Anti-racism is not an initiative: How professional learning communities may advance equity and social-emotional learning in schools

Year Published:

Abstract

There is a sense of urgency among P-12 educators to dismantle systemic school-based racism and radically transform conditions for teaching and learning in ways that advance equity, social justice, and social-emotional learning (SEL). This transformation cannot be achieved through typical top-down, short-term approaches to school improvement or professional development. In this article we explain how, in an urban school district working to bring Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) to all students, robust professional learning communities (PLCs) have been leveraged to redress racism and led to changes in teacher mind-sets, more equitable classroom practices, and positive social-emotional learning outcomes. We explain how routine school improvement initiatives, such as stand-alone professional development events, fail to address racist beliefs and behaviors, and are inadequate to the task of advancing SEL. We describe the attributes and outcomes of effective PLCs, including the effects that PLC participation may have on teacher capacity to make anti-racist changes to curriculum and instruction, and advance the social, emotional, and academic learning of all students.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What Professional Development Activities Will Help PK–12 Teachers Create Culturally Responsive Learning Environments?

While evidence is limited, suggestive studies describe multiple potential strategies that may help teachers build culturally responsive learning environments. Teacher professional development programs that offer concrete tasks of teaching, assessment, observation, and reflection may produce higher student test scores. Professional learning communities may help achieve the goals of creating more equitable and culturally responsive classrooms. […]

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

GENDER: All

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: Unknown

INTERVENTION: Teacher professional development

OUTCOME AREA: Education

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): North America

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2022

More STUDIES