Why a Book Study: Generally, book study group participants seek transformation versus information. Participants want to make what they study not only something they understand, but something they use in their everyday lives or work. A book study group acts as a bridge, helping people move from passive to active learning. Collaboration among peers is a powerful experience. Shared expertise and opinions of others heighten the reading experience and at the same time, deepens the insight and adds enduring value that may enlighten and inform our lives and our work.
Current Book: Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools, Second Edition, by Glenn E. Singleton
Start Date: January 2021
ISBE Book Study facilitators have been utilizing the Facilitator’s Guide to Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide on the Equity-Info-Resources, by Glenn E. Singleton and Curtis Linton. This chapter-by-chapter guide explains how to engage educators in discussions about personal agendas, multiple racial perspectives, closing the racial achievement gap, and extending their professional learning. Trainers will also find practical features, including
- Implementing exercises
- Prompts, language, and tools that support profound discussion
- Activities and checklists for administrators
- Action steps for creating an equity team
Highlights for the facilitator include
- Activities for small or large groups
- Discussion and journaling prompts
- Key sources for supplemental reading
- Sample workshop agendas for half-day, one-day, or two- to three-day sessions
- A workshop evaluation form
With creative, open dialogue, leaders can restructure their schools and fulfill every student’s potential regardless of race, culture, or class.
