by Brenna Pirozok, Senior Manager of Inclusion and Accessibility
At Right At School, we prioritize making sure all our students feel a sense of belonging because we love kids AND we know research shows that individuals who experience a sense of belonging are more likely to thrive academically and socially.
A study by education researcher John Hattie involving 300 million students found that teacher-student relationships, school climate, and sense of belonging meaningfully contribute to academic success. It only makes sense to prioritize this sense of belonging from the moment children step into a school until they go home at night.
Strategies to Foster Belonging
To create and maintain a sense of belonging, educators and school districts can employ several effective strategies. Below are some actionable approaches that can help:
Tapping into the power of family engagement initiatives
Family engagement is vital in building a sense of belonging. Research shows that schools that actively engage families in school activities and decision-making processes see significant benefits. A study by the National Education Association (NEA) found that when schools establish strong family engagement practices, students are 30% more likely to achieve higher academic performance. These schools report increased attendance rates and lower dropout rates, highlighting the positive impact of family involvement on overall student success.
Tip for engaging families: Beyond actively communicating with families in our programs, Right At School likes to engage with community organizations in person with fun events that promote connection and belonging. In the fall of 2024, we partnered with a Missouri-based moms community called St. Louis Mom and sponsored the “Hanging with Heroes” back-to-school event. This immersive experience that brought three Missouri school districts together (Ladue, Hancock Place, and Valley Park) to celebrate the new school year, provide an opportunity to connect with local resources, and bring joy and fun.
Providing inclusive curriculum and programming
An inclusive curriculum that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students is essential. Educators can incorporate texts, historical narratives, and cultural practices from a variety of perspectives, ensuring that all students see themselves represented in what they learn. I saw this in action in a preschool program where the teacher researched the origins of every student in her classroom with the help of parents and caregivers. (Bonus points for family engagement!)
Not only did the teacher represent each flag and display them in the classroom to recognize every holiday for each origin, she also had children greet each other every day in each origin’s language, teaching inclusivity and tolerance with young children.
Tip for inclusion beyond the bell: Families who utilize before and after school programming deserve safe and inclusive spaces too. Ask how your out-of-school time provider supports all students from neurodiverse to English language learners.
In the 2023-2024 school year, our in-house Inclusion Team served 612 students with special needs on an individual basis to ensure each child’s success in our programs. The team also provided on-the-ground coaching to several Right At School programs across the United States to boost positive inclusivity, safety, and joy metrics.
Right At School curriculum is also designed to service historically marginalized student populations. To ensure cultural competency, we employed Westchester Education Services to audit an extensive sample of our curriculum to ensure it met or exceeded standards established in their culturally responsive rubric.
Creatively partner with community organizations to meet student needs
Building partnerships with local organizations can enhance the sense of belonging for students and their families. Schools can collaborate with community centers, cultural organizations, and local businesses to create events and programs that foster connections among families and encourage community involvement. These partnerships not only strengthen ties between the school and the community but also provide valuable resources and support for families.
Tip for creatively partnering with community organizations: Bethel School District in Pierce County, Washington, faces significant student food insecurity. Right At School partnered with local food banks to create “emergency backpacks” for students to take home over the weekend if needed. The backpacks had enough food for families of different sizes to be fed while their children did not have access to school lunch.
Deliver high-quality and ongoing professional development for educators
Educators play a crucial role in fostering belonging within their classrooms and schools. Providing professional development focused on cultural competency, implicit bias, and inclusive teaching strategies can empower educators to create more inclusive environments. Workshops that encourage educators to reflect on their practices and biases can lead to greater awareness and more effective teaching methods that honor the diversity of their students.
Tip for empowering educators with inclusive strategies: Right At School hosts an “Interrupting Bias and Microaggressions” conversation for new employees that is impactful and provides strong feedback from RAS’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
We call this training a “conversation” because one review will not cover the enormity of this topic. We use the word “interrupting” because retraining the brain away from harmful bias can be a process. We must first become aware and taught HOW to interrupt biased thoughts before we can eliminate them. This ongoing conversation highlights being an active bystander and always assuming best intent.
Build transparent dialogue and proactive communication
Open communication is key to creating a sense of belonging. Forums for dialogue where students, families, and educators can share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions is a fantastic way to offer a platform for feedback. When stakeholders feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage positively with the school community.
Tip for giving families a voice: Surveying families is crucial for the success of our programs, as it not only gives families a voice but also ensures that their needs and preferences are heard and addressed. Understanding family perspectives can aid in identifying barriers to participation, allowing programs to develop strategies for increased engagement. This feedback loop is essential for the sustainability of after-school initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of the families they serve.
Creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment where every child feels they belong requires intentional action and commitment from all stakeholders. By prioritizing family engagement, developing an inclusive curriculum, fostering community partnerships, supporting educators through professional development, and promoting open dialogue, schools can dismantle barriers and cultivate a thriving community. When children and their families feel a true sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed both academically and socially.
We’re in this together!
Brenna Pirozok
Senior Manager of Inclusion and Accessibility
Right At School
