Removing Labels, Grades K-12: 40 Techniques to Disrupt Negative Expectations About Students and Schools(Corwin Literacy)

About the Book

Disrupt the cycle of implicit bias and stereotype threat with 40 research-based, teacher-tested techniques; individual, classroom-based, and schoolwide actions; printables; and ready-to-go tools for planning and instruction.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Publisher’s Acknowledgments Introduction: Interrupting the Cycle Begins With You Section 1. Individual Approaches Technique 1. Learning Names the Right Way Technique 2. Interest Surveys Technique 3. Banking Time Technique 4. 2 × 10 Conversations Technique 5. Affective Statements Technique 6. Impromptu Conferences Technique 7. Empathetic Feedback Technique 8. Reconnecting After an Absence Technique 9. Labeling Emotions Technique 10. Solving Problems (Do the Next Right Thing) Section 2. Classroom Approaches Technique 11. Creating a Welcoming Classroom Climate Technique 12. Class Meetings Technique 13. Classroom Sociograms Technique 14. The Mask Activity Technique 15. Asset Mapping Technique 16. Peer Partnerships Technique 17. Five Different Peer Partnerships Technique 18. Self-Assessment in Collaborative Learning Technique 19. Equitable Grouping Strategies Technique 20. Gradual Release of Responsibility Instructional Framework Technique 21. Teaching With Relevance in Mind Technique 22. Jigsaw Technique 23. Accountable Talk Technique 24. Making Decisions Technique 25. Alternatives to Public Humiliation Technique 26. When Young Children Label Others—The Crumple Doll Technique 27. When Older Students Label Others—Insults and Epithets Technique 28. Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Design Technique 29. The Dot Inventory Technique 30. Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies Technique 31. Schoolwide Inclusive Practices Technique 32. Student Empowerment Technique 33. Collective Responsibility Technique 34. Recognizing and Responding to Implicit Bias Technique 35. Racial Autobiography Technique 36. Social Capital Technique 37. A Welcoming Front Office Technique 38. Community Ambassadors Technique 39. The Master Schedule Technique 40. Distributed Leadership Coda References Index

About the Author :
Dominique Smith, EdD, is an award-winning educator, author, and school leader who has dedicated two decades to transforming schools into inclusive, safe, and empowering spaces for students and educators alike. He currently serves as Principal at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, California. Dominique earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for belonging, restorative practices, and leadership development, Dr. Smith has co-authored several influential books, including Belonging in School: Creating a Place Where Kids Want to Learn and Teachers Want to Stay; Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management; Building Equity: Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners; Leader Credibility; How Leadership Works: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders; and The Restorative Practices Playbook. Through his leadership, writing, and speaking, Dr. Smith continues to champion the belief that when students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to thrive—both academically and personally. His work challenges schools to move beyond compliance and discipline toward cultures of belonging, accountability, and restorative growth. Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Fisher was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to PLC+, Welcome to Teaching, How Feedback Works, Teaching Reading, and RIGOR Unveiled. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others. Nancy Frey is a professor in educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her published titles include The Courage to Learn, The Art and Science of Coaching, How Scaffolding Works, and The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Frey is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day.