Elevate the Discourse: Guide to Facilitating Conversations About Race & Other Challenging Issues
"The mistake that can be made during these challenging times is to think that these critical conversations will add to the stress that people are living with, when in fact these serve as the opposite. The impact and benefits of having these discussions at all times are this–it allows a community of partners to develop the tools to listen, learn from one another, and understand the meaning of empathy."
Mr. Craig W. Staton, principal, Julius West Middle School
Dear colleagues,
Each day seems to bring another tragic event that impacts the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. We cannot ignore that the socio-political context in our country is impacting how our students, families, and colleagues show up for school and work every day. We believe that ignoring these issues undermines the relevance of the curriculum for students and diminishes our ability to understand the needs of families and colleagues.
While these conversations may feel scary to initiate, discussions about current events and race do not have to be contentious or out of control. Many MCPS staff have been leading powerful and productive conversations with staff, students, and families as part of their everyday practice. The good news is that there are many resources and people to help you create the conditions for productive dialogue.
Please reach out to us with any questions or to tell us about the great work you are doing.
With gratitude,
Troy, Deanna, Edvin, Daryl, Ericka, Joan, Maniya, Marya, and John
This page includes:
Why these conversations are important.
Tools to create the conditions for safe and productive conversations.
Resources to better understand the issues.
How does this look in our classrooms (zooms) and offices?
How are you creating hope for your students and colleagues?
Why Are These Conversations Important?
We asked our colleagues why it's necessary to engage students and staff in conversations about current events, race, and culture. Below are two powerful responses from a middle school principal and a Grade 2 teacher.
Craig W. Staton, principal, Julius West Middle School
Alexandra L. Walsh, Grade 2 teacher, Captain James E. Daly Elementary School
Tools to Create the Conditions for Effective Dialogue
The resources below are focused around the following ideas:
Understand your own emotions and trigger points
Help students and staff learn the difference between dialogue and debate. Make your goal clear to all participants.
Develop a few structures that help ensure a productive dialogue
Keep Tips for Planning & Facilitating Dialogue and Handling Challenging Conversations nearbye for support
Learn how to deepen a conversation instead of having it get out of control or miss a learning opportunity. This is a 4 1/2 minute video.
2. Help your students and colleagues understand the difference between Dialogue & Debate.
4. Take this online self-paced module to develop skills and structures to lead challenging conversations.
5. Plan with your Leadership team or PLC to develop a specific course of action.
Resources to Better Understand the Issues
EquityMatters!
As caring adults, we need to be aware of and understand the issues impacting our communities. The Equity Initiatives Unit publishes a monthly newsletter that provides a deeper understanding of the issues and diverse experiences of our students, families, and colleagues.
Below are three examples of newsletters published over the last year. You can find all editions by clicking on the button below.
Addressing Anti-Asian Hate and Violence -- March 2021
An Educator's Guide to This Moment -- June 2020
LGBTQ in MCPS -- June 2020