INCLUSION & BELONGING

Social-Emotional Learning

Students of The Roots Center are Oaks students. They spend the majority of their day in the classroom with their peers, engaged in collaborative learning and peer relationships. We teach and practice self-regulation, communication, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy skills. 

 

Anti-Bias Curriculum

We believe that naming, understanding, and appreciating difference is the best way to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom community. Disability is one of the many facets of identity that we explore with all of our students through our anti-bias curriculum. 

We introduce books and resources that provide windows and mirrors to our students. As they get older we introduce historical and contemporary contexts for deeper understanding, and highlight the contributions and innovations of underrepresented groups. 

Our goal is for all students to develop self-awareness, confidence, and pride in their own identity, as well as to develop a sense of comfort and joy in the diversity of the world around them. 

 

Universal Design for Learning 

Every student is more successful when they develop awareness of their own strengths and goals as a learner and are able to identify the strategies, tools, and approaches that work best for them. 

Within the framework of Universal Design for Learning, our teachers are guides who communicate clear learning goals and provide structured choices for students to access and participate in learning experiences, as well as how they can demonstrate their understanding of new concepts and skills. 

With these choices available to everyone in class, students are empowered to challenge themselves and reflect on the outcomes of their decisions.