Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation

by Floyd Cobb, John Krownapple

While efforts to achieve equity in education are prominent in school districts across this country, the effective implementation that results in meaningful change remains elusive. Even with access to compelling theories and approaches such as multicultural education, culturally responsive teaching, culturally relevant instruction, culturally sustaining pedagogy, schools still struggle to implement equitable change that reshapes the academic experiences of students marginalized by the prevailing history, culture, and traditions in public education. Instead of getting it right with equity implementation, many schools and districts remain trapped in a cycle of equity dysfunction.

In Belonging through a Culture of Dignity, Cobb and Krownapple argue that the cause of these struggles are largely based on the failure of educators to consider the foundational elements upon which educational equity is based, belonging and dignity. Through this work, the authors make these concepts accessible and explain their importance in the implementation of educational equity initiatives.

Though the importance of dignity and belonging might appear to be self-evident at first glance, it's not until these concepts are truly unpacked, that educators realize the dire need for belonging through dignity. Once these fundamental human needs are understood, educators can gain clarity of the barriers to meaningful student relationships, especially across dimensions of difference such as race, class, and culture. Even the most relational and responsive educators need this clarity due to the normalization of what the authors refer to as dignity distortions. Cobb and Krownapple challenge that normalization and offer three concepts as keys to successful equity initiatives: inclusion, belonging, and dignity. Through their work, the authors aim to equip educators with the tools necessary to deliver the promise of democracy through schools by breaking the cycle of equity dysfunction once and for all.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Leadership, Social Justice, Teaching, Race

260 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2019

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a book study whose participants included various types of school employees from across the nation. The book study was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend looking into such groups hosted by IncludEd.

The authors, who made themselves available for the book study, take a good look at why so many efforts to "fix" the education system, to close achievement gaps, and to make schools more equitable are not successful. They provide insight into the underlying issues, and they provide tools to help overcome the problems that are prevalent. In fact, although the book is focused on education, the insight provided is applicable to the broader world, and the tools provided may help a reader gain insight into the issues they see in the communities around them.

The basic concepts of this book surround human dignity and creating a sense belonging for our students, which seems like common sense, and yet these concepts are not widely used in our current efforts at equity. The ideas shared in this book may help create more equitable school environments, but only if the readers (and the leaders of in our education systems) are willing to examine their own belief systems and ideas, and then work to make the necessary changes to their own thinking, and then to policy and professional development.

My copy of this book is full of notes I made as I read, and it will be kept where I can refer to the tools provided on a daily basis.

[Carl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me start here by stipulating that this book’s general position and motive are admirable. “Let’s make sure that all of our students feel humanized, dignified, and know that they belong” (203) states one of the last lines.

But I may never have encountered a more irritating book about education, the field in which I have worked for close to 30 years.

* The writing is bad: platitudes, imprecise language, repetition.
* It frequently blurts out oversimplified, obvious assertions.
* It teems with graphs, apparently in an attempt to seem scientific and complex. Many of the graphs are mind-bogglingly dumb and unnecessary.

And I’m not going to waste my time explaining the climactic portion, which befuddles with how it lets fairly simple words and symbols oscillate between contradictory meanings.

Support equity, support dignity, support belonging, but don’t bother with this miasma of mediocrity.

[Kate Stoczanyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my school's book club and it completely changed how I think of equity and belonging in the school environment! It is incredibly research-based and provides action steps on how to work towards creating an inclusive environment within a school and individual classroom.

[Terry Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical as this became the “book study” response to a report of racism in our schools by a brave young woman, but I enjoyed this book, though I wouldn’t say it’s particularly revelatory to those who have been doing racial equity and justice work in schools with a strong focus on humanizing our students and communities. If you reflect, it will give you nuggets to consider about yourself, and might help you understand others, especially leaders, more. It eloquently gives word to what those I consider soul family in education are doing, but also shows how our individual efforts will be limited until we can see this approach to dignity be system wide. I think I often phrase what the authors call dignity as humanity, but maybe I’ll make the switch.

[Angie Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have read this book sooner in my journey. Wow.

2nd read update: This book is even better the second time! The focus on how everybody deserves dignity but respect is earned really hit me this time.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book covers the data to back up how broken public education is when it comes to school inclusivity. WE KNOW. And the educators and admin who most need to read this book- won’t. There are some reflection style tips (kinda) but I really loathe pedagogy “how to” books that don’t give you the HOW TO. I read this during July 2022, after abortion rights were removed from the constitution and Supreme Court removed EPA requirements to protect our climate… so it is very hard to read a book giving teachers ownership over changing with our students what’s so incredibly broken in our NATION: dignity and inclusion. Yet again teachers are expected to cure and fix and un-do all that is broken within in each child we meet… for 45 minutes a day… in overfilled classes… in one semester… regardless of if their needs are being met at home. Bottom line: Our classrooms reflect our communities, and it’s a very divided one right now.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was incredibly insightful if you’re an educator. I mean, it’s also insightful if you’re not an educator, but it’s written for educators… so… Anyway, the layout of the chapters is thoughtful. Tackling these topics is not an easy task, but they’ve clearly done the work and went out of their way to share observations. It helps that they were educators first, so they have a realistic approach and expectation of what can actually be done - especially at private schools where the stakeholders don’t necessarily match the school’s mission and philosophy. The only reason it doesn’t earn a 5/5 for me is that I wish it offered more hand-on ideas and exercises for readers to consider. It provides the right language but not enough action plans.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s possible to do the right thing but in the wrong way, and I believe this is happening at many public school districts across the country. Individuals within those schools and systems are equity passionate and want to do the right thing but instead get caught in a dysfunctional cycle.

