1

EDUCATIONALEQUITYINACTIONCONVENINGSUMMARIESFROMTHEPRO-ACTIONCAFÉHARVESTREPORTS

UniversityofMinnesotaJune20-21,2016

COLLEGEGUIDANCEANDREADINESSProjectIdea:Whatarethequalitiesofeffectivecollegepipelineprograms?Caller:ShakeerAbdullahConversationSummary:MulticulturalExcellenceProgram-middleschoolmentoringanddiscussionofthebarriers.Professionalmentorstalkedtostudentsabouttheprocess,supportonceattheU.Developinganidentityasacollegeboundstudent-notsomuch,cultural.Smalladvisinggroup-fouryearsonly.Financialplanning.Explanationoftheentirecostofattendance.UseMEPasabenchmarkandcomparisonforCORE2025Gradschoolfocustohelpstudentsthinkevenlongerterm.Professionaladvisor.Longitudinalfocus-canwemeasurethisagainstotherscohorts.PartnerwithUY.SummerBridgebeforefreshmenyearenrollment.Haveinputfromstudentsintheprogram-haveolderstudentsmentoryoungerstudents.Identifywhythisisworking-JerrellandCalitatobeinterviewed.Professionalmentors?Willtheyhaveconsistentmentors?Familiesinvolvedintheprogramfromfinancialliteracyandcollegeawareness.Develophelpseekingandresourceseekingskills,breakingdownthemythsandimpostersyndrome.Askingforopportunities,internships,studyabroad,activateyournetworks-whodoyoucall?KeyInsights:What'smissing-discusstheprosandconsofstudentloansandloanforgiveness.Programconnectionwiththeschools;keepthecohortconnectedthroughcollege;LookatthePosseprogram;Supportformentors-training;relationshipdevelopment-becontinuous-puttheprogramabovetheindividual;Parentpieceiscritical.Parentsandculturalliaisons.Socialdevelopment-useequityteamstohelp.Consortiumofcommunityandcorporatepartners.Summercomponents?RightTrackinternship-supportandexposestudentstojobsandcareers.Tutorsforstudents.Leadershipdevelopment-canthestudentscreateaprogram.SchoolfairstohighlighttheCORE2025programandgetstudentssignedup.Studentmotivationfluctuates-interestedatthestart-keepthemengagedandremindthemwhytheystartedPartnerwithhousingLLC's-SummerBridgeNextSteps:CommunicatewithPrincipalstoidentify2-3teachercontacts.Coordinateallthecollegepreparednessprograms.Mentoring-oneconsistentandcaringrelationshipwithastableadult.GroupmentoringwithUYtochangecollegegoingprocess.Studentinitiatedmentoring-studentsidentifywhotheywanttomentorthem.Teamvisitskids,thenmentorsputprofilesonlineforthemtodeterminewhotheywant.Mentorkickoff-Speedmentoring/networking.Chooseandbechosenmentors.Studentoptiontobringinmentor.Connectstudentstocommunityorgsandschoolorgstopromoteleadership.Advisorsshouldknowwhattheotherresourcesareavailabletomakesurestudentscanpersist-homelessness,foodshelters,clothing,transportation,DVshelters,sexualhealth,counseling,financialresources.Systemnavigationiscriticaltosuccessandretention-theydon'tknowwhattheydon'tknow.Lifehappens,howcanwehelp.Dealwiththetrauma.Keepourmentorsmentallyhealthy.Maketheon-boardingandorientationprocessfrankandclearNosugarcoating-letstudentstellit.Undocumentedstudents-notoutingstudents-internshipsandchallengestoDACA.

2

ProjectIdea:Summernudging-anti-meltstatewideinitiativeCaller:KatKlimaConversationSummary:HowtoincreasereachandpersonalizethemessagesstudentsreceivethroughbanneringKeyInsights:PartnerwithcollegesanduniversitiestocreatespecificmessagesCreatespecificcontactsinadmissionsandfinancialaidforstudentstohelpkeepthemaccountableIncreasedmessagespecificityanddetail,especiallyaroundfinancialaidNextSteps:ReachouttopeopleresponsibleforprincipalstodisseminatemessagingSendingpurelyinformationalmessages(collegegradsearnmore$thannon-degreeholders)Linkstoscholarships,grants,inputforms,etc.Addressfearbymakingstepspredictive(i.e.,ifyouxthenyou'llgetysoyougettoz)Creatinginstitutionspecificmessage,withoptiontoreceivemessagesfrommorethan1collegeCreatecontactsforstudentsateachcollegeIncreasedetailofmessage-haveyousecuredhousing,howgoingtogettocollege,howareyougoingtogettoclasseveryday,havesupplies,contactedfinancialaidoffice?Financialaidbranching-nittygrittydetailsIdentifyingmostunderresourcedstudentsandprovidethemwithmostpersonalizedandfrequentmessagingbranchCreatingaFacebookgroupforeachcohortProjectIdea:Increasecollege-goingcultureandstudentcollegeidentityofstudentsathigh-minorityhighschoolsCaller:JenTrostConversationSummary:College-goingcultureismultiplecomponentsandnotjustonething.College-goingcultureisacommunityeffort.It'sgettingoutasimplemessageandsmallstepsformakingchanges.Thegoalofcollegeforallmustbeastrategicgoalforthehighschoolandneedsachampionrelatabletostudentsandteachers.KeyInsights:Capacitybuildingandlong-termsupportfortheschools.NextSteps:-Createsmallstepsandsimplemessagesastakeawaysforparticipants.-attendconferencestodiscusswithprincipals,counselors,andteachers-createanenvironmenttointerrupttheelitismofwhogoestocollegeandwhereProjectIdea:RelatableCareerandCollegeGuidanceCaller:DeniseFelderConversationSummary:Needmediumforstudentstorecordcareerexplorationactivities,connecteachcareeractivitytoeachotherandtoacademics.Studentscandevelopportfolioorpersonalizedplan.Studentshavenarrowexposuretocareers,don'tknowcareerpathways,skillsandenvironmentofcareers.Careerinformationneedstobeculturallyresponsive,reflectperspectiveoflowincomestudentswithdifferentideasofjobs.Needmentors,professionalsthatstudentscanrelatetotalkaboutcareers,showstudentsitispossibletoworkandadvanceincareer.Helpunderstandmiddleclasslanguage/termsandsystems.Employerpartnershipstosponsorexperientialactivities.Offerindustryrecognizedcredentialsinhighschoolsocangraduatewithemployableskills.Connectcollegecareerserviceswithhighschools,letcollegestaffprovideinfosessionsandguidance.Makecareerinforelevanttostudents.Importanceofemployability'soft'skills.Haveparentsparticipateincollegereadinesssessions,understandtermsandprocess.Studentslearnfromeachotherandadults.Partnerwithprofessionalaffinitygroupswhowanttovolunteerasmentors.KeyInsights:Studentsneedhelpwithdecision-makingprocess,notfindingspecificcareer.Relationshipwithadvisor,spacetoreflectandtalkaboutcareersmoreimportantthanprovidinginformation.NextSteps:1.AddcareerguidancetoSummerBridgeprograms2.Createweeklongcareerinstituteformiddleschoolerswithinteractive,intensiveexposuretocareersandcollegeadmission3.Neednetworkorrepositoryofcareerguidanceprogrammingandpotentialpartners.

3

EARLYCHILDHOODProjectIdea:EarlyChildhoodCaregiversandEducatorsCaller:N/AConversationSummary:Nature-basedearlychildhood-ifdonerightcanhelpwiththeachievementgap,ifnot(onlyforaffluentfamilies)canwidenit.Neighborhoodearlychildhoodcentersandpublicschoolpartnershipstohelpwithpositivetransitions.KeyInsights:Natureeducationisgoodandnecessaryforallchildren,especiallyhighlystressed.NextSteps:Advocateforhealthyandnaturaloutdoorenvironmentsforallyoungchildren.(DHS/licensing,parentaware,NAEYCaccreditation).EQUITY/CULTUREINSCHOOLProjectIdea:FosteringgenuinecommunityintheclassroomCaller:KharyJacksonConversationSummary:Solutionsaremulti-tiered;district,admin,teachers,students/familiesetc.Somestepscanbetakeninclassroomsnowandsomewilltaketimetodevelop.Cultureshiftneedstohappenwithinourschoolstoachieveourgoalofstrongclassroomcommunities.KeyInsights:Thereshouldn'tbeaneither/ormindsetbetweenacademicsuccessandemphasisonclassroomcommunity.Giveteachersmorechoiceinhowtodotheirjobssothattheycanbuildcommunitysuccessfullywhilealsoteachingthecurriculum.Studentsshouldfeelmoreculturallyrepresentedandbeencouragedtosharestories/experienceswiththeirclasses.NextSteps:Moretraining/PDforteachers,aswellaspayingteachersfortheadditionaltraining.CommunicationbetweenALLstakeholdersneedstobemoreclear,effectiveandinclusive.Teacherscanlearnfromfellowstaff/admin/studentsintheirownbuildingMOREDETAILSFROMCONVERSATIONSCANBEFOUNDHERE:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DbnUuiOxRxe_HrolbI7djj2xwukma6aBbr8rr_3-NTw/edit?usp=sharingProjectIdea:Studentleadership/empowermentCaller:KarenSeashoreConversationSummary:Widerep--assistSupts,teacher,student,MDE,teacherOpenWorld,,peopleservingpeople,Comoparkelementary,KeyInsights:Weneedtofurtherdefinethepurposesofstudentengagementandencouragepublicinvolvementinthosediscussions;needtoacknowledgemultiplesourcesofexpertise(professional,student,community,etc.);willrequireanadjustmentinthementalmodelsofadult-childrelationshipsinschool;needtosetrealisticgoalsatthelevelofschoolsanddistricts,needtobetterunderstandthebarrierstoincreasingstudentvoice;needtoensurethatpromotingequitablestudentvoiceisincludedinschool,teacherandadminassessments....NextSteps:(1)engagestudentatdeeperlevelandfrommultipleperspectives,includingconnectingwiththecommunity;(2)promotesystemicstudentleadershipforracialequity;(3)createplatforms,toaccessthecommunitytosupportstudentvoice;(4)organizea2daystudentsummittoarticulatewantsanddevelopastudentbillofrights;(5)createProfessionaldevelopmentforallstaffthatincludesafocusonculturallyrelevantcurriculumthatallowsforstudentvoice;(6)redesigntheschooldayandcalendartoexplicitlymaketimeforstudentvoice;(7)designinitiativetogetbuildinganddistrictadminsintoschoolsforpurposeofconsistentlyhearingstudentvoice;

