Lead an identity safe learning community where students of all backgrounds thrive
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. 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. Start the journey to become an identity safe school and see the results for yourself!
“Belonging and Inclusion in Identity Safe Schools: A Guide for Educational Leaders is a timely and important book. For several years, the nation′s schools have been asked to focus their energies on raising student achievement. However, too often educators have ignored the need to honor, support and affirm the identities of the students they serve. For educators who serve children of color, particularly Black, Native American and Latinx children who are often subject to overt and covert forms of forced assimilation, this book will be an invaluable resource on how to create learning opportunities that make it possible for such children to thrive.”
~Pedro Noguera, Dean of Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California
“Bravo to authors Cohn-Vargas, Gogolewski, Creer Kahn, and Epstein for their ground-breaking book on Identify Safe Schools for Administrators and Teacher and Staff Leaders! They provide much-needed evidence for educators to elevate and even inspire the equity, empowerment, and academic growth needed to wholly support all children to flourish in school and their lives.”
~Debbie Zacarian, Director, Zacarian and Associates
Table of Content
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Prologue
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Identity Safe Schools
Chapter 2: Leadership for an Identity Safe School
Chapter 3: Adult Learning in Service of an Identity Safe School
Chapter 4: Data and Assessment for an Identity Safe School
Chapter 5: Identity Safe Partnerships with Families and the Community
Chapter 6: Coherence and Congruence
Chapter 7: Planning and Implementing Schoolwide Identity Safety
Epilogue: Closing Thoughts
Appendix
Appendix A: Equitable Data Inquiry Preparation Guide: Preparing for Equitable Data Dialogue, Analysis, and Reflection
Appendix B: Identity Safe Staff Self-Reflection Activity
Appendix C: Identity Safe Classroom Practices: Teacher Self-Assessment
Appendix D: Identity Safe Classroom Observation Form
Appendix E: Inquiry Calendar Planner
Appendix F: We–Why Reflection Tool
Appendix G: Identity Safe Formative Assessment Feedback Loop Reflection Questions & Planner
Appendix H: Developmentally Appropriate Conversations About Race and Gender With Children and Youth: Tips for Educators and Parents/Caregivers
Appendix I: Grades 3–5 Student Identity Safe Classroom Survey
Appendix J: Grades 6–12 Student Identity Safe Classroom Survey
Appendix K: Identity Safe Signature Strategies Spreadsheet
References
About the author
Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas is a leading scholar in identity safety, recognized for her roles as a school leader, curriculum specialist, and consultant. With a rich and varied career spanning over 35 years, she has significantly contributed as a Spanish bilingual teacher, principal, curriculum director, and superintendent in diverse rural, urban, and suburban pre-K-12 educational settings. She has worked in more than 150 schools across the U.S., leading strategic planning sessions and workshops. Dr. Cohn-Vargas co-authored the best-selling book ‘Identity Safe Classrooms K-5: Places to Belong and Learn, ‘ and ‘Identity Safe Classrooms Grades 6-12: Pathways to Belonging and Learning, ‘ and ‘Belonging and Inclusion in Identity Safe Schools: A Guide for Educational Leaders’ and “Identity Safe Spaces: Partnering to Overcome Inequity.” Her literary contributions also include book chapters, numerous articles, and the notable film ‘Our Family: A Film About Family Diversity, ‘ reflecting her commitment to promoting inclusive educational environments.
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