Equity competence will develop as readers (hint: BOTH staff and boards) evaluate the environment of their schools and districts. How can these same individuals then move to place belonging and dignity at the center? Practical approaches and exercise are provided. Get ready for the difficult - and critical - work!

[Spacek Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple explain belonging through a culture of dignity in clear language. Concepts are broken down with examples given that make the reading real to life. Learning in a school environment and working with others depends upon understanding feedback and using it reflectively. "Not being open to feedback makes it easy to violate dignity in ways such as resisting feedback, saving face, and shirking responsibility." This statement rang true as there are those who approach experiences in life with an open mindset and those that approach experiences with a fixed mindset. Creating a culture of dignity fosters belonging and that is needed in schools today.

[Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and approachable solution to schools' and school districts' equity work. The authors provide a concise exploration of the problematic cycle of equity work and why it continuously fails. They offer the "keys" to success and dive into how schools can use them. This book is a MUST if you're journeying through equity work as an individual teacher or as a school. It's easy to read, clear and offers breaks for reflection along the way. It's a win-win in terms of building a culture that truly values students and relationships with them.

[Larina Warnock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book requires a lot of self-reflection, which is positive for educators and leaders, but tough to do if you've struggled with your own sense of belonging in your life. Cobb and Krownapple do a good job of presenting the why behind belonging and dignity as a central focus for educators' work. As someone who has been working with the why for a long time, I wish there had been a lot more actionable information.

[Beth Molski · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this book for professional growth and learning. I acknowledge that I hold differing perspectives on several ideas presented in the book. Nevertheless, the book compels readers to engage in deep self-reflection regarding their own teaching approaches. The book tends to repeat certain points, and one can gain understanding of each chapter by reading the concluding section titled "Bottom Line."

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all professional books, I found several things very useful and other things a bit less so. One thing I especially appreciated about this book is the implementation; the authors make it clear that this is not a quick shift but a major, slow process change. I like it when people don't tell me it will be quick and easy to change; permission to take it slow in order to do it right really resonates with me.

[Sarah Abel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that this would be a good read for an educator who is just started to do “the work” or wants an introduction to what dignity in a classroom means.

However, I found the constant reminders in the book of “there’s no time to waste!” ironic, considering there were no actionable steps for one to take despite the subtitle being “Keys to Successful Equity Implementation”.
They leave you with the broad message of “change takes time”.

[Peter Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 46 of 80 of 2020. A really terrific look into equity, what it means to truly break the cycle of inequitably in schools and how truly understanding dignity, offering empathy and the tools and resources to promote understanding can uplift our schools and our students. A great resource for school leaders and administrators!

[Kathy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for educators

The first chapter will have you shaking your head yes to everything we have encountered in PD. The remaining chapters will ask you to look deeply into yourself and see how you perpetuate or change structures that preserve or fail the dignity of others. I will be re-reading this book and bringing it to staff too.

[Hillary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was our Admin Meeting book study for the 2022-23 school year and I learned a lot! But, the whole concept of students and staff belonging in your school community before any achievement can happen is a leadership ethos I will sustain as I move onward and upward in my career. Thank for the inside Floyd Cobb!

[Sarah Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks to the larger aspect of a core need for student success. It transcends the buzzwords and approaches that essentially all come down to the same idea- all kids need to be seen and heard and valued. All educators should be engaging in this type of reflection and transformation.

[Derrick Swistak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for anyone looking to build an inclusive environment. Walks through potential pitfalls and gets to real solutions. Does not pretend nor is it a magic wand. I'm reading their follow-up and it is not nearly as reader friendly.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid foundational book that lays out the roadmap for addressing equity in schools. It includes leadership and education theory in addition to equity theory, which is a plus. The last chapter outlines more of the "how to." This portion could be a stronger. A good starting point, however.

[Troy Ruckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the basis for a seminar I attended at Saint Louis University. The highlight for me was defining “belonging” and what that entails for stakeholders in education. An excellent read for school leaders seeking to achieve meaningful change in their schools.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, excellent book on more than diversity and the rights of all humans. Looking through the lens of a whole school or district, the dignity afforded all students, staff, people. Prompts to help foster thinking across, gave me lots to think about as the school year approaches.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good and thought-provoking read. The premise is straightforward and pretty convincing. The model brings together a lot of useful tools, many of which I’m familiar with. Still, the underlying concept is something I will definitely take with me and incorporate into my work as best I can.

[Hanah Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a book study with a small group at my school. We are implementing a dignity day with our home room to try out some practices proposed in the book. I’m interested to see what changes in my classroom.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I'm sure I'll be returning to over time.

[Kody Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an educator seeking to engage in equity work - this is a must read.

[Amianne Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all educators.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book!

[Caitlin McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of education-type models and graphs. A lot of basic information is just repeated. However, the cycle of equity setbacks is helpful. I also enjoyed the last 2 chapters of the book.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that I need to re-read a few chapters of. It was a summer read for my school this summer.