5-step Action Plan for Promoting Social Inclusion, Understanding, and Mutual Respect in My Classroom

1. Who

1.1. It is important that the whole school community be involved in as many of the steps as possible. Setting up a classroom that promotes social inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect is difficult to do in a vacuum. School-wide implementation of these five steps lets all families know that everyone is valued and all members of the community - adults and children - are held accountable for showing each other respect .

2. When

2.1. It takes time to set up an inclusive environment for students and their families. It must be done deliberately and consciously, as well as allow time for ongoing reflection among teachers, students, and administrators. For this reason, it should be implemented as soon as possible and should be considered an ongoing process. Generally, the beginning of the school year lends itself well to implementing new strategies and programs. However, this action plan can be started at any time and should be so that students can feel welcome no matter what part of the year it is.

3. Where

3.1. The plan will be implemented school-wide. Each of these steps could be modified to reflect creating an inclusive environment for all teachers, administrators, and staff. When every one partakes in this important work, the students reap more of the benefits.

4. How do we know if it is successful?

4.1. Tracking student success is one of the best ways to gauge whether the plan is working. Students are successful when they are confident, feel valued, and are included in their school environments. This could be done via formal assessments, but also informal observations (Does the student seem happier and more willing to take academic risks? Is she making friends? Is he able to express himself?). Continuous communication with the families will also be key, as the parents and caregivers are able to observe the child's attitude toward school and approach to academic work. Finally, students can fill out anonymous questionnaires periodically that gauge how comfortable and welcome they feel in the classroom, and any issues that have come up because of their linguistic, racial, and/or cultural background. The data collected can help frame classroom discussions and activities.

5. Why

5.1. The 5 step plan is important because it gives students, faculty, staff, and administrators a framework for creating an inclusive school and classroom community. It is in this kind of environment that students thrive and can access all aspects of their education with confidence.

6. One

6.1. As soon as possible, take the time to get to know the families of the students. Learn about communication styles and cultural practices that may be common in that student’s home and culture. Do this with a family conference, individual research, and conversations with colleagues who may share similar cultural backgrounds to get a better sense of how the family communicates, parenting style, and approach to education.

6.1.1. Two

6.1.1.1. Actively engage in anti-bias work with your colleagues and with your students. This work will build empathy among your students with whatever they may be struggling with, whether it be learning English or understanding math concepts. Anti-bias education is a framework, “that sets forth values-based principles and methodology in support of respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness” (Teaching for Change, 2005).

6.1.1.1.1. Three