Indicator 1.b Facilitate equitable use of digital learning tools and content that meet the needs of each learner.
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Equity and Diversity Committee
Equity and Diversity Committee
What I Did ✅:
In 2020, I was asked by my building principal if I would like to be part of a district-wide Equity and Diversity Committee. It consists of representation from every department throughout the district and is one of the steps we are taking as a district to implement the change needed to meet our goal and vision found here
East Penn Definition of Equity
I eagerly accepted this invitation and felt it would be a great opportunity to go outside my comfort zone and continue my professional growth. Having my background in Head Start, I am no stranger to the topic. Having my own bi-racial children and navigating those experiences, also brings purpose and value to the calling for this work. With this standard being considered Change Agent I feel what better way to facilitate equitable use of technology than being part of a professional community that is working together for a common goal.
What I Learned 🧠:
As part of this committee, we were offered a book study, and were part of a smaller group of about 12 people, who read Liz Kleinrocks; Start Here Start Now. As part of the book chat, we met regularly through Zoom, outside of working hours, typically in the evenings. It was validating and rewarding not only to read this amazing book for my own personal growth but to collaborate with co-workers on how we can be the change agents in our district and within our profession. As it relates to this ISTE indicator, I learned that I must first develop myself and my definition of 'equity' in order to begin implementing and facilitating equity with technology use. Below is google doc of some topics and resources, with some notes about our book chats. Each child and family in our district deserves equitable access to technology and I am better equipped to advocate for those needs having done some ABAR (Anti-Bias Anti-Racist) work in this group.
How I Will Grow 🌱:
Often times as educators, we are passed along some trending book topics or compare with colleagues "what's on your summer reading list" all with the same end goal in mind: professional growth. I have found that it is not enough to simply read the book. If you want to be part of the change, do the work, implement the teachings, use what you learn, being part of a book study is absolutely the way to go. Collaborating with other professionals and having discussions about the topics your reading helps the reflective process and makes growth possible. I will definitely consider future book clubs or chats because this experience was so enlightening and purposeful and helped me grow personally and professionally. I feel more confident in the discussions I am able to have with families about equity, diversity, and inclusion and about the resources I am able to advocate for them.
When you are empowered it should make you want to empower others. Power hoarding is a very ugly trait in any situation.- Liz Kleinrock
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