7 Levers for Building Belonging in Schools

Create inclusive learning environments where every student thrives

When immigrant-origin students feel they belong, academic, social, and civic success follows. Our research-based 7-Step approach provides educators with concrete strategies to foster belonging across all student populations while addressing the unique needs of students navigating cultural transitions.

The 7 Levers

Step 1: Building Trusting Relationships Develop authentic connections that bridge cultural differences and recognize each student’s unique background as a strength, not a barrier to overcome.

Step 2: Ensuring Safety and Inclusion Create protective school environments with clear policies and practices that actively prevent and address anti-immigrant harassment and discrimination.

Step 3: Making Diversity Visible Integrate diverse perspectives, histories, and contributions into curriculum and school culture so all students see themselves reflected in their learning environment.

Step 4: Reinforcing High Expectations Maintain rigorous academic standards while recognizing and building on the diverse strengths, experiences, and knowledge that students bring to the classroom.

Step 5: Making Migration a Lens for Learning Use migration as a way to understand history, science, literature, and other subjects while connecting family knowledge to academic content.

Step 6: Offering Support Without Stigma Provide targeted assistance using proven relationship-building practices that support student success without creating shame or separation.

Step 7: Celebrating Family Engagement Build meaningful partnerships with immigrant families that honor cultural identity while creating bridges to school success and community connection.