What’s the “Buzz” ? Tell me what’s happening. Journey into Equity What’s the “Buzz” ? Tell me what’s happening.

Goals for our Time Together 1.To begin a conversation about the District 117 culture and its impact on Equity 2. To examine pathways to achieve Equity in District 117 using theoretical frameworks (Cultural Proficiency – Randall Lindsey and Culturally Relevant Teaching – Gloria Ladson-Billings) 3. To begin to think about Next Steps in your Journey

The Theories of Randall B. Lindsey

The 5 Essential Elements of Cultural Proficiency Assessing cultural knowledge Valuing diversity Managing dynamics of difference Adapting to diversity Institutionalizing cultural knowledge

The Guiding Principles of Cultural Proficiency Culture is a predominate force; you cannot not have culture People are served in varying degrees by the dominant culture The group identity of individuals is as important as their individual identities Diversity within cultures is vast and significant Each group has unique cultural needs The family, as defined by each culture, is the primary system of support in the education of children Marginalized populations have to be at least bicultural, and this status creates a distinct set of issues to which the system must be equipped to respond Inherent in cross-cultural interactions are dynamics that must be acknowledged, adjusted to and accepted The school system must incorporate cultural knowledge into practice and policymaking

Who Are You? What would a sociologist discover if they did an ethnographic study of your school? With a partner, write down 5 things that are characteristics of the “culture” of your school. Combine with another pair and expand your list or place an asterisks by items that you have in common. As a table, discuss your lists and talk about the artifacts that would be evidence of the cultural attributes you have agreed upon.

What is Equity? Think about the word equity in the context of students and schooling. Write a one sentence definition on a notecard Now, one at a time read what is on your card (If you have the same things someone else has – read it anyway)

How Do You Know if You are on the right Path? Review the Rubric at your table

Windows and Mirrors Let’s look at one bloggers perspective about unhealthy practices around Equity

Process the Student Voices What was familiar to you as you listened to the students? What was something the students said that caused you to think differently about this issue? What challenged you about the student’s perspective? Have you or would you talk with your own students about Equity and Race?

The Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy - Dr. Gloria Ladson Billings Culturally relevant pedagogy rests on three criteria or propositions: 1. Students must experience academic success 2. Students must develop and/or maintain cultural competence 3. Students must develop a critical consciousness through which they challenge the status quo of the current social order

Process the Impact in the Classroom What examples did you see of: Students experiencing academic success Students developing or maintaining cultural competency Students develop a critical consciousness through which they can challenge the status quo Brainstorm with Your Tablemates ways that you can become more Culturally Responsive List some of the Barriers to Creating a Culturally Relevant Environment Let’s Share

Hopes and Fears Write Down 1 Fear that you have about this work Write down 1 Hope you have about this work Let’s Share out in the room

Next Steps With a Partner, come up with a “Try tomorrow” based on our work today