It’s the beginning of a new school semester and like New Year’s it’s a great time to make improvements to systems (and ourselves!). When trying to integrate equity practices into the classroom or afterschool settings, it’s important to remember the goal is to give each student and Scholar the opportunity to thrive. There are a number of ways to do this, and CORE is proud to ensure our staff is constantly learning and implementing these important strategies.

Establishing Inclusive Spaces —  It’s critical to set clear expectations for respectful behavior and open communication. This helps create a safe space where all students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Inclusive Language and Resources — Use inclusive language and materials that reflect the diversity of the student body in your curriculum. Incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into your curriculum. Use examples, texts, and materials that represent a range of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. This helps students from different backgrounds feel seen and valued.

Also, it’s helpful to recognize that students have different learning styles, abilities, and needs. Differentiate your instruction to accommodate these differences and provide appropriate support to each student. Use a variety of teaching strategies and materials to engage diverse learners. This could include visual aids, hands-on activities, group discussions, and more.

Building Relationships — Get to know your students individually. Learn about their backgrounds, cultures, interests, and learning styles. This can help you tailor your approach to meet their unique needs.

Create opportunities for students to share about themselves and their experiences. This can foster a sense of belonging and community in the classroom.

Addressing Bias and Stereotypes — Be aware of your own biases and work to mitigate them. Avoid making assumptions about students based on their background, and treat all students fairly. If you encounter biased behavior or language among students, address it promptly and use it as a teachable moment to promote understanding and empathy.

Engaging Families and Caregivers — At CORE, we know how important it is to take a whole-family approach.  Communicate with families and caregivers in ways that are accessible and respectful of their cultural backgrounds and preferences. Involve families in their child’s education by sharing goals, progress, and ways they can support learning at home. We built up our Parent Academy this way, keeping parents in the mix constantly.

By implementing these equity practices at the beginning of the school year, you can set a strong foundation for an inclusive and supportive environment that benefits all students. At CORE, we know that equity is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continuously reflect on your practices and make adjustments as needed.