4

ProjectIdea:Howschoollevelleaderssupportequityworkandcollaboratewithotherschoolsanddistrictstaff?Caller:BenMagrasConversationSummary:ProjectSuccess,workingwithMPLSschools,tocreatecollegeexperiencesforstudents.Evidenceofsuccessledtomorechangeandagreementinthework.Startwithonepersonwhowasasupporterandgoingfromthere.Havingoneschoolsharetheirsuccesswiththedistrict.Allowingstudentsandoryoungteachers/staffbetheleadersandchangeagent.ChildrenFirstinitiative,formedacrossrepresentativestakeholdergroupthatmetmonthlythatputchildrenfirst.Includestakeholderfromthecommunityaswell.Keepastudentcenteredapproachthatappliestoallofthestakeholders.Intentionalpartneringofamentorprogramtosupporttheculture.RacialequitypolicyinSt.PaulusedasaframeworkallowedconversationstohappenbetweenAdminandteachers.AresourceMIC(Missionimpactcouncil).WHATISMISSING?Relationships-adulttoadultwithinthebuilding,adulttostudent.Teachingrelationshipsandsocialskills.Makeequityaboutunderstandingothersanddevelopingrelationships.Focuson"why"wearedoingthework.MichaelFullanoncoherence.Equityisassumedandembeddedinallofthework.Involveparentsintheconversationstohelpdrivetheconversationforward.Usethedefinitionofequitytogiveschoolswhattheyneednotasamandatefromthedistrict.Needonly23%ofpeoplewhoarecompletelyboughtintomakethechangehappen.KeyInsights:Stakeholdergroupwithafocusonthe"why".Defineyourroleasaleader.Bealeader.Gotoboardpolicytosupportthework.Begoodattheworkyouarecurrentlydoingfirstbeforeyoutrytoexpandoutfurther.Asaleaderinequity,youcannotbackawayfromconflict.Weneedtobeabletomanageit.Modelingthework.NextSteps:Bepatientandgetbetteratdoingtheworkwhereweare-inwhateverrolewehavefirst.Developacrosssectionalstakeholdergroupandengageinconversationsbasedonthe"why"andrelationshipsthatsupportandallowchange.ProjectIdea:CulturallyresponsivepedagogyCaller:LuAnnWoodConversationSummary:Want/needtocreateculturallyresponsiveinstitutionsisacommongoal.Ideaswereshared,SEED,IDI,leadersleadingaroundequity,instituteforculturallyResponsivePedagogy,Singleton-CourageousConversation,EquityAnalysisFramework.Needtoexploreandoffertrueversionofhistorytostudentsandtoincludestudentsasteachers.Equityneedstobepervasive,inhiring,professionaldevelopment,curriculumandcommunity.KeyInsights:equitycoachesNextSteps:Building(people)needrecognitionbyleadership.Whatistrainingfornewteachers,donewteachershaveknowledgeofsociohistorical,economicandpoliticalsystemsofinequity.CheckoutWI-biliteracy/bilingualcertificate,MNmultilingual.Createequitycoaches,knowmetrics,createongoingconversations.ProjectIdea:DiversityofSt.PaulCaller:RyanMulsoConversationSummary:Teachersofcolorexperiencedifferentexpectationsthanotherteachers.Thereareavarietyofinitiativesthatworkfordiversityandthereneedstobemorebuy-inandleadershiptoeffectivelygettheminplace.Tokenism,cohortmodelbeneficial,onboarding.Edsupports-data,culture,supportmentorship.Racialequityconversations,becomfortablewithteacher.MNresidency/growyourown.KeyInsights:Varietyofsolutionsthatneedtobevettedforbuy-in.NextSteps:Don'tknow.

5

ProjectIdea:Creatingaccessequitytonature-basedlearningCaller:CathyJordanConversationSummary:Weidentifiedtheconundrum-natureimproveskidseducationaloutcomesandprobablyespeciallyforthosekidsofcolorlivingindisadvantageorunderstress.Butthesearethekidswhohaveinequitableaccesstocommunitylevelgreenery,greenschoolyards,teacherswhoknewhowtoteachoutdoors,administratorswhosupportnature-basedlearning,etc.That'stheinequityinaccessissue.KeyInsights:1.Thesamekidswholacknature-basedlearningopportunitiesarethesamekidswholiveunderpoorenvironmentalhealthconditions(doublewhammy,i.e.lead).2.Actionsthatwouldmakeadifference:teacherprepandPD,greeningschoolyards,creatingincentivesandaccountabilitymetricstoencourageteachinginnature,moremoneyfortransportation,partnerwithnonprofitswhocanprovideexpertise,humanresources,gear,curricula,butwearen'tdoingthesethings.Why?3.CEHDnotbeingthoughtleaderwhenitrespondstodistrictworkforcedemandsfortraditionalmeth,scienceandliteracyteachers.Itcouldleadthefieldbyproducingteacherswhocannotonlyteachtheseskillsbutcandosoinanature-basedlearningenvironmenttherebylikelyimprovinglearning,butalsocontributingtostudents'healthandwell-being.4.Naturebasedactivitiesareseenasaluxuryorarewardratherthanasakeypedagogicalapproachthatcanimprovetestscoresandmoreimportantlylearning(schoolingv.education).NextSteps:Formepersonallytalkwithchildren,nurturecommunicationsteamaboutframingapedagogicalnecessitymessage.TalkwithCEHDaboutteacherprepandPD,Otherinthegroupexchangedbusinesscardsforfurtherconversations.Twoplantoleadmetoothersintheirorganizations.ProjectIdea:Increasingawarenessandunderstandingofgrowingdiversepopulationsinatraditionallywhitedistrictwithincreasingpoverty.Caller:JessicaDenneConversationSummary:Increaseawarenessandunderstanding.Createmeaningfulrelationships(students/families.)Createaffinitygroups/relationshipsconnections.Povertyawareness.Empowerstudents.KeyInsights:Beingawareofyourownbias.NextSteps:Trainingforteachersandadministration.Createfunlearningenvironmentsforchildren.ProjectIdea:Implicitbias(IB)inclassrooms,whatstrategiesdowehavetostartconversationsaboutIBCaller:AbigalGadeaConversationSummary:Tools:IBtests,REACT,interculturaldevelopmentinventory.Usetoolsbutbecautious,theycanremoveyourselffromthecommunityyouworkwithBecreativeandusearttostartconversations(photographs)Beauthentic,focusonbuildingtrust,makingspacesafeUnderstandwhereIBcomesfrom(structuralpower)Haveliaisonthatlistenstobothsidesofthestoryandassistteachersandstudentstoidentifytheirownbiasandwhat'sgettinginthewayforthemtounderstandeachother.KeyInsights:Equitycoaching,helponeanothertorecognizeIBandwhatbehaviorscanwechange.Teacherleaderstostartconversation.Nojudgement.Schoolleadersneedtopartoftheconversation.Buildingtolerancetofeeluncomfortable.NextSteps:Alotofremindersforusandothers,it'saboutstudentsandit'sajourneyExpandourlensofbiasandapplyittowhatweareteachingtomakeitrelevanttostudents.ProjectIdea:TRUST:TrainingforResiliencyforUrbanStudentsandTeachersCaller:LuisOrtegaConversationSummary:Descriptionofresearchprojectaboutresiliencybuildinginstudentsbyteachers.KeyInsights:ResearchrestrictionsTimeNextSteps:PARandPPARwork

