Advancing equity in our schools and society requires deep thought and honest conversations about tough topics. These conversations about emotionally charged subjects, including race, class, and culture, can be daunting.

Authors Brenda CampbellJones, Shannon Keeny, and Franklin CampbellJones, experts in research and equitable practices, guide you through a meaningful framework for thinking about, preparing for, and having such critical conversations. They invite you to ponder your own cultural identity and assumptions, reflect and deeply consider values and beliefs, and then understand how these factors affect your conversations and interactions with others.

They provide essential information about the types of conversations and behaviors we all consciously and subconsciously exhibit and witness, with authentic stories and experiences from people who have used the authors' framework to enrich their communities. As you explore the information and activities in this book that are specifically designed to help you scaffold new ideas into practice, you and your colleagues will examine biases and begin to build equitable experiences for all students.

The book's field-tested approach enables every educator to grow professionally by using the power of conversation to develop trust, ask powerful questions, really hear the answers—and learn together in ways that strengthen and invigorate the school and community.