Inclusive Schools and Classrooms for All Learners

Inclusive schools and classrooms for all learners are rooted in a deep understanding of identity safety. In identity safe classrooms, teachers strive to ensure students that their social identities are an asset rather than a barrier to success in school. When students feel safe and have a sense of belonging, they develop stronger attachments to school and achieve at higher levels. The research on identity safe teaching practices finds that students from all backgrounds learn better and are more engaged with school in identity safe classrooms. In this interactive seminar, educators will learn an array of strategies to create identity safe classrooms where students from diverse racial, social, economic, and linguistic groups can learn and flourish.

This learning opportunity has been designed to reach K-12 educators as well as school and district leaders. Please register for the strand that best meets your learning needs but know we will also explore overarching themes as a community of K-12 educators and school/district leaders.

Participants will learn how to:

• Develop an understanding of stereotype threat and ways to counteract negative stereotypes with students.
• Draw from the research to implement an Identity Safe Classroom in their own context.
• Refine their understanding of Dweck’s growth mindset and apply it to foster student-centered teaching.
• Thoughtfully choose from a variety of strategies to develop student voice, autonomy, and belonging for all students.
• Learn culturally competent strategies to cultivate diversity as a resource for learning.