6

ProjectIdea:DecolonizingLearningStandardsCaller:BraulioCarrascoConversationSummary:Anotherwesternthought,thatbecauseweneedahero,weneedavillain.Alotoftimeit'sindividualsconqueringorsaving-evenin"diverse"classrooms,wejustchangetherace/genderoftheindividualanddon'tmovetowardthecollectiviststandard.Cultureandcommunityislocal-howdowelearnaboutothercultureswithoutessentializing.Wemisappropriateculturalstandardsandusethemtoestablishlearningstandards-teachertrainingisveryEurocentric:RomeoandJuliet,TheOutsiders.CommonCoreisneutralornotneutral..Exampleofnonnuetrality-storiesneedtohaveamainidea.Neutrality=norm,whitesupremacy.Oftenablackperson'shistorystartswithslavery.Neutrality/patriarchy/whitesupremacy.Passivevoiceisbad.Activevoiceisgood.Thesisstatementsaregood.Everythinghastobewrittendown.Courageousconversations-beokaywithnoendingpoint.Noresolution.Uncomfortable.Thisisthewesternway-andit'sprivileged...Alotoffirst-generationandworkingclasspeople-valuestorytelling.Wecouldhavecoteachingbetweendisciplinesearly,early,early.Wemustrecognizetheconnectionsandshowthemtoourstudents.Inourclassrooms,wedon'tvaluetheverbalstudentthatcanmakethoseconnectionsontheflyintheclassroom.Whenwemeasure,wesignalwhatwereallythinkisimportant-thatrevealsabiasandtellsstudentswhat's"reallyimportant."Lackoftrueauthenticperformanceassessmentopportunities.Theframeworkwe'retryingtousetodecolonize-ex,backwardsdesign-youcontinuetocomebacktoagroundingquestion.Usemusicinyourclassestomakeconnectionsacrossdisciplinesandgetustomoveourbodies.Alsotellthetruth!Thedisembodiedemotioniswestern-andoureducationsystemdeliberatelydisconnectsthosetwo.Acknowledgethatsoyourstudentsknowthedisconnectionisfalse,ispartoftrainingandconditioningofthecolonizer.Our5thgradeteamengagedstudentsincourageousconversations.DecolonizingcurriculummuststartwithDecolonizingtheclassroom.Givepowerbacktothestudentssotheydesignwhatthey'relearning-evenhowwesetupthedesks.Heritagelanguageclasses-oftentimestheovertcurriculumislanguageandliteracyboost.Thecovertcurriculumareoftenthetextsandconversationweexploreinovertcurriculum.OneresourceinthisworkisDarleneStClair-aDakotaIndigenouswoman.Teachingstudentstocriticallyanalyzetextusingdifferentculturallenses-sothattheycanseethecolonizingprogrammingatwork...startthisinelementaryschool-examinecommercialsaboutboyandgirltoys...KeyInsights:Weneedtofirstbecomeawareofthewaysweprivilegeandnormalizewhitesupremacy:narrativestructuresweteach,separatedisciplines,educationiscognitivenotemotional,specificstructureswithinourdisciplines,expectationsaroundbehaviorandperformancebothinterpersonalandacademic.Makeexplicitlinkforeducatorsandstudentsbetweenwhites,middleclassnorms&disconnectwithfeelingsandbodies.Normalizingbodiesandfeelingsintheclassroomsothatwhenfeelingscomeup,it'slessscary.Givepowerbacktostudents.Usetheiridentitiesandexperiencestodeliverovertcurriculum.Theirownidentitiesandwaysofbeingbecomecovertcurriculum-welegitimizeadiverserangeofcultures,waysofexpression,andexperiences.NextSteps:Tellingstudentsthatfeelingandbeinguncomfortableisanessentialpartofthelearningprocess,especiallywhitestudents.Studentsofcolorneedvalidation-theirfeelingsareimportantsourcesofinformation.Listentothosefeelingsandtrustthem.Bringinginthewholebodyexperience-brain,body,feelings-alltogether.Collegeaccessprofessional-nextstepistogoexploremoreandtalkaboutmyexperienceasanimmigrantandhowI'veinteractedwithmaterialandcolonization.Willitbetopdownapproachorbottomupapproach?Thetensionisreal-(smallerclasssizes,structuralsupport(TIMEandTRAINING)toimplementtacticsthatweknowwork)Thinkaboutthedepthofyourrelationshipswithstudents.Colorcoded-Idon'tknowthem,Iknowtheirname,Iknowtheirhomesituation.

7

FAMILYCONNECTIONSANDENGAGEMENTProjectIdea:ConnectionsCaller:AnaLeanosConversationSummary:Havingsharedpointsofcommunicationthroughawebsitetodiscussandshareissuesthatdealwithculture.Awaytoorganizethewebsitewouldusethe5EssentialsPillarsforSchoolImprovement.Thiswouldbeamovementbiggerthanawebsiteusingthewebsiteasawaytoconnectalltheinvolvedstakeholders.KeyInsights:Keepitteacherdriven.Collaborationwithothers.Findingawaytoprovidetechnologyforothers.FindingawaytoprovideclassestokeepparentsuptodatewithtechnologyNextSteps:Trialitwithinmyclassroom,sharetheideawithcollegesandgradstudentstohelpgetsupportProjectIdea:RevampingconferencesandparentworkshopsCaller:KumarBalasubrahmanyeshConversationSummary:Clearcommunicationwithparentsiskey.Parentinteractionsneedtobeapartnership.Strengthsbasedconversations.Activatepeoplewhoareconnectedwithparents.Ensuringstaffareallboughtintofamilyinvolvement.Empowerstudentvoiceandparentvoiceinthosespaces.Createspacesforparentstosupporteachother.KeyInsights:Parentsareessential.Schoolsandcommunityorganizationscancontinuetobemoreintentionalaboutparentengagement.NextSteps:Bringupfamilyengagementatfirststaffmeeting-askforhelp.Institutionalizepositivephonecallshome.Phonetreeforcommunication-parentscallingparentsforinvolvement.Set-upmeetingsnotlocatedattheschool,onneutralground.ProjectIdea:Strategiesforbuildingeffectivefamily,school,communitypartnershipsCaller:RadiousGuessConversationSummary:Allparentsdon'tfeelwelcomed.Coffeewiththeprincipal:willitmakeadifferenceifIcome.Reciprocal,continuous,senseofbelonging,ownership,relationship.Systemicisdynamic;constantlychanging.Gettingeveryoneonboardwithyourvision.Communication,communityschools,openhouse,PTA,importanceofadvocacy.Ittakestimetoengage.Whyengage.Safetytobeinvolved.KeyInsights:FamilyengagementasrestorativepracticeNextSteps:Definingpartnership,professionaldevelopment,buildcapacity.Reexamineourcommunications-website,flyers,newsletter.Connectparentstoparents.Involvestudents.Inclusiveplanningpractices.ProjectIdea:AdvocatingfromtheGroundFloorCaller:AnnaSheppardConversationSummary:Thegroupdiscussedmanydifferentreasonsideasandfeedbackbasedontheneeds/interestsofstudentsandfamiliesrunintobarriersofbeingincorporatedinplansofadministration/leaderships.Manyofuscitedthelackofvulnerability,lackofsafeconduitsforfeedback,andtheissueofbeingseenasadversariesvs.oneteamasbarriers.KeyInsights:Wehavetoscaffoldandcreatelong-termcommunicationstructuresforyouthandparentfeedback-honoringthevoicesandgivingthemasafe/supportedplacetodevelopthesharedvoicesoitwillbeheardandrespondedtowithfidelity.Itisimportantforteachersandfamiliestolearnhowtocommunicatewithsystemsofpowerinawaythatfacilitatesmorepositivechange.WeneedtoallspeakthesamelanguageofprocessNextSteps:Createaffinitygroupsforyouth/parents/familieswithascheduledcycleoffocusedtopicsandaclear/empoweredprocessforprovidingfeedbackinawaythathonorsbothsidesofthereconsiderationofpractices/policiesinanefforttodowhatisbestforourkids.Setourselvesandourcommunitiesupforsuccessthroughmakingtheprocesspredictableandmeaningful.

8

ProjectIdea:Parentinvolvementandaccesstoinformation("partoftheteam")Caller:AmyCarlsonConversationSummary:Discussedwaysforparentinvolvementgivenvariousbarriers(differentcultures,etc.)KeyInsights:Parentacademies(educate)CommunityliaisonHomevisitsatbeginningofyearParentforums--empower(withtranslators)PAC(ParentAdvisoryCommittee)NextSteps:Nameitandtakeownership(jointownership)withinyourschoolorpositionListentoparentsEducateparentsbasedonwants/needsEmpowerparentstoleadcollaborativeinitiativesProjectIdea:IncreasingFamilyEngagementinnon-representedfamiliesCaller:DeborahSeelingerConversationSummary:Definitionofengagementv.involvement.Whatroledoyouwantfamiliestohave?Logistics/obstacles-transportation,childcare,food.Culturalrelevancyofevents.Meetparentswheretheyare.Theremaybeplaces/timeswhenparentinvolvementisnotappropriate.KeyInsights:Howtogetdata,usedata,implementprogramswithfidelity.Long-termstaffing.Informingcommunityandstakeholdersaboutourfamiliesandtheimportanceoffamilyengagement.NextSteps:1.Lookatdistrictstaffing/resourcestoaddressELLfamiliesandengagement.2.Haveasharedvisionofwhatwewantforourstudents3.Engageoutsidepartners/organizationsintheseefforts.ProjectIdea:ParentInvolvement-particularlyformostchallengedgroupsCaller:JoeJezierskiConversationSummary:Muchtimespentondifferentopportunities/strategiespeopleandorganizationsareusing.Wetalkedalotaboutthebarriersandhowtoovercomethem.Landedontheideathatourorganizationneedtobeclearaboutwhatwewantfromparents,whatourexpectationsare.KeyInsights:Itisimportanttoknowwhatwewant/meanfromengagement.Beflexibleandcreativeinfindingwaystoconnectwithfamilies.NextSteps:Whatdowereallywantorhowdowedefineparentengagement?Weneedtodefinethisbeforemovingforward.TalkwithandLISTENtoparentneeds/wantstobeengagedHIGHEREDUCATIONProjectIdea:Increasingparents/adultlearnersinhighereducationCaller:ChangVangConversationSummary:Parentsareself-startersandaremorefocused,butfacemultiplebarriers.Somebarriersarefinancial,parenthood,understandingofcollege,useoftechnologyandchildcare.Timeisalsoamajorbarrierforadultsaswellsoonlineclassesandweekendclasseswouldbebeneficial.KeyInsights:Theparentsandadults'knowledgeofthecollegeprocessandstereotypeswouldneedtobeaddressed.Outsideorganizationsandpartnerswouldneedtobeidentifiedandbroughtonboard.NextSteps:1.Partnerwithcollegestocreatebuy-inandatransitionprocess.2.Startconversationswithchildcareproviderstopartnerwithcolleges.3.Startconversationswithlocalscholarshipstocreateopportunityforparentstoo!

9

ProjectIdea:BuildingUofMcapacity,increasingrelevanceandcoordinationofresearchprojectsandinterests,andeducationalneedofteachersanddistricts.Caller:KaraBeckmanConversationSummary:Lotsofdatabuteveryonecollectstheirownforeachproject.Teachingisnotascience,itisanart-nearlyimpossibletoisolatefactors.But,sciencecanlookatcomplexsystemsandfinaltrends(donewell)toinformdialogue/decisions/knowledge.KeyInsights:Theoryasakeycommonaspectforbothresearchersandpractitioners.Weallneedtoarticularwhatwearedoingandwhyandwhatweexpecttosee.Competinginterestforallleadstoneedfortrust/relationship/incrementalprogress.Balancingtheurgentneedsofnowwithlong-term,systemic,intentionalchange.Needlotsofdatatounderstandwhatworksforwhominwhichsetting,etc.,Eachstudenthasownindividualstorysohowitcomestogetherinusefulwayisverycomplex.NextSteps:ApproachCAREItoserveasconvenerforlong-termpartnershipstoadvanceeducationalequitythatarerelevanttobothUofMandcommunityresearchersandschooldistricts.Considercollectiveimpactmodel.ProjectIdea:Improvingthedepthandeffectivenessofpartnershipsbetweencolleges/universitiesandequity-focusedcommunity-basedorganizationsCaller:SethSnyder,CollegePossibleConversationSummary:Ourgroupsdiscussedthevaryinglevelsofcommitmenttoandawarenessofequitydeficienciesinhighereducation.Someinstitutionsrecognizetheinequitiesincollegepersistenceandcompletionratesbutdon'tknowhowtochange,somefailtorecognizeorproperlydiagnosetheirsystemicbarriers.Wealsodiscussedthevaryingdegreesthatstudentsarewelcomedanddevelopasenseofbelongingoncampusandthrive;somefeelvaluedandothersfeelpressuretoassimilatetosurvivecollege.Weidentifiedaneedforcommunity-basedorganizations(CBOs)andHigherEdsystemstomorefrequentlycommunicateinsharingbestpracticesforequitablestudentsuccess.Theseconversationsmustincludethevoicesofstudentsfromunderservedcommunitiessothatimprovementscanbemadewithourcommunitiesandnotsimply"for"ourcommunities.KeyInsights:1)HigherEdinstitutionsneedbothtop-downcommitmentandgrassrootsinput.2)CBOsneedtocollaborateandshareinformationtominimizecompetition(forstudents,fordonors,etc...).3)CBOswilllikelyhavetoleadtheseconversations,astheyaremorenimblethanlargeinstitutionsandlikelytobelessrisk-aversethancolleges.4)Weneedtorecognizethatmoreequitablecollegeoutcomesareasharedgoalthatbenefitsall.5)Thevoicesofcommunitiesmarginalizedbyoppressivesystemsneedtobeatthecenterofdiscussionsaboutsystemchange.NextSteps:A)Wewanttosupportastate-wideconveningofcollegeaccessandsuccessprogramstobeginface-to-facedialogueaboutthesechallenges.B)WeaskbothCBOsandcolleges/universitiestoaskforstudentandalumnifeedbackfromunderservedandunderrepresentedcommunities.Thiswillimprovethealignmentofpeopleandprogrammaticsupporttomakeitmostrelevantandhighest-impact.C)Wewilllookforindividualequitychampionsoncollege/universitycampuses,andmovetheseconversationstowardhigher-level"decision-makers"withpersistentpassion.HONORS/TRACKINGCLASSESProjectIdea:EarnedHonorsDe-tracking9thgradeCaller:AndyBentonConversationSummary:Parentawareprogram.Honorsforall.Supportneeded.Reexaminationof"honors".Rigor,notvolumeorcompliance.KeyInsights:Teachersupport.Defininghonors.Whatdoesclosinggapmean?Dualcreditrequirement.NextSteps:Cautionaboutbeingonanisland.xxxxOKifhaveendgameofAP.

10

ProjectIdea:De-trackingMathclassesCaller:JessicaRiceConversationSummary:Mathtrackingisamechanismforfamiliestosegregatewithinaschool;howdowestopdoingthat?Needtosupportboththeendsofthespectrum--thehighandlowstudents.But,agreementwasaroundeliminatingvarioustracksbecauseofthemessagesthatitsendstostudents.KeyInsights:1)Needtochangemindsetsofmultiplestakeholders(community,teachers,students,admin,schoolboard)2)Ifthecorecurriculumgetsstudentspreparedforcollege,whyrushthroughthecurriculumatanadvancedpace?3)Capacitybuildingiskeyforteacherstobuildastructuretosupportallkids.4)Needwaystoappeasecommunityifyouremovehonors/fasttracks.5)Mathisviewedaselitistandistaughtinawaythatworksforthewhitemiddle/upperclass.Proceduresandfinalcorrectanswersarevalued,wheninfacthowwegettoananswerandhowweproblemsolve,persevere,thinkisINFINITELYmorevaluabletobeingtrulycareerandcollegeready.NextSteps:1)Teachadifferentmindsetaroundmathtoallstakeholders--anyonecanlearnathighlevels;itisaboutthinkingandnotaboutfinalcorrectanswers;etc.2)Buildcapacityofstaffandtimeforstafftobuildabettercurriculumthatallowsfordifferentiationandsupportsalllearners.ProjectIdea:Detracking9thgrade-earnedHonorsCaller:AndyBeatonConversationSummary:CreatingoneattendancegroupwherekidscanearnhonorsthroughperformanceFanyourplantogettocollegereadiness.GapiscollegereadinessKeyInsights:Supportsneeded.4yearplantocollegereadinessifyoudon'tmakehonors.NextSteps:noneidentifiedLEADERSHIPProjectIdea:WhatDoesEngagingP-12ProfessionalDevelopmentFocusedonCulturallyResponsiveLearningLookLike?Caller:MaryBussmanConversationSummary:Teachers,principals,coordinators,andleadersincommunityagenciessharedtheirschools'andagencies'effortstoengageinprofessionallearningaboutequity,diversity,race,andsystemicchange.KeyInsights:Weallhavetobelievethatfundamentalhumanrightscomefirstbeforewecanapproachanyofthiswork.Effortsoftenfallenapartaftertheconsultantleftorthecohortsdisbanded.Folkswanttodevelopteamswithinschoolsandwithindistrictstocontinuetohostconversationsaboutraceandculture,abouttransformingcurriculatoincludeabsentnarratives,toengageadultsindiscussionsthatareuncomfortable,butsupported.Somedistrictsandcommunitycollegesarere-writingstrategicplansorequityplansandappreciatethisconversationbeingthefocusofthatwork.NextSteps:IdentifywhothealliesaretoimplementaprogramSupportteachersmoreKeepstudentsasthetoppriorityIdentifywhogetsspecificthingsdoneateachschool

11

ProjectIdea:InnovationfromsingleschooltowholedistrictCaller:KharyJacksonConversationSummary:•InRochester(withahistoryofcross-sectorpartnering),programthatfocusesonimplementationandthedirectorishandsonateachschoolsitetoimplementanequityplan.EmphasizedBOTHacademicsandsocialemotionalsupport.Hadaplanlooseenoughtoincludeteacherinput.Itwasenergizingforteachersandstudents.•Processshouldbecollaborative.checkinthroughouttheprocess.•Processstartedwithadminbuy-in.Recruitedcommunitymemberstobeapartoftheprocess.•Findthepeoplethataregoingtobesupportivefromthestart.•Makeaplanthatcanworkwithalimitedbudgettostartoffwith.•Itcanbeachallengetokeeppeoplecommitted.•Principalsmaynotknowthedaytodayhappeningsinthebuilding.•Sometimesthetop-downsolutionsaren’tthebestsolutionsfortheissuesonthegroundlevel.Policymakersshouldusefewerintermediaries.•Organizeideasandactionsteps,startingatthegroundlevel.Valuetheexperiencesandknowledgeofthegroundlevelpeople•TryBackwardsDesignforimplementationsaswell•Programsshouldbeimplementedbypeoplewhoknowthekids•KnowthespecificpeoplewhoENACTtheplanvsthepeoplewhoapproveorsignoffontheplan.Itmaynotbethesamepeople/rolesateachschool.KeyInsights:WhatisMissing:•Someoneworksatanalternativeschoolthatutilizeswraparoundservices,includesintentionalconversationswithincomingstudentsaboutwhattheywant/needoFiguringoutlayersofinstitutionalsupportisachallenge•Implementationcanvaryatnumberofstudentsyouworkwithortheculture/setting•Onesuccessfulexample:Teachersdidn’thaveenoughPDtime.Aprincipalwasempoweredbythedistricttomakeachangeintheschool,andtheprincipalempoweredthekidsaswell.Thereisaweeklystudent-ledsummitattheschool,45-60min,andastaffmemberoversees/supportsiteachweek.Thenewplanisdoneconsistentlyandintentionally.NextSteps:•Measuringprogramfidelity.Helpswithreplication.YouthProgramQualityAssessmentisanexample.•Developingbetterrelationshipswithteachersandstudents,helpingthembeseen.•Lookingatthemicrostepsinvolvedintheprocess.•Analyzingwhathappenedinthepastthatdidn’twork.Isitaboutimplementationprocess?Interpersonalissueswithstaff?Barriersthathaven’tbeenaddressed?Issomeconflictresolutionneeded?•Whatexperiencesarethestaffbringingtothetable?•Staffturnovercanalsoimpactthesituation.•Strongadminleadershipcansupportimprovements/tryingnewideas,givingpermissiontofailandlearnfromthoseexperiences.•“Feedtheteacherssotheydon’teatthekids”.“Learntheirlovelanguage.”ProjectIdea:InnovationfromsingleschooltowholedistrictCaller:KharyJackson(subcallerfor2ndgroup)ConversationSummary:Implementationiscomplexandrequiresthebuyinnotonlyofadminbutalsostaffandpeopleonthe"groundfloor".KeyInsights:Utilizingaprogramfidelitytoolcanhelpdifferentschoolsimplementaprogramoridea,whilestillbeingflexibleenoughforeachschooltomakeitworkfortheirstaffandstudents.NextSteps:IdentifywhothealliesaretoimplementaprogramSupportteachersmoreKeepstudentsasthetoppriorityIdentifywhogetsspecificthingsdoneateachschool

12

ProjectIdea:Buildcapacityatthetoptoinfluencechange.Caller:JosefinaLandrieuConversationSummary:Weneedtounderstandthecorevaluesofourleaders-assessmentsofourleaderswillproviderelevantinformation.Weneedtomakeastrongercaseforsystemschange.Therearethreetypesofleaders:(1)champions-weneedtosupportthem;(2)barriers-employbehavioraleconomicstomotivatethem;(3)middlelevel-thepublicvoiceandaccountability.Allthreegroupsmayhaveleadersthatcanbeidentified,andrequiredifferentapproaches.KeyInsights:Conversationsarehappening-butweneedtofuelconversationswithbetterdatathatarerelevanttoleaders.Professionaldevelopmentisonestepinthisdirection.NextSteps:Identifymetrics(re-evaluatewhatwecurrentlymeasure).Identifyrelevantindicators(leadingindicators).Createscorecards.Customizethedataandthemessagetomaximizeinfluenceandimpactfordifferentaudiences.Developapubliccampaign.ProjectIdea:Howtocreatedynamicalignmentbetweenoutsidetutoring/servicesandcoreinstructionCaller:StephanieSnidarichConversationSummary:Sharedunderstandingandmissioniskey.Schoolneedstounderstandtheroleoftheserviceproviderinaccomplishingthemission.Communicationisessentialtoconnecttheservice/instructiontocoreinstruction.Buy-infromteachersandadminisessential.KeyInsights:Therelationshipneedstostartwithasharedmissionandbuyinbutdrillallthewaydowntothespecificsofdaytoday.NextSteps:Developgeneralmodelforhowtodevelopthecomponentsof1)sharedmission2)roleofservice/tutoringprovider3)commitments4)communicationplan/planforongoingalignmentandcollaboration.ProjectIdea:Buildingstrongerrelationshipsbetweenadministration,studentsandteachersCaller:ShaunasseyJohnsonConversationSummary:Whyisitvaluabletohavestrongcommunicationwithadministration?WhystudentsandteachersneeditHowtotalktoadministratorsKeyInsights:Minneapolisvs.FairAdministrationvs.school.TalkingtoadultsandincludingparentsNextSteps:IncludingparentsandofficializingstudentgovernmentLITERACYANDLANGUAGEProjectIdea:K-1Literacy-closingthegapCaller:N/AConversationSummary:Closethegap-don'tthinkthereisseparation,notoneortheother,it'show.Includeparentsinrelationshipsatyoungerlevel(stopswhiteflight.)UofMthemerunsthroughallcourses.Helpstohavelinkbetweenfacultyandhomes.KeyInsights:Havetodoboth-goforit.Createanopeningforfamilies,bevulnerable.Createopportunityforallstafftoownthisworkandbeliefs.NextSteps:Mindshifthappensaftergoodresults-sometimestheyhappenbeforeresults.Kidscapableofdoingmore.Verbalizeownbelief

13

ProjectIdea:Supportingliteracyacrossthecontentarea.Caller:BenMagrasConversationSummary:Criticalreadingstrategies(AVID)arepartofexplicitgoalsatColumbiaHeightsMSandHS.District-widePDoncriticalreadingstrategiesusingmarkingthetextstrategiesthensupportedwithteacherleadsinthebuilding.Startingfromaformativeplace:whatareyoudoingsofarwithliteracyinyourclassroom?Buildfromthere.Ensuringtheworkthatschoolsdoissuccessfulbysupportingtutoringorganizations.Focusonimplementationandnotonoutcomes.WHATISMISSING?Newideas:allschoolreads-samebookatthesametimeacrosstheentireschool.Allstaffpostwhattheyarecurrentlyreading.MikeSchmoker'sbook:LeadingwithFocus.Creatingownershipforallteacherstobereadingteachers.Sharethewinsthatarehappeninginclassroomaswellasthechallenge.Howdowebringstudentchoiceandvoiceintowhatisbeingread?Studenttostudentrecommendations?Oneschoolhasidentified3-4strategiesacrossthecontentareasthattheyfocuson.MonitoredbyAdminwalk-throughs.KeyInsights:Keepingitrealandembeddedovertimeisimportantandhelpingallteachersfeel.Makingitsimple.NextSteps:Developaonepageschool-wideliteracyplan.Includewhywearedoingthework,thestrategies,andhowwewillsupporttheworkindyads,PLCs,teacherevals,etc.Findingadvocatesandsupporterswithincontentareas.TieintoAVIDandtheWICORframework.ProjectIdea:Howdowebestequiptutors/mentorstosupportliteracyachievementofstudentsincommunitybasedprograms?Caller:EvaBoehmConversationSummary:Over120entitiesthatprovidetutor/mentortrainingintheMetroandourtutors/mentorsdevotethousandsofhourseveryyear.Duetothewiderangeofprogramstructures/oftenrevolvingsitesupervision/expectationsofourtutorsbytheprograms,ithasbeendifficulttodeterminethebaselineknowledgeourtutors/mentorsneedtohavetobeeffective.LeoTolstoy'sTheThreeQuestionsparablereflectswhatthespiritofourtutor/mentortraining-Whenistherighttime?(Timeisnow);whoistherightone?(Theoneyouarewith);andwhatisthemostimportantthing?(Helpingtheoneyouarewith).Whilewewanttobestequipthemwithliteracybestpractices,weknowthatourtutors/mentorsneedtoreadyforanythingandeverything.KeyInsights:Wemustalwayskeepkidsinthecenterofourconversations.ThereisaLOTofadditionalknowledgebeyondthefoundationsofreadinginstructionourtutors/mentorsneedtosupportstudents.Wedon'twanttoquestionthepartnershipswithourcommunitybasedprograms.Flipfocusandstudythetutorthatiseffectiveintutoringsettingsthatmaybeconsidered'difficult'.Shiftfromapolicyofavoidingconflictineducationalsettingstoapolicyofengagement.Ourworkisrelationshipbased,anditisthroughlearningaboutourcommunitypartnersthatwecanthenopenthedoortoaccountabilityconversations.NextSteps:Needtohaveconversationsaroundexpectations.Whatdotheclassroomteachersexpectourtutors/mentorstoknowanddo?Whatdoourcommunitypartnersitesupervisorsexpectourtutors/mentorstoknowanddo?Tutorsareburningoutandexiting.Considerincludingspacesfortutoringsupportgroupsandreflectionopportunities.Considerhavingsocialworkers,schoolculturalliaisonsbepartofthetutor/mentortraining.Considerhowbesttogatherdataaboutourwork(qualitative/quantitative).

14

ProjectIdea:SupportedReadingSupportforK-3StudentsatthePublicLibraryCaller:BernieFarrellConversationSummary:--Workwithpartnerstoaccessstrengthsandcapacityoflibraryandotherorganizations--Libraryexperiencesofparentsinfluencewhetherornottheyidentifythelibraryasaplaceofvaluefortheirchildren--Startsmallwithlocalschoolorcommunitypartnershipstoreachstudentsthatdon'tcurrentlyusethelibraryorparticipateinlibraryprograms--Keepfocusedonlibrarymission:don'tneedtobecomesummercamp,butcanpartnerwithorganizationsthatprovide"camp"or"camp-like"experiences--Developmoreclarityinyourideas--Partnersinthecommunityandotherlibrariesaredoingthiswork.LearnfromthemaboutthesuccessesandfailurestheyhavehadKeyInsights:--NeedtoclarifygoalsandintentionallyreachouttosomekeycommunitypartnersNextSteps:--Reachouttoidentifiedcommunitypartners--Learnmoreandclarifygoals:Readingtogether?Readingintervention?Combination?Eachofthesestrategiesrequiresdifferentcapacities--Identifypossibilitiesforsmallinitialpartnershiporgraduatedexpansionincurrentservices.ProjectIdea:Howdowebuildonthelanguagepatternsofallstudentsandmakethelanguageofschoolexplicitforallstudents?Caller:BridgetEricksonConversationSummary:investmentfromstudentcomesinoralstoriesinschoolbutD7strugglecomesinwriting-academiclanguageisastruggleformanystudents,notjustELs-"assumeaside"-don'tassumestudentsunderstandthelanguage-needtomovebeyondvocabulary=reading,writing,listening,speaking-useofsentenceframestohelpwithsyntax/grammar-languagemustbemodeledineverylesson-makecourseworkrelatable-seeingteacher/professorlanguageasadialect;nomatterage,linguisticbackground-lettingstudentsseereadingandwritingastheirvoice=honorstudentvoicewiththeassignmentsbutalsoseparatingout&teachingschoollanguage-importanttomakesyntax/grammarmeaningful/functional=embedinlesson/reading-writing,readforapurposeorwritingforpleasure-needstobedistinguished"howwouldyousaythisathome?"thentranslate/connecttohowwesaythisinschool-approachtoteachers:strengthsofhomelanguageisabenefittobuildingschoollanguage=notadeficitKeyInsights:"math=thecontentisnottheproblem,thelanguageistheproblem=notjustforlanguageartsteachers-FreyerBoxes=toteachlanguage,vocabulary;buildonwhatstudentsalreadyknow-howdoyouteachtoacommunitywhoselanguageorculturedoesn'thavethatconcept/language-languageisessentialtoeverysubject;explicitlyrecognizecodeswitching&honoringit-useotherstudentsasresources-MissingPiece:PDforteachers:videotapes,watchothercolleagues,incorporateinajobembeddedway;-Translanguage:moreofablendthancodeswitching;isthispossiblefordialect?-Missing:decolonizethelanguageofschool=--teachingthecodesofpower=LisaDelpitcontrastedwithShirleyBriceHeath;nota""bridgingup""rathera""bridgingover""-UofMhasanacademiclanguagecourse;verygoodwithstrategy-UseWIDAresources&standardsforallstudents"NextSteps:"1.Develop/provideprofessionaldevelopmentthatistheorybasedbutheavywithapplication&babysteps/manageablechunkssobuyinispossible.2.Createresourcesforteacherstoeasilydeterminelanguagefeaturesthatneedtobetaughttoaccesscontentobjectives"

15

ProjectIdea:IncreasingawarenessaroundsecondlanguagedevelopmentbyallinvolveddirectlyandindirectlywithELstudents(school,community,etc.)Caller:CynthiaLundgrenConversationSummary:Theimportanceofhelpingadultsunderstandtheamountoftimeittakestolearnadditionallanguagesinanacademicsetting.Theideathateveryteacherisalanguageteacher.Officestaff,cafeteria,custodianallneedtobeawareoflanguage.DistrictmandatestoensureallemployeesareawareofL2issues.Whatdowewantstakeholderstoknowaboutsecondlanguagedevelopment,andteachinglearners?KeyInsights:Increaseawarenessthroughgeneraleducationteacherprepprograms.Hardforpeopletoknowwhattheydon'tknow.Littledropsofdisruption.Elevatingstatusofnon-licensedstaff,recognizingthatthereareimportantwaystobuildrelationshipsbetweenstudentsandotherstaff.NextSteps:Dropsofdisruption.Multilingualfamilylearningopportunities.NEWSCHOOLMODELSProjectIdea:Startaninnovativeintegratedhightechhighschool,throughMN-districtcollaborationCaller:JehaneBeatonConversationSummary:Howdoyoucreateincentivesfordistricts/charterstocreateenrollmentpoliciesthatreflectdiversityofcommunity?Incorporatingpolicyinmarketingandenrollmentstrategythatdemandsthatschoolpopulationmirrorthediversityofcities.GoaltobuilddiversevibrantmidwestSiliconValley.Populationofparentswhowantthis.NetworkoftechstartupsattemptingtocreatethisinMN,inconversation,alreadyhavepartnershipnetworkwithteacherprepaspartofthis.Industrialtechhasshifted-willshiftfromcontenttoperformancestandards.HastobePBL,fiscallyviable.Concurrentenrollmentforkids.CTEaswaytore-envision,howtobuildskillsondemandthroughPBL,hybridcourses.Contentdrivingdownmiddle.Standardsmapping.Techedinhighschool,whentimesgettoughitgetscut.Northpark,ReveAcademy,Avalon,SummitPublicschools-personalizedlearningwithtechnology,mappedcommoncore.Intensivesaroundspecificskilldevelopment.Createfoundationforteachers.KeyInsights:Innovationdistrict,from4thtoMalcolm.SPPSwouldnotsteptoplace.BushFoundationhugelyinterested,heavingemphasisonrecruitingandsupportingenvironmentstudentsofcolor.Lackdiversityonresultsend,meaningkidswhoarereadyfortechjobs.NextSteps:Meetings-bringingtogetherinterestedpeople,contactingBushFoundation.WhatwouldDeanQuamthink?Howwouldthisbenefitthestakeholdersinvolved?Revenue?ProjectIdea:PartnerSchoolsCaller:SaraFosterConversationSummary:"Couldwelinkupschools/families/communitiessomehowsothericherschoolscanonlyhelpthemselvesifthey'realsohelpingthepoorerschools?"Ourideasrangedfromstudentexchanges(withinandacrossdistrictsandstates),tostudent-teacherslivinginthecommunitythey'reworkingin,toateacherexchangeprogram(andevenastudent-politicianexchange).Inequityofparent-ledfundraisers(fromraising$2,200withtonsofsweatequityto$40,000fromanafternoonteaandparentswithmastersdegreeswhovolunteerforfull-timejobstohelpouttheirschools).Needforteacherstobeabletodograntwritingandinvestigatetheirresources(notallteachersknowtoaskaboutaclassroombudget,etc.)mentorprogramsthroughBigBrothersandBigSistersandothercorporateprograms,andcommunitygive-backdays.Blakementionedasdoinggoodprepforservicelearningthatincludesequitytraining.KeyInsights:Thelanguageweusearoundequityissoimportant(canwecopyfromPeaceCorps,etc.).It'sreallyallabouttherelationships.Allschoolshavetheirownchallenges.NextSteps:Keeptheconversationsgoing.Stayconnectedwitheachother.

16

ProjectIdea:FosteringcommunityintheclassroomCaller:KharyJacksonConversationSummary:Questioncomesfromsenseofalackofownershipfromstudentsinclassroomsandbeliefthatcommunityinclassroomcankeepstudentsengagedandcreateacomfortableenvironment.ChallengeishowtobringinclusivenesstoHSteachers?Studentsshouldfeelrepresented.Morningmeeting,greeting,etc.Eachstudenthadtasksonagivenday.Low,medium,highriskquestions/check-ins.Parentinvolvement/communitysupport.Studentsinteractingwitheachother-sharing,takingturns,greetingeachother,shakinghands.LearningenhancedasaproductofagreatersenseofcommunityConcernHeavyemphasisonscoresandgradecreatesbarriersbetweenteacher/studentsorteacher/admin.Teachersaren’ttrainedenoughtobuildcommunity.Teachersunabletorelatetostudents.Extremelylargeclasssizes.Shortclasses.Studentdetachment.KeyInsights:oEachteacher/leadercaresenoughtocreateasafeenvironmentforeachstudentoEachstudentfeelsheard,safe,andexcitedaboutlearningoGivesstudentsthoughtthateducationistheirs.oProvidessupportsystematschool.oClosesgapsinsocialcirclesoInvigorateslearningoBringscommunityaroundtheschooloCommunity,asenseofbelongingandhavingvalueiscriticaltothe“wholechild”.NextSteps:oCommunicatethevalueofclassroomcommunityinsupportingacademicsuccess.Teachingverticallyandhorizontally.oSharedleadershipcanfacilitate“oldschool”and“newschool”complementingeachotherandworkingtogether.oBothacademicsuccessandcommunityemphasiscanbeachieved.oTeachersincurtraumabyworkingintheclassroom.oUtilizingknowledgeofPTSDintheclassroom.oMakespacetocalmstudentsandpreparethemtolearn.oPayteacherstoutilizeadditionalPD(suchasResponsiveClassroomtraining)oTaketheexpertiseoftheotherstaffinthebuildingandparents/studentsoStudentsevaluatedteacherswiththerubricadminuseswithteachersoGreetingstudentseverymorning,sayinggoodbyeattheendoftheday.oUseadvisorytolearnmoreaboutstudentsandthensharethosethingswiththenextgrade’steachers.ProjectIdea:TeacherpoweredschoolsCaller:KristaKaputConversationSummary:Teachersneedmoretimetocollaborateandtobuildauthorityovercurricula.Administrationneedstotrustandhavefaithinteachers.Intraditionaldistrictschools,thinkabouthowwecanstartsmallandgetmoreteacherauthorityandpoliticalwill.Useprocessinformationoveroutcomedata-createautonomyamongteacherstoreviewandstudyprocesses.Considerteachermindsets,whichmaybeinprotectionmodeaftermultiplecyclesofreform.Identifysubject-specificneedsacrossdisciplinestocreatecollaborativeopportunities.Providetimeforteacherstocollaborate,worktogether,andguideschoolefforts.KeyInsights:Needtocreatemindsetshiftsonthepartofadministratorsandteachers.Committothetimeitmaytakefornewinitiatives,ratherthanrunningthroughreformafterreform,withoutallowingthetimetoseerealchange.NextSteps:Teachersneedtrainingtodeveloptheskillsandpoliticalwilltoadvocateforautonomy.Administratorscanbetrainedonhowtosupportteachersandprovideteacherswiththespacetohavesomeauthority.

17

ProjectIdea:Communityschoolpartnershipstomeetneedsofhomeless/highlymobilefamiliesCaller:JocelynPickreiyuConversationSummary:Challengewewanttoaddress:stigmaaroundhomelessness,resourceaccess,powerdynamicthatmakesinteractingwithschoolintimidatingforfamilies,familiesfeelunwelcomebutthoserelationshipsarereallyimportant.KeyInsights:Needtohaveacultureshiftthatdestigmatizeshomelessnessinschoolsandintentionallyvaluesrelationship-buildingwiththosefamiliesNextSteps:1.Workwithstaffandadmininoneschooltostartcultureshiftthroughprofessionaldevelopmentandresourceawareness2.FacilitatehomevisitswherepossiblePUBLICPOLICYANDCOMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERSProjectIdea:Whatpoliciesandstructurescanbeputinplacetocreateschoolswhereallstudentsexperiencepositivedevelopmentalrelationshipswitheducatorsandwithotherstudents?Howdowegetseriousaboutrelationships?Caller:AngNelson(forKentPekel)ConversationSummary:Assetfocused.Howtofigureoutstudenttraumatobestservethem?Relationshipshelpstudentsdevelophope(REACHframework),relationshipbuildingwithsocialemotionallearning.Care,bepresent,andprovidesupport,sharepower.Metrics?Studentsurvey,PEAR/HSAsurvey.Areweembracingworkorjustcheckingitoff?Doyouturnkidsoffbytalkingaboutyourcultureandnottheirs?UseIDI-learnaboutselvesaseducators.Howdorelationshipscorescorrelatewithstandardizedtestscores?(ReJeffDuncanAndrade)Adultsmustmodel,wetakethingsforgrantedlikegreetingpeopleeverythinggetsnoticed.NeedtoconsiderMaslow.Focusonrelationshipssostudentsfeelcomfortabletolearnandtakerisks.Redesigntimeinschooltocommit.Teachershavewill,notskill.Buildbetteradultrelationships,moretrust.PeopleServingPeople,shelterbecomingtraumainformed.Districtscreatemetricstoshowitisimportant.Createspaceforinformalinteractions,i.e.familystylebreakfastandlunch,staffeatwithstudents.KeyInsights:Doesn'tneedtobecomplicated.Importanttomaketimetobuildrelationships,needtobeintentional.Needtobeauthentic.MorePD/capacitybuildingforstaffNextSteps:Relationshipsbuildingcan'tbeinasilo.Createanenvironmenttoengagedialogue,don'tmakeassumptions.Buildingadultculturetobuildstudentculture.Needstobeongoing.Buildtimetobuildauthenticrelationships.Beintentionaltobuildstaffcapacityaroundrelationshipbuilding.ProjectIdea:Businessbuy-inCaller:TrygveThrontveitConversationSummary:Muchdiscussionanddisagreement,plussomeagreementregardingviability/valueofinvestingtimeintobringing"bottom-linefocused"constituentsintotheconversationKeyInsights:1.honestdiscourse,i.e.difficultdiscourseisessential2.Bracketbiasesbeforehand,possiblybyadmittingthemtooneanotherNextSteps:nonenotedProjectIdea:HowtogetpoliticiansinvolvedinschoolsCaller:RosaHerreraConversationSummary:Trytogetcitycouncilmemberstogetinvolvedinourschool.Wewanttoexpandandneedsupporttopurchaselandsowecanbuildourownschool.KeyInsights:Contacttheplanningpeopletoinformthemaboutourexpansionandacquiringtheland.NextSteps:Invitecitycouncilmemberstooureventsortotalktostudentsaboutgovernmentandtheirjobs.

18

ProjectIdea:Whatpolicy&systemchangesareneededtocreaterelationshipswithallstudents?Caller:KentPekelConversationSummary:Partofthechallengeismeasuringrelationships-dowehaveformativeassessmentsofrelationshipsinschoolstosupportchange?Howcanwesupportinter-culturalrelationshipsbetweenteachersandstudents?Weneedtobuildrelationshipsinsupportofacademicrigor.Otherthingsneeded:collaboration,studentdata,strongrelationshipsamongteachers,timeandspaceintheschedule,peerreviewandfeedback,centralsupport.Needtocreateacultureofsupport,crisisdebriefings,trustamongadults,aplaceforstudentvoices.Conductcommunityresearcharoundhowtomakethisworkinuniquecommunities.KeyInsights:Relationshipsrequiretrustandtime.Weneedtovaluedevelopingrelationshipsandhigh-academicrigor,inawaythatmovesustowardachievingboth.NextSteps:Createsupportsystemsfordifferentrelationships(student-student,student-staff,staff-staff)inordertogetteachersandstudentsthekindsofsupportsandunderstandingstheyneedtobesuccessful.ProjectIdea:EdEquityMNLegislativeAgendaCaller:MeredithFoxConversationSummary:Minnesotastategovernment/legislatureplaysakeyroleincreatingtheconditionsforsuccessorfailureofourstudents.Weneedtolookforwaysthattheiractionscanpromoteeducationalequityinsteadofcontinuingtoreproducedisparities.WeneedtoidentifyWHATneedstochangeandthenHOWtoaffectthatchangesuccessfully.TheHOWwillhappenbywinningpeople'sheartsandminds.KeyInsights:WHY:removesystematicbarriersthatarecurrentlyreproducingbarriersWHATneedstochangeatthestatelevel:-funding-increaseresourcesoverallandhowdollarsareallocated-accountabilitystructuresforstudents(testing),teachers(teachereval)anddistricts(WBWF)-mandates(integrationplans,etc.)-supportstructuresfordistrictsandschools(orlackthereof)HOWtomakethechange:-winhearts(leverageanon-partisancoalition,superintendents,boardmembers,andstudentsshouldtakecenterstage)-winminds(bringconversationbacktotheresearch,showROIofchoices,showlong-rangeforecastofwhatitlookslikeifwedonotact)NextSteps:*Createlegislativechangeideasandsurveyconferenceparticipantsabouttheirtopchoices.Communicateoutthetopchoicesasalearning/findingoftheconference.*ConductanequityimpactanalysisoftheMNDeptofEd/MNLegislaturetofindopportunitiestochangethefunding,accountabilityandmandatesthatcomefromtheStateandnegativelyimpactequity.*Conductanenvironmentalscanoftheorganizationswhoarealreadyworkingoneducationalequityissuesandlookforopportunitiestoenhancetheirwork,promotecollaboration,etc.*Createanedequityorganizationthatlobbiesfornecessarychanges.ProjectIdea:CrosssectorcollaborationCaller:KristaKaputandEmilyEdstromConversationSummary:Chartersanddistrictsdonotworktogether--therearealotofopportunitiesforeachtolearnfromoneanother.Howthiscanbedoneeffectivelywasthefocus(i.e.resources,incentives,differentlevelsofcollaboration,issuePDs,sisterschools,etc.KeyInsights:Therearenogoodwaysthisisbeingdone.ThisconferenceisanexampleofwhatitmightlooklikeNextSteps:Identifyvariousapproaches/issues/focusesforcollaborationEmphasizerelationshipbuildingIdentifyschoolsforpotentialcollaborationEncouragefundingtosupporttheseefforts

