Different views around race, culture, immigration, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and politics are impacting relationships, safety, and a sense of community in some MCPS schools. To address these challenges, the Study Circles Program provides students, parents, and school staff with a process to develop the relationships, awareness, and skills necessary to engage in productive dialogue around challenging issues. 

The facilitator training Is designed to provide attendees with the skills to:

• Create an environment where everyone feels safe to share their perspective  

• Identify the structures required for productive dialogue 

• Take conversations below the surface

• Observe and manage group dynamics  

• Move participants from dialogue to action

Facilitator Training

• Feb 27, 28, and 29th (8:30 am - 3:30 pm)

• PDO Course 91995, section 135976

What is the best way for educators to help elementary school students learn about the negative impact of stereotypes, be respectful of cultural differences, and become upstanders when someone is being mistreated?  Equity Dialogues are a four-part series for 4th and 5th-grade students that can be facilitated by educators, counselors, staff development teachers, and administrators.  These dialogues help to improve the culture/climate of schools and the well-being of students and staff.  These lessons are a critical part of building and sustaining the inclusive school environment that school staff and students work together to create. 

This facilitator training Is designed to provide attendees with:

• A four-session curriculum

• Skills to facilitate Equity Dialogues with fourth and fifth graders

• Thought partners to determine how these dialogues can work at your school.

Facilitator Training

• Ongoing through April

• PDO Course 92233

The MCPS  Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs collaborated with Georgetown University's Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding on professional develop sessions for MCPS staff. 

• Watch the recording here

• Click for the Presentation Slides

The Department of Instructional Programs is in the process of having the Evaluation & Selection Committee review new choice texts that elevate Jewish history and perspectives. Staff are welcome to submit titles for consideration (365-25 form here). 

The Equity Initiatives sends periodic resources and opportunities for professional learning. If you are interested, please  join PDO course 90211 (Equity Updates) to stay updated.

• Conversation and Learning with author, Lesley Younge, author of Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano. 

• February 29 5:00--6:30 pm. PDO #92281.

• Click for flyer

Have you wondered about how hate/bias incidents impact our communities?  Are you interested in how to address incidents of hate/bias?  

Coming soon!  We will be facilitating an Equity Matters Dialogue on how hate/bias is presenting in our communities, the impact, and how we can address it.  This is an opportunity to be in dialogue with our MCPS community (SEIU, MCEA, and MCAAP) about ways we can take action. 

Please join PDO course 90211 (Equity Updates) to stay updated.

• English Language Arts teachers have received these resources. Even if you are not an ELA teacher, you might find the resources enlightening.

• In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the MCPS Office of Curriculum collaborated with Art and Remembrance on a special event for students.

• Art and Remembrance's co-founder, Bernice Steinhardt, shared her mother's Holocaust experience with students. Tracy Oliver-Gary, supervisor of secondary Social Studies provided an overview of the Holocaust, and students gained skills on how to combat hate-bias.

• Watch the recording here