An inclusive culture is a driver of positive learning outcomes. One tool you can use to build an inclusive culture is the CIRCLE Students Framework. This framework, created by Dr. Carmen Williams, is designed to explicitly illustrate how your mindset drives equitable action. Teachers that value equity have adopted a mindset that informs intentional relational and instructional moves. Using this framework brings intention and attention to the beliefs that enact equitable classroom environments and instructional practices. The framework is based on the following tenants:
Care Consciously
Caring consciously is a choice to engage in a mental state that produces aligned behavior. Caring consciously acknowledges the whole child as they are, not as we would hope them to be and tends to the individual needs and dreams.
Invite Dialogue
Inviting dialogue speaks to the ability to create an environment where 2-way communication is expected, accepted, and respected. Communication is motivated through trusting relationships. Multiple modalities are used and encouraged to support dialogue.
Restore Dignity
Restoring dignity acknowledges the oppressive systems and inequalities that have stripped students of their true identity. To restore dignity is to honor the core self and support the development of a healthy self concept.
Co-Create Space
Co-creating space requires an acknowledgement of the inherent gifts and talents in others and the value they add to the community. It is finding the balance of stepping up and stepping back. Intentionally joining to deconstruct and construct what the community needs.
Learn Alongside
Learning alongside requires a humble stance and genuine curiosity for self, students, and content. It is a willingness to fail forward and and maintain vulnerability.
Empathize Radically
Empathizing radically requires one to momentarily abandon their values, beliefs, and perceptions in order to fully adopt those of another. To internalize others’ experiences as a means to deeply understand and engage.
Watch through the videos to hear Carmen Williams explain why and how educators can care consciously, invite dialogue, restore dignity, co-create space, learn alongside, and empathize radically.
Click on any of the documents below to view them in a new tab. Feel free to download or print them so you could add them to your lesson plans. Use the guide to create a CIRCLE students care or learning routine for your setting. Use your understanding of Elements and Essential Tools to design your own routines that build classroom culture. Invite students to create learning routines with you.