School Improvement by Facilitating Belonging: A Review of the Literature

• In Event: Improving School Culture

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new understanding of how leaders engaged in school improvement generate a sense of belonging for all stakeholders in the school. We accomplish this purpose by systematically reviewing the literature on the concept of belonging across multiple disciplines and perspectives. , this paper helps erase false theoretical boundaries between the student needs and the community needs. Our findings show that researchers studying the development of partnerships need to understand the concept more holistically. In doing so, they will more likely be able to operationalize the concepts in a way that reflects the complex interconnected world of schooling.

Authors

• Curtis Anthony Brewer, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Nathern S. Okilwa, The University of Texas - San Antonio