Self-Imposed Equity Hurdles

Get Out of Your Own Way

Mistake #1: More is Better. A common misconception that struggling students could improve if there were more programs.
Mistake #2: Everybody Knows. Mistakes are made and poor decisions result when leaders subscribe to the belief that everybody knows” what is best for students; rather than base decisions on data analysis and understanding of equity conditions.
Mistake #3: Normalization of Failure. The belief that failure is inevitably a part of the culture because failure is prevalent and has gone unchallenged.
Mistake #4: Trusting without Verifying. Trusting that programs are working without verifying they actually are helping.
Mistake #5: Prioritizing Adult Interests. Placing adult interests over what is in the best interest of all students.

Equity Leaders understand “There exists a short list of missteps -- dare we say mistakes -- that aspiring Equity leaders make that create conditions in which inequitable practices are even more difficult to correct.” (p.120)
Equity leaders must learn to say no (p.122); otherwise, how do we keep the equity focus when so many other issues compete for our attention (p.126)
Equity leaders understand that all systems are perfectly built to get the results they are getting. We must, therefore, “take a critical look at our behaviors; at who is valued in our systems; at decisions we make about structures, policies, and practices; and at the underlying belief systems to determine if anything within our sphere of influence might be a help or hindrance to equity and academic achievement for all students.” (p.131)

Continue to reflect on your own mindset regarding race and privilege
Begin to dismantle inequities for all students and staff (policies, practices, and procedures)
Really listen to the voices of students, families and employees (what are their stories?)
Go out and ACT NOW!

Mistake #1: More is Better. Analyze the supplemental programs at your site and determine if they bolster our equity efforts. If it is determined they do not, how will you address the issue so that the program does not continue to take human/financial resources away from the True North?
Mistake #2: Everybody Knows. List three to five assumptions at your site that are accepted as truths. Commit to one action you will take this year to eliminate this inequality.
Mistake #3: Normalization of Failure. Identify one priority that is competing for the same degree of attention from you as educational equity. How do you plan to effectively address both priorities?
Mistake #4: Trusting without Verifying. “If you expect it, you must inspect it.” (p.126) What do you expect, yet do not have a plan to inspect? Create a plan to monitor and determine if our efforts are in fact producing results.
Mistake #5: Prioritizing Adult Interests. Is there a system at your site designed to satisfy adult interests at the expense of student success? What are you going to do about it?

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