The growing acknowledgement of racial injustice and systemic racism is leading school districts, schools and individual teachers across the nation to examine and, in some cases, change their policies and approaches. Others, however, don’t know where to start or worry their actions will have no impact.

“The work about unpacking equity is scary,” said Daryl Williams, senior education equity specialist at the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium and doctoral instructor at the University of Phoenix. ”The fears are real, but your presence means you want to be part of the solution.”

Williams said there’s no one right approach to cultural responsiveness and antiracism initiatives in school systems. He does, however, advise superintendents and principals to examine their own racial and cultural beliefs.

“Some superintendents want equity addressed, but they don’t really believe it,” WIlliams said.

He also recommends any action taken by school administrators be inclusive of a larger group including teaches, students, parents and community members. “Equity is a framework that’s universal, and where every student and adult feels valuable,” Williams said.

Education Dive recently spoke with three school systems about their efforts around inclusive and antiracist practices.

Read the full article about antiracism practices in schools by Kara Arundel at Education Dive.