"Leading Your Schools Toward Equity by Dwayne Chism is published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). This book is a comprehensive guidebook for educators that provides a practical framework for implementing systemic changes that prioritize equity and provides a roadmap for school leaders to create a culture of educational equity allies who interrupt practices incubating intolerance within their learning spaces.

While local school boards and other forms of higher bureaucracy must reimagine policies and practices to support diverse learners, school leaders cannot afford to wait for the calvary. The hour for change is upon us and school leaders must be catalysts for change, bringing transformation to their circles of influence. Chism, an experienced educator and consultant, draws on his years of experience working with school leaders and educators to offer a practical approach to understanding equity and making meaningful progress in leading this work. The book is grounded in the belief that equity work requires more than just lip service and that meaningful change can only be achieved through intentional, sustained effort.

He outlines a four-step process for taking equity work beyond talk and into effective action. You’ll learn concrete ways to

·       Define and clarify equity. Guide even reluctant staff to a consensus understanding of what equity is, why it’s necessary, and what it will look like

·       Create productive discomfort. Use intentional dialogue to lead staff to a place where they can talk frankly about privilege, bias, racial inequality, and how these affect the experience of schooling.

·       Build efficacy. Help staff develop higher levels of individual and shared professional efficacy—the number-one factor influencing equitable educational outcomes—and create an empowered group of educational equity allies united for results.

·       Normalize action. Support the day-to-day use of an equity lens, a mindset that empowers all teachers to counteract stereotypes and rectify conditions that negatively affect students of color.

School leaders must find the bravery to take approaches to equity that build and sustain a better educational system that truly serves all. To make this complicated work a little easier, Chism provides a wealth of practical tools and strategies for each step of the framework, including assessments, self-reflection prompts, and coaching guides. Ultimately, classroom teachers' success in meeting the demands of equity depends on competent individuals leading change. If you’re committed to creating a true equity-driven culture, if you’re ready for courageous leadership, this book is for you.