The work of creating equitable, affirming spaces is a journey and we want all WT families to be a strong partner in this work with us. We all have self-work to do in order to be a part of the change toward a just world. The following resources serve to build more capacity in understanding this critical work.
Understanding Washington Township’s Equity Story
Allyship
Learn about allyship and the work of co-conspirators. It is important for all of us to think about how we show up for humanity.
- Guide to Allyship
- Role of Co-Conspirator
- “What is a Co-Conspirator” (video clip | Dr. Bettina Love, author of We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom, defines the role of a co-conspirator
- Increasing Awareness & Understanding of the Jewish Community
Antiracist Work
Racism does not only come in the form of violence or hate-based organizations. It can be subtle, functioning in the systems of institutions across society. In education, it can manifest in curriculum, policies, HR practices, discipline, and more. Within Washington Township we are committed to antiracist work and have started a partnership with Child Advocates to Engage in Interrupting Racism training (funded by the Advancement Center). We want all families to be on this journey with us. Please check out these resources:
Book Lists to Spark Courageous Discussions about Race
Books are great tools to start conversations; however, we have to know how to facilitate the conversation in ways to help students understand racism as well as the creation of a just society. Start with self-work and get into the practice of talking about race; you do not have to possess all the answers. Lean into these hard conversations as we owe it to our students and community.
- Starting Race Conversations with Students
- Understanding Why Diverse Texts are Not Enough (moving beyond books)
Multicultural and Social Justice Books
- The Brown Shelf
- Embrace Race – Extensive List of Children’s Books (includes links)
- Race Conscious Kid
- Social Justice Books
Social Justice Books as recommended by Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
- We Want To Do More Than Survive by Bettina L. Love
- Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon
- How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Stamped From The Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
Here are some resources to help you understand gender identity and how to support LGBTQ+ students. All students deserve a space that affirms their identity. As a district, we are intentionally learning about inclusive practices to support gender diversity. Please contact Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera if you need additional supports or want to be connected to local advocacy groups.
Learning In Community Webinar Series
The District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) is proud to present the Parent/Caregiver Webinar Series. The presentations were put together to help families understand the work we are doing to create environments where students can be their authentic self. The series focuses on high ability, implicit bias education, special education and sessions pertaining to culture and identities.
- MY CHILD HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS HIGH ABILITY, NOW WHAT?
- UNDERSTANDING ASIAN AMERICAN DIVERSITY AND RESISTING STEREOTYPES AT SCHOOL
- UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL EDUCATION AND PARENTS’ PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
- SUPPORTING LGBTQ+ STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS
- SUPPORTING HIGH ABILITY NEEDS IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
- PARTNERSHIPS: WT PARENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
- BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING TRUTH
- CONNECTING OUR KIDS THROUGH THE HEAD AND THE HEART
- UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA