What does it mean to put the skunk on the table? Overcoming the fear of making

practice public

Talking to all stakeholders, especially students

Recognizing that identifying problems is the first step towards solution

Continuous improvement: as one problem is solved another may arise

Meridian, Idaho Suburb of Boise (largest city in Idaho) Experiencing enormous growth

1990 = 9,596 2006 = 59,832

Opened in 2003 Built to accommodate 1,800 students 2006/2007 enrollment = 2,400 students (Largest H.S. in the

state of Idaho) 36:1 student teacher ratio is common

Recipient of Small Learning Communities Grant (Cohort 5)

Wall-to-Wall Academies

Mountain View High School

Who are the Mavericks?

90 +% white Growing immigrant population:

Bosnian, Serbian, Ukranian, Sudanese, Latino, and many more Over 50 languages spoken ELL magnet for the district

Socioeconomic differences Majority of disadvantaged not signing up for Free and Reduced Lunch Children of addicts, Student addicts

Sub-cultures

Reality at MVHS Student groups underserved, under-recognized

and under-represented

RESULT: Low College Attendance ResentmentApathyDespair

Mountain View

Mavericks

Perspectives

OUTSIDER LOCAL

REALITY

Defining Our Diversity

Perspectives

OUTSIDER view =

LOCAL view=

REALITY=

Defining Your Diversity

Unpacking with Questions

What are the needs & strengths of our diverse students?

How well are we meeting their needs? Utilizing their strengths?

What do we do when their needs are not met? Who is (or feels) underserved? What opportunities are available for all? Who is celebrated? Who is involved in decision making? What is the impression of the school?

Students, Parents, Teachers/Staff, Administration, Community

Using Data to Promote Equity

What kinds of data do you use to illuminate these questions?

Do you have access to the data you need?

Inclusive Programs and Practices

SLC Membership based on student & staff interest

Flexible use of time and space Tailored instruction to meet learning needs Teacher specialists integral on teams Counselors integral on teams Teams advise/mentor students Teams collaborate with parents

Elements of Equity

Unpacking the Problem Meaningful Access for All

Students Rigor Across the Curriculum Using Data to Promote Equity

Unpacking the Problem

The school community has hard conversations about who is and isn’t served.

The school community examines their commitment to equity.

The school community makes the tradeoffs that flow from their commitment to serve all students.

Meaningful Access for All Students

All students have unfettered access to all courses. There are barriers from school policy or culture.

Supports for students to succeed in rigorous courses, even when there are gaps in skills, are in place.

Rigor Across the Curriculum

All students participate in higher order thinking across the core curriculum

Core classes prepare all students for post secondary options

Using Data to Promote Equity

The school community frequently collects and examines a broad range of data that provides insight into questions of equity

The school community uses that data to shape policy and instruction to help all students succeed