In recent years, a Hanover Research member district has emphasized the themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its strategic planning. District leadership considers DEI values to be at the core of high-quality education for all students. A key component of the district’s DEI strategic planning is promoting inclusive classrooms through physical environments (e.g., decorations and learning aids) and class discussions (both planned and spontaneous). To that end, the district partnered with Hanover to help inform the next phases of its DEI work.
A recent survey confirmed that DEI is a high priority for professional learning among district staff. However, staff members find conversations on these topics challenging. To help district leadership support teachers’ skill development in facilitating inclusive conversations, Hanover has created this custom teacher toolkit for facilitating inclusive classrooms.
To help teachers in facilitating inclusive classrooms, this toolkit:
- Explains the benefits of students participating in an inclusive classroom;
- Describes strategies for implementing an inclusive environment; and
- Explores how to have conversations on controversial topics that are both planned and spontaneous
This toolkit is designed to support teachers trying to create an inclusive environment for their students. Teachers can use the embedded tools and activities to facilitate inclusive practices and have meaningful discussions with students that promote inclusive values.
