BPS launched the Essentials for Instructional Equity with the aim of transforming the classrooms across the district to a more student-centered learning model, but we understand that many great examples, or Bright Spots, of these practices already exist. Through this site we strive to create a process to hear from the BPS community! We want you to share Essentials Bright Spots that align with the Essentials for Instructional Equity.
To support this each month BPS will highlight an Essential-aligned Bright Spot Exemplar & we ask the larger community to share examples of Bright Spots!!!
The Essentials for Instructional Equity are Boston Public Schools' vision for instruction that is student centered. A fundamental aspect of teaching through the Essentials is Culturally-Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP) because our diverse students must have learning experiences that promote academic achievement and are culturally-linguistically affirming. In order to ensure that 100% of our students are ready for college, career, and life we must use the Essentials to transform teaching and learning throughout the district.
One step in realizing this district-wide transformation to a student centered learning model in every classroom is recognizing that we are not starting from zero. We know that Essential-aligned instructional practices already exist throughout the district, and through the "Bright Spots" campaign our goal is to collect, curate, and share Essential-aligned practices that already live within classrooms.
The Bright Spot exemplars are Essentials-aligned, district curated, resources that are used by BPS educators.
Curated by BPS Academics - History Department
The following activities are classroom lessons that can be found within the greater "My Part of the Story" Unit. This multi-part unit resource aligns across all Essentials and the section below specifies activities by sub-competency. To access greater detail on each activity, please use the provided links to the Facing History and Ourselves website.
Sub-competency 1.1
Finding Your Voice Activity (Link)
Sub-competency 2.1
Sub-competency 2.2
Identity and Names Activity (Link)
Sub-competency 3.1
Identity and Labels Activity (Link)
Sub-competency 4.2
Assessment Activities (Link)
Consider the following ideas for a final assessment or project for this unit before launching the next part of your course on United States history, literature, or civics:
Assessments to go with Curriculum include: