May 12-17
Chapter 6
Conclusion
...good intentions do not mitigate the disparate results...
The authors suggest a focus on structural competency and racial transparency...to examine how the structures within which we operate developed and evolved and, in doing so, force us to reframe how we understand them today.
In conclusion, what are your take aways, how might this information shape or change how we operate?
The Equity Advisory Group recommended we look at data next year-- an internal equity check. After finding disparities in data, maybe we'll be ready to "analyze key organizational practices...how they actually work and unfold in the day-to-day. The ostensive and performative aspects of organizational routines will never be identical. Social interaction is by its very nature dynamic and improvisational." I will remember the name: Spillane and Coldren who have a framework we could look at.
ReplyDeleteI also think of needing a broader conversation in Issaquah about race and education. Perhaps down the road we can have a "Convening" with the Board, Cabinet, ISF, IEA,City of Issaquah etc... to talk about race and engage this brave and necessary conversation. If parents engage in this conversation, we can start to talk openly about advantaged systems vs. integrated systems -- and what is more valuable for our child's lifelong learning and success.
I believe that data can definitely help start the conversation and I would be happy to help you find that data. I think Homeroom can help with a lot of the data you need.
DeleteI think we've already opened a huge and metaphorically heavy door by intentionally engaging parents and the community the way we (Rosann!) have/has. I think that's big step #1 - to start the investigation into what the experiences in ISD are for each and every student, and then to examine patterns of advantage or disadvantage.
DeleteEngaging parents and the community is so important if we are actually going to begin the changes that are needed. Not easy and definitely messy and challenging - but so important!!
DeleteI mentioned in a previous post that as a district we need to make this part of our district culture. One way that we could do this is to include something like, "we all do better when we all do better," as a part of our Ends. Once something is in our Ends, we are required as a district to show the strides we are making to achieve those Ends.
ReplyDeleteOne way that I feel we can start the community conversation is to do a thought exchange around the inequities. We started a thought exchange on bell times - why can't we do this on dis-proportionality in the district? We would have to frame the discussion thoughtfully and with district data, but I think this would be a good place to start public awareness of the inequities and demonstrate that the district wants to bring them to light in order to address them.
I love the idea of revising the Ends to reflect this belief in collective goals.
ReplyDeleteThis is silly (and sorry I keep making Disney references) but I keep picturing that scene in Finding Nemo when Nemo and a bunch of other fish get caught in a fishing net and they're all panicking and then Nemo convinces them to all swim downwards together and they break the boat and escape. I feel sometimes like parenting culture is just everyone panicking and swimming their own direction out of fear... and where are we collectively going with that as our strategy?
DeleteI love this picture! Yes, this is it! Parenting out of a healthy collective, not fear.
DeleteI like the ideas of changing the Ends and of having Thought Exchanges around the inequities. I worry that without community awareness, education and putting all the fears and concerns on the table we won't be able to move forward. I think we have come a long way as a community but we are stuck by our own lack of awareness,and a desire to "get more" for our children, sometimes at the expense of others. I believe more education for our community is the only answer - we need to help people begin to see the issues and develop compassion and empathy instead of giving in to fear.
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