seeking input from families and community members on school decision-making
Partnering with families and community members to provide support for students

By engaging families and community members, schools can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Five Practices for Equity Focused School Leadership is the essential guide for school leaders who are committed to creating inclusive and equitable schools. By implementing these five practices, school leaders can create more just and equitable schools where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

To learn more about equity focused school leadership, visit the website of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Five Practices For Equity Focused School Leadership Book Cover Five Practices For Equity Focused School Leadership