Creating a community of allies: how one school system attempted to create an anti-racist environment

This article describes the efforts of a suburban school district-Newton, Massachusetts-to examine the role of racism in the underachievement of students of colour, and to engage in the process of becoming an anti-racist school community for the benefit of all. Written from the perspectives of a white male school superintendent and a black female consultant, both centrally involved in the change process, the article identifies several key elements used in a comprehensive effort to establish anti-racism as a core value in the district. Included is a description of the creation of a professional development course called 'Anti-racism and effective classroom practices for all', which provided a common language and conceptual framework for thinking about how to move from passively racist practices to actively antiracist ones. The lessons learned in this process are shared here in the spirit of encouraging others to act within their schools and communities.