1) Purchase and read Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation, by Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple

   You can find this book at amazon.com or your favorite bookstore. 

2) Write complete answers to all of the questions on the Book Study Handout. The handout is provided to you after registration is completed.

3) For educators seeking clock hours or professional development hours: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
Choose either Reflection paper option #1 or Reflection paper option #2 and write a 2-3 page paper.

Option #1 - Look at Figure 4.2 on page 70 of the text and become familiar with the definitions of each of the four diverse environments. Then, write a 2-3 page paper describing where you see each of the four diverse environments reflected in your educational setting. What insights and questions are beginning to emerge? (This is from chapter 4 on page 70 and pertains to questions 35-43).

Option #2 - Look at Table 8.2 on page 184 of the text and consider the extent to which you feel a sense of belonging in your educational setting. Then, answer the 18 questions on the Psychological Sense of School Membership Scale found on page 185 and score your results, using Table 8.3 on page 186 (You do not need to turn this in). Then, write a 2-3 page paper focused on the following:

What conclusions can you draw based on the results of this instrument? Is this a scale we can use systemwide and if so, what are next steps? Whom on your staff (no names) might be most vulnerable to stereotype threat and belonging uncertainty? How can we work with intentionality to nurture a sense of belonging for all students? As an educational profession, what do you believe we need to continue doing? What do we need to stop? What do we need to start?

Paper should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font. Turn in the 2-3 page paper.

Effective July 1, 2024:
For educators seeking college credit rather than clock hours, here is the modified requirement: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
3) Choose Reflection paper option #1 AND Reflection paper option #2 and write a 5-6 page paper.

Option #1 - Look at Figure 4.2 on page 70 of the text and become familiar with the definitions of each of the four diverse environments. Then, write a 2-3 page paper describing where you see each of the four diverse environments reflected in your educational setting. What insights and questions are beginning to emerge? (This is from chapter 4 on page 70 and pertains to questions 35-43).

Option #2 - Look at Table 8.2 on page 184 of the text and consider the extent to which you feel a sense of belonging in your educational setting. Then, answer the 18 questions on the Psychological Sense of School Membership Scale found on page 185 and score your results, using Table 8.3 on page 186 (You do not need to turn this in).

Then, write a 2-3 page paper focused on the following:

What conclusions can you draw based on the results of this instrument? Is this a scale we can use systemwide and if so, what are next steps? Whom on your staff (no names) might be most vulnerable to stereotype threat and belonging uncertainty? How can we work with intentionality to nurture a sense of belonging for all students? As an educational profession, what do you believe we need to continue doing? What do we need to stop? What do we need to start?

Turn in both 2-3 page papers (4-6 total pages). Papers should be typed, double spaced using a 10-12 pt. font.

All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed handout and paper to your Dashboard on the website or email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.

SPU NOTE: Please be sure to register prior to completing any coursework. Registering for a course after coursework has been started violates accreditation standards and puts the University at risk; therefore, SPU reserves the right to not award credit if students are found to be in violation of this policy. SPU coursework will be accepted a minimum of 2 weeks beyond registration date.