TJPTSA DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2010

Agenda 1.Meeting Format 2.Introductions (Panel and Committee Members) 3.Diversity Committee 4.Background 5.Discussion

Panel Members Tanisha Holland (TJ Director of Admissions) Judy Howard (Former TJ Director of Admissions) Louise Epstein (TJ PTSA President) Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez (Arlington County School Board) Mary Ann Bosley (TJ Assistant Principal) Melissa Schoeplein (TJ Teacher) Luis Bourgeois (TJ Student) Alexandria Sutton (TJ Student)

TJ PTSA Diversity Committee Supports efforts to ensure that talented students of all backgrounds apply to TJHSST. Supports the activities of student organizations that promote self-esteem among students of all backgrounds. Encourages students who belong to socioeconomic, geographic or racial groups that are underrepresented at TJ to apply for admission. Conducts a test preparation course for potential applicants to TJHSST who may benefit from the course in light of their socioeconomic, geographic or racial backgrounds. Conducts outreach to parents and students.

Blue Ribbon Commission Belief: A positive school climate fosters the development of personal and collaborative excellence, a respect for individual and cultural diversity, and a strong moral and ethical base for self and society.

Blue Ribbon Commission (2004) Findings The recruitment and admissions process does not achieve a diverse applicant pool (1% African American - 2% Hispanic) Flaws in admissions process reduce chances of admissions for African American and Hispanic students The results of outreach and communications are not effective The admissions process is significantly inferior to that of other highly selective high schools TJHSST admissions process does not meet the school’s stated goals.

Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations Change in selection process 1.Use student test scores and GPA as two separate elements in the admission process 2.Distribute the test preparation booklet free of charge 3.Ensure that the initial consideration of applications is made by highly skilled people 4.Increase semifinalist pool to 1,400 to 1,500

Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) 5.Maintain procedures for finalists but expand size of committee and group results in: Admit Deny Reconsider 6.In assessing “reconsider” additional consideration of diversity of students (gender, race and ethnicity) already selected could be brought to bear ?

Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) 7.Expand on the Diversity Committee outreach efforts by organizing and recruiting a special recruitment team ? Focus recruitments efforts on elementary and middle schools Include minority representatives in all areas of recruitment ? 8.Update the school’s recruitment materials 9.Translate into Spanish recruiting publications and websites ?

Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) 10.Develop an Advisory Committee composed of leaders in business and higher education drawn from minority populations to advise on outreach efforts ? 11.Increase the role that middle school math and science teachers play in the recruitment processUpdate the school’s recruitment materials ? 12.Developing a mentoring program for parents of minority students ?

Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) There are budgetary implications to recommendations Without additional resources no substantial change Increase long-term funding to support initiatives

What Has Happened Since 2004?

Change in Beliefs? A positive school climate fosters the development of personal and collaborative excellence, a respect for individual and cultural diversity, and a strong moral and ethical base for self and society (2004) Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world (2010)

Discussion 1.Is there a problem? What is the problem? 2.Is it important to have diversity? Why? 3.Does TJ have a diverse student body? 4.What is the larger goal of diversity efforts at TJ? 5.Even without affirmative action, how can TJ increase the percentages of Black and Hispanic students who are admitted? 6.What should the Diversity Committee do? 7.What should others do?

TJHSST Mission Statement Mission Statement The mission of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is to provide students a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, to inspire joy at the prospect of discovery, and to foster a culture of innovation based on ethical behavior and the shared interests of humanity. Beliefs At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, we believe: Critical thinking and problem solving skills are vital in addressing the complex societal and ethical issues of our time. Students learn best in a community where academic disciplines are integrated, fostering an appreciation of how they interact and form a whole. Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world. Literature, music and the arts are essential, timeless aspects of human existence. The methods of science provide discipline to our search for structure in the world. Research stems from a combination of fundamental knowledge, individual creativity and curiosity. Effective communication is often the only difference between a good idea and a successful initiative. Collaborative learning, athletics, and extracurricular activities develop leadership and interpersonal skills. Responsibility and integrity are core principles in the pursuit of excellence. Learning never ends.