19

ProjectIdea:CommunityPartnerships:HowcanweworktogetherwithschoolandothercommunityprogramsdesignedtosupportyouthCaller:SarahGatlin-BigBrothers,BigSistersConversationSummary:Wediscussedbetterwaystocommunicatewithschoolstaff.Wealsodiscussedhowwecanengagethecommunityaroundus.Howcanweshareinformationaboutayouthtobettersupportthem.KeyInsights:Afewnewdatasharingsitesexists-SLEDandSprockets.Utilizeretiredteachersasvolunteers.Reallyreachouttostaffalreadyinschoolstovolunteer.NextSteps:Accessnewdatasites.Sharepositiveoutcomeswithstaff.Find/implementaformalwayforteachers/stafftocommunicatewithBBBSstaff.ProjectIdea:CommunityPartnerSupport:HowcancommunityandpartnersbestsupporteducationalequityCaller:SaraPaul(inplaceofcaller)ConversationSummary:Mustbeintentionalaboutidentifyingneeds.Communicationiscritical-thereistwowayvalue.Relationshipbuildingdoesn'tjusthappen.KeyInsights:Powerisoftenassociatedwithwhohasthesocialcapitaltomoveanewinitiativeforwardandthatoftendoesn'tincludehavinganequitylens.Communitiesarechangingandweneedaclearer,transparentstructuretoengagesupportsandidentifyneeds.NextSteps:Considera'Craigslist'platformforidentifyingneedsandsupports.SOCIALEMOTIONALLEARNINGANDSUPPORTProjectIdea:Alternativeindicatorstoacademic/developmentalCaller:LexiPrahlConversationSummary:Socio-emotionalindicatorsarestartingtogainthisinfoUtilize,assesswholechildwhereeverpossibleAssessmentisn'tlinearanddoesn'talwayscapturethewholepictureDevelopmentisdifferentineverykid,alsotheirdefinition/understandingoftraumaKeyInsights:UtilizetraumainformedsystemsLookatthewholechildNextSteps:Providetrauma/culturetrainingtostaffUseindepthsurveydatafromstudents,parents,teachers.ProjectIdea:21stcenturyskills/makinguseofsocial-emotionaldataCaller:N/AConversationSummary:Gapinparticipation,assessment.Wholechildisimportantbutnotheldaccountableonthosemeasures.Optoutmovement.Resourceallocationfitbetweeninterventions.Assessmentisn'tlinear.Dofacultyfullyunderstandstudent?Worldofcommunitiesofcolor?Privilege?Recognizestrengthtolearndifferently.varietyofassessments,parentquestionnaire,whatdoesfacultylearnabouttrauma,staffownershipofwhoisintheclassroom,learninghowtoteachwithstudentsbackgrounds,differentiationofassessment,whatistheunitofanalysis?Challengebetweenindividualstudentsv.schoolasawhole,collective.KeyInsights:Missing:recognitionofdevelopmentalmeasureisdifferentatdifferentages.RiverFallstalkingabouttrauma,explicitv.non-explicit.Successeslookdifferent,traumatrainingforstaff.NextSteps:Dokidsrunintoschoolsfasterthantheyrunoutofthem?Wouldyouratherbehereorsomewhereelse?Engagement,emotionalsocialdevelopmenttimingofyear,instruction,toomuchfocusonassessment,whatisnotbeingmeasured?Usingsurveysofstudents/parents/teachersondevelopmentofstudentwell-roundedness

20

ProjectIdea:Bringinghands-on/active/play-basedlearningexperiencesandactivitiestoK-3(orK-6/K-12)programs-whatarethebenefits?Caller:RossThompsonConversationSummary:Playisvitalfordevelopment,butseenasluxury,privilegeorwasteoftime.Isreductionofplaylinkedtoreductionofcreativityinclass/curriculum?Playismodeoflearning,meansofassessment.Leveloftrustneeded.Pedro'snarrowv.broadlearning-canplayhappenwithoutrelationships?Oftensupportssocialemotionaldevelopment.Getkindergartenreadyforchildren.PlayisreducedtoiPad/tech.Movement-childrenneedtomove.KeyInsights:Missing:Adevelopmentallyappropriatedefinitionofplay.Anunderstandingofthevalue/benefitsofplayforallages.Equityofplay.Generallynewteacherslearnhowtowritelessonplansthatmeetstandardsratherthanbeingmorecreativefun.NextSteps:Boostingteachertrainingprogramstoincludemore/deeperunderstandingofthebenefitsofplay.NeedadministrationtobeonboardandseethevalueTrustchildrenarecapableandteacherscancreatefun/activelearningopportunitiesHelpteacherslearntoteach,ratherthansimplygetchildrentomemorize/passtestsPushbackonstandardizedtestingConnectlearningtointerestsCross-curricularlearningMaketimeforit.ProjectIdea:Promotesocial/emotionaldevelopmentandsupportinhighqualityearlychildhoodprogramsratherthanacademicrigor.Caller:RossThompsonConversationSummary:MorefocusonSELwillhelppromotedevelopmentallyappropriatepractices.Thismayhelpwithacademicburnoutofteachers.Needtofindnewwaystogettheresearchtopolicymakers.Administratorstendtoseemdisconnectedfromdevelopmentallyappropriatepracticeswithtoomuchfocusonacademics.Wecannotunderestimatethepowerofplay-basedlearning.KeyInsights:Pre-KisthenewK.PolicymakersaredisconnectedfromdevelopmentallyappropriatepracticesinEC.Wealsolackassessmentstouncoverearlylearning.NextSteps:CreateasupportsystemaroundtheEarlyChildhoodIndicatorsofProgress(earlylearningstandards)-particularlygreaterawarenessoftheseamonglegislators.Createawarenessandmomentumforthepowerofplayforlearning.BringmoreECvoicestothetable-buildinggreaterknowledgeofECinmorearenas.ProjectIdea:Whatdoesintrinsicmotivationandengagementlooklikeinvariouscontexts/cultures?Caller:SaraZanussiConversationSummary:Ensuringkidsareseenineverything(lessonplan,expectationposter,book)ChangingteacherrolefromdirectorofclassroomtofacilitatorEnsuringusingvariouslearningstyles&notafraidtomoveUseproductasanaccountability(sharingtime,presentation,etc.)UsedisciplinetoteachcodeswitchinginsteadofjudgingbehaviorBuildingrealrelationshipsKeyInsights:Usespeakinglanguagefromhomeasmotivator(pairkidsfromsimilarculturalbackgrounds)Use6C's:Choice,Challenge,CollaborationConstructingMeaning,Control,ConsequencesProvidecommonlanguage/definitionsonrace/culture/ethnicityNextSteps:Useyouthtodecorateclassroom/schoolAskyourself,doyouseeyourkidsineverything?Surveykidsforresponses(dotheynoticethechange)Useadmin.Tokeepstaffaccountablewithclearexpectationsofwhattheywanttosee,providefeedbackonhowtheyaredoingUseolderkidstomentor/teach/decorateyoungerkids

21

ProjectIdea:GetMNoutoflastplaceCaller:KevinBruinsConversationSummary:Studentsupportservices(socialworkers,schoolcounselors,psychologists,nurses)areavitalpartofthetruewraparoundservicesforstudents.MNneedtospecificallydoabetterjob,andcandosobyfocusingmessagingatacommunitylevelandsuperintendentstoshowthebenefitsofadditionalfundingforthoseroles.KeyInsights:Benefitsoftrulysupportingstudents(Maslow'shierarchyofneeds)isvitaltothewholechildandbridginginequity.MNcanandshouldworktosupportallstudents'mental,physicalandemotionalsupportintheeducationsetting.NextSteps:1.Createadigestiblemessageforteachers,parentsandcommunitymembersabouttheadvantagesofcomprehensivestudentsupportservices,andhowitshouldcomplementin-classwork.2.LeveragesuperintendentsacrossMinnesotatobetteradvocateforstudentsupportservicesincreasedstaff.Providesuperintendentsmessagingandresearch.3.Buildaresearchdocumentthatcouldbebeneficialforbothcommunity,superintendentandlegislators.Lookingforfolkstohelpbuilddocumentsanddooutreachtosuperintendents.STUDENTBEHAVIORProjectIdea:ASD,ADD,ADHDsupportforstudentsinallsectors(publicsafety,generaled,parents)Caller:RosaHerreraConversationSummary:Issueswithpublicsafetyandotheradultsinworkingwithstudentswithspecialneeds;supportfordiversecommunities;supportforgeneraleducationalteachers,supportforparentsandinteractionsKeyInsights:Opencommunication,informed,educatedonrights/legalresponsibilitiesoftheschoolNextSteps:OpencommunicationbetweengenedandspecialProvidingsupportopportunitiestoparentsandfamiliesAdvocatingforpublicsafetyprofessionalstoreceiveCEUsforpeoplewithdisabilitiesProjectIdea:RestorativeJusticeCaller:AliciaBjorkConversationSummary:Needtoaddressourstudents’behaviorsinalogicalwaythatstillholdsstudentsaccountablewhileaddressingtheirsocialandemotionalneeds.Studentsneedasafezoneandtoofferthatteachersneedtobewillingtocommitthetimetorebuildstudentrelationshipsandmayneedsupportsuchasscriptstohelpwiththis.Wealsodiscussedthepoweroftheteacherowninghis/herpartoftheincidentwhenappropriate(ex.Iwasfrustratedandoverreacted).Communitycirclesemergedasspacesforlearningandself-expressionsurroundingsocialandemotionalskills.Oneschoolidentifiedstudentsbasedonbehaviorreferralsforacommunitycirclewheretherewereshippedtodiscusstheirhomelivesandotherissuestheywerehaving.KeyInsights:Teachersneedtobeonboardandreceivecontinuoustraining.Positiverelationshipsmustbebuiltfirst!Studentswillhavelittleincentivetorepairarelationshipwithateachertheydidn'ttrustinthefirstplace.NextSteps:1.Buildateamofteachersatsitecommittedtoimplementingrestorativejusticepractices.2.AdvocateforexpandeduseandPDataschoollevel.ProjectIdea:Alternativestosuspensions.Morecharacterbased,lesstimeawayfromlearningCaller:CarolKampa(forKristen)ConversationSummary:Behaviorinfractionsneedtobemanagedinasystematicwayincludingreflectionandopportunitiestodiscussalternativebehaviors.Counselingandchemicalhealthneedtobepartofthesesystems.KeyInsights:WhiteBearLake--effectivemodelcalledAWARE.Outofschoolsuspensiondoesnotchangebehavioranddecreaseschoolsuccess.NextSteps:Returntoschoolsanddialogueaboutwaystoimplