Equitable by Design: A Guide to Utilizing the Abundance of Resources Within Black Families and Communities to Support Students

About This Book

Equitable by Design examines the possibilities for building more equitable, culturally informed, and evidence-based partnerships among Black families, communities, and schools. The processes and practices recommended in this guide are grounded in theory. That theory is translated into evidence-based practices associated with improved student outcomes for Black students.

This guide also recognizes and respects "other ways of knowing," or people's lived experiences, understanding that science is still catching up on its knowledge of what works for historically marginalized groups. This book invites participation in creating welcoming environments for Black families and their children. It provides processes that begin with the abundance within families and communities in mind, transfers power, builds capacity, and fosters collective responsibility and collective decision-making. These processes offer the possibilities for increasing the safety and belonging of Black families and students, improving student learning and well-being, transforming systems within schools, and developing strategic partnerships that build upon the knowledge, expertise, and experiences of Black people.

Book Features:

• Broadens the concept of leadership in schools to include Black families, students, and community members
• Explores processes for creating safe and hospitable environments for Black families to engage with schools
• Shares a range of concepts, strategies, and practices for utilizing partnerships with families, communities, and schools to support student success and well-being
• Translates theory into evidence-based practices that support diverse families and community engagement
• Provides opportunities for individual and team reflection
• Focuses on goal setting and action steps
• Explores culturally modified evidence-based practices to effectively engage families and support students
• Provides step-by-step guidance for Black Family Advisory Councils with Dr. Yvette C. Latunde

Reviews

"A brilliant piece of work with actionable insights to achieve Black student success informed by real insight of Black families."
— Melessa Hamilton, Middle School Teacher, African American Parent Council Member

"This interactive, user-friendly guidebook is an essential tool for all school systems. This guidebook is grounded in sound theoretical frameworks and guiding principles. Educators will be empowered and equipped to take an asset-based approach to strengthening relationships with Black families and authentically engaging them as true partners in their children’s education."
— Cynthia Glover-Woods, Member, California State Board of Education

"Schools and organizations serving Black children and families need this guidebook. Dr. Latunde provides a practical guide for educators, community members, and parents to evaluate their policies and practices and co-create new processes with families in order to ensure Black students’ success. Though this guidebook centers Black families, we know that what works for Black students will prove effective with other groups. Thus, with this guidebook, Dr. Latunde has provided tools and strategies educators can employ to see to it every student succeeds."
— Dr. Rema Vassar, Associate Professor of Leadership and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University

This is a must-read resource book for anyone interested in helping Black and African American children reach their full academic potential.
— Dr. Greg Richardson, Director, Watson and Associates Literacy Center, California State University