The Dignity Index, a scale designed to encourage civil dialogue during disagreements, was implemented by IUSD this year to promote respectful conversations across schools.
Developed by Project Unite co-creators Tim Shriver, Tammy Pyfer and Tom Rosshirt, the Dignity Index measures verbal phrases on a scale of 1-8. According to the project’s website, a score of 1-4 indicates divisive language, while higher scores of 5-8 demonstrate more respectful language. The framework emphasizes that it is not disagreements that divide communities, but how those with opposing viewpoints treat each other.
“[IUSD]’s looking for ways to have [respectful] conversations,” principal Eric Keith said. “I think those conversations are important and should be had in a respectful way, where you’re acknowledging the other side of an argument, but also able to advocate for your beliefs and ideas.”
IUSD first introduced this tool on Aug. 5 at the Administrative Advance meeting, where over 200 district and site leaders listened to presentations and practiced it. Superintendent Cassie Parham later attended Project Unite’s leadership summit in October, where she received guides and examples for integrating the index into schools.
To align with the Dignity Index’s goal of fostering belonging, Northwood revises its school goals and mission statement every six years, reaffirming community values. According to this year’s Panorama survey, 91% of students reported having supportive relationships among friends, family and adults at school; 73% said students frequently learn about, discuss and confront issues of race, ethnicity and culture in school; 85% reported that people from different races, ethnicities or cultures are treated fairly; and 71% felt a sense of belonging. All of these were either the same or increased from last year’s results.
Students expressed appreciation for Northwood’s efforts to create a welcoming environment.
“I’m grateful that the school is trying to implement this kind of scale because I’ve heard disrespectful comments being made at school and this might help with that,” junior Amy Kim said. “I would say work on enforcing it or making it known because if none of the students know what it is, then it would be pointless.”
Though there are no current programs or activities regarding the index, IUSD hopes it will allow both staff and students to resolve disagreements and learn from one another.
“It’s about trying to get people to share their ideas in an honest fashion,” Keith said. “It’s trying to make clear that we respect that one’s opinion. We solicit their opinion [and] we want to know how they feel about things.”
For more information on the project, visit https://www.dignity.us/
