With virtually limitless access to news from abundant sources, many learners may ask questions in the classroom, want to discuss controversial topics, or struggle with acceptance from their peers. This is a list of resources to help K-12 leaders navigate these discussions in the classroom or with parents.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and and while SOE continues to build it, we welcome additions or feedback to this list via email. 

Talking to Children about Violence and Hate

• • Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators. (2023). National Association of School Psychologists. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-families-and-educators

  • Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting. (2019, February 1). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/shooting-aftermath

Navigating Bias and Hate in the Classroom (Early Childhood through Grade 12)

• • DeCuir, A. (2023, October 31). Responding to Religious Harassment in US Schools: A Guide. Muslim Matters. https://muslimmatters.org/2023/10/31/responding-to-religious-harassment-in-us-schools-a-guide/

Supporting Muslim and Arab Students

• • DeCuir, A. (2023, October 31). Responding to Religious Harassment in US Schools: A Guide. Muslim Matters. https://muslimmatters.org/2023/10/31/responding-to-religious-harassment-in-us-schools-a-guide/
  • Resources for Preventing and Addressing Islamophobia in Schools. (2023). The U.S. Department of Education's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. https://sites.ed.gov/cfbnp/resources-for-preventing-and-addressing-islamophobia-in-schools/ 

Supporting Jewish Students

• • Resources for Preventing and Addressing Antisemitism in Schools. (2023). The U.S. Department of Education's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. https://sites.ed.gov/cfbnp/resources-for-preventing-and-addressing-antisemitism-in-schools/

Empowering Learners After an Event

• • Hadley Dunn, A. (2021, December 3). Teaching on Days After. Teacher College Press.

  • Gregory, M. (2022, February 15). Strategies for Supporting Students Through Tragedy. Washington University in St. Louis’ Center for Teaching and Learning. https://ctl.wustl.edu/strategies-for-supporting-students-through-tragedy/

Addressing Online Threats

• • Building Resilience & Confronting Risk: A Parents & Caregivers Guide to Online Radicalization. American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab. https://perilresearch.com/resource/building-resilience-confronting-risk-a-parents-caregivers-guide-to-online-radicalization/

Additional Resource Lists

• • Preventing Community Violence: Resources. American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab. https://perilresearch.com/resources/

  • Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities of Knowledge. American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab. https://perilresearch.com/resource/brick-building-resilient-inclusive-communities-of-knowledge/

  • Discussing War and Conflict: Resources for Educators, Parents and Caregivers. (2023, October 12). Southern Poverty Law Center’s Learning for Justice. https://www.learningforjustice.org/discussing-war-and-conflict-resources-for-educators-parents-and-caregivers

  • Resources for Teaching After Crisis. Northern Illinois University’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/toolkits/crisis/index.shtml

  • Resource Library. University of Illinois Chicago’s Counseling Center. https://counseling.uic.edu/resource-library/

  • Inclusive Pedagogy Toolkit. Georgetown University’s Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship. https://cndls.georgetown.edu/ip-toolkit/pedagogy/

  • DeCuir, A. & Saeed, Q. Antiracist Pedagogy and Praxis in Higher Education. American University Library. https://subjectguides.library.american.edu/c.php?g=1025915&p=9910192