Dignity in Schools envisions a public school system that values students, parents and communities as decision-makers with a fundamental human right to shape their education. In this educational system, schools are safe, healthy and nurturing environments where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Schools work towards preventing trauma, repairing harm and promoting healing, and reject a culture of punishment and criminalization. Schools provide equitable resources, adopt culturally relevant curricula, and address racism and all forms of oppression. In this educational system, education is a human right. Our schools value the humanity and dignity of all people that is essential for students to succeed. As we build a movement to realize this vision, we see our work as connected to broader movements for social justice and human rights in the United States and globally.
You can use the Pushout Assessment Checklist to assess your school (or school district) on whether or not it has each of the risk factors for school pushout and determine what if any positive infrastructure and practices exist that can be built upon. Once you know exactly what needs to change, the tool will show you how to use the Dignity in Schools Campaign Model Code on Education and Dignity to select model policies that will help address the issues you are facing.
