Exploration

Below are some recommended exploration activities to complete before developing a plan for 2019-20.

It is critical to establish and develop a representative team to lead the work around Equity.

As the team responsible for your continuous improvement work will be meeting regularly, planning, and making important decisions together, it is essential that there are clear community agreements or group norms established. Also, since this team should be a representative and diverse group of people who will be engaged in equity work, developing and clearly stating group norms will help ensure that unspoken norms from the dominant culture, or among the common identities of the majority of the group, will not prevail in their absence.

Having clear group norms, a team purpose, and a work plan will lay the groundwork for effective team meetings. The work plan will establish what needs to be accomplished at each meeting, and the group norms will help the team hold one another mutually able to achieve those outcomes.

MPS recognizes the importance of, and is deepening its approach to adult Social Emotional Learning. To support this work, we suggest your team implement the Three Signature Practices. Just like students, adults benefit from consistent routines. These practices set the conditions for growth and learning across all five SEL competencies while using culturally responsive teaching strategies. They also build upon and are aligned with the principles of adult learning, Restorative Justice (RJ), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and trauma-informed practices.

As leaders of Equity and Engagement work at your school, it is critical your team has a common understanding and clear vision around educational equity. This will support your team as they role this out to staff, students and your school community.

Consider using this Equity long-term plan template

Start with a brainstorm- what are the biggest equity challenges at your school?

Review the full list of competencies and attributes. What attribute does your staff need to focus on?

(If you are struggling consider pulling in an Equity Coordinator!)

The work of Educational Equity in our schools can feel heavy. Yet we know that a truly equitable school is one where all students are honored for their unique strengths and are able to reach their fullest potential. Take time to reframe your conversations on the assets your students bring. Take time to celebrate the diversity of your school community and the opportunities for reciprocal learning among your staff, students and community.