Public School Equity

Equality is not equity, tolerance is not inclusion, and access is not opportunity.

Efforts to address inequities within our schools tend to ignore the underlying beliefs that sustain injustices, and focus instead on short-lived policies and practices. This book takes a different approach to eradicating educational disparities. Drawing on more than forty interviews with teachers, principals, and district leaders, Manya C. Whitaker offers educators guidance for leading a school or district grounded in social justice that centers teachers―not just teaching practices―and that focuses on the belief systems that shape decision-making.

The chapters walk educational leaders through a strategic approach to long-term change: from school planning for family and community engagement, to hiring and onboarding teachers, to sustaining equity through multifaceted professional development and equitable evaluation. Concrete “how-to”s are provided throughout, along with reflection questions to help readers apply the content to their context. For any school or district leader intent on addressing the many inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this book is an essential manual.

Manya Whitaker is an educational psychologist and associate professor and chair of education at Colorado College, where she directs the faculty development center. She also consults with families and K–20 educators on equity issues. Dr. Whitaker resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.