All subtopics align with the VILS outcomes and guiding questions align with the criteria in the Portfolio Framework Guide. Use the questions to guide your reflection on the artifacts to narrate your journey toward the goals.

Guiding questions:

1. How are systems and processes accessible for marginalized communities and students (socioeconomic status, race, ELL, IEP, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, or other unique distinctions)? If not, please explain your next steps. 

As the VILS Technology Coach, I am committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, English Language Learner (ELL) status, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, or other unique distinctions, have equitable access to technology and the internet.

To achieve this goal, we prioritize equity by providing every student with a Chromebook and ensuring that every student can connect to the internet through provided VILS mobile data. This ensures that students can access online resources, complete assignments, and participate in virtual learning opportunities, regardless of their home internet access or device availability.

Additionally, we work to create systems and processes that are accessible for marginalized communities and students. This includes providing all 

By prioritizing equity and ensuring that all students have access to the technology and resources they need to succeed, we are working to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

2. How are students given voice and choice to demonstrate how they leverage technology to learn? 

We believe in empowering our students to take ownership of their learning journey. We provide them with opportunities to express their voice and exercise choice in how they leverage technology to enhance their learning experiences. 

We prioritize student-centered learning, where students are encouraged to explore topics that interest them. We provide them with access to a variety of digital resources, such as online libraries, educational websites, and interactive learning platforms. This allows them to choose the content that resonates with them and aligns with their learning goals. 

Discovery Education is an example of one of these platforms we offer this year where students can explore a myriad of supplemental academic and enrichment digital activities.  

3. How do you promote diversity and inclusion amongst your staff, students, families, and community?

• Diverse Hiring Practices: We actively recruit and hire staff from diverse backgrounds to reflect the diversity of our student population. This includes hiring teachers, administrators, and support staff who bring a variety of perspectives and experiences to our school community.

• Culturally Responsive Teaching: We incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices into our curriculum to ensure that all students see themselves reflected in the materials and content they learn. This includes using diverse literature, incorporating multicultural perspectives into lessons, and celebrating cultural holidays and traditions.

• Inclusive Classroom Environment: We create an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected. This includes promoting positive behavior and respectful communication, addressing bias and stereotypes, and providing support for students with diverse learning needs.

• Family and Community Engagement: We actively engage families and the community in our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. This includes hosting cultural events, inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, and providing resources and support for families to participate in their child's education.

• Professional Development: We provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes workshops, trainings, and discussions on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive teaching practices.

• Student Leadership and Voice: We empower students to take on leadership roles and have a voice in decision-making processes. This includes student-led clubs and organizations, and opportunities for students to provide feedback on school policies and practices.

• Community Partnerships: We partner with community organizations and businesses that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This includes collaborating on events, providing resources and support for families, and promoting community engagement.

Overall, we believe that promoting diversity and inclusion is essential for creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. By embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion, we are better able to meet the needs of our diverse student population and prepare them for success in a global society.

• Self-Reflection: Use the portfolio guide and self-reflect on your progress (Choose one: Emerging, Aligning, or Optimizing).

We are in the Alignment stage.

• How does your school demonstrate excellence in showcasing the outcomes listed above?

We prioritize equity as a mindset by ensuring that all students have equal access to resources like technology and learning materials. Our curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, and we create an inclusive environment by incorporating students' backgrounds into lessons. Staff receive ongoing training on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we involve families and the community in promoting equity. We use data to monitor progress and make adjustments. By prioritizing equity, we create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

• Next Steps: What are your next steps to adopting equitable practices and experiencing meaningful and powerful learning?

Tubman can continue to engage in equitable learning opportunities for students and professional development for teachers.  A key piece will be to develop a plan for identifying and addressing students who do not have home wifi once the grant for the VILS mobile data expires in the summer of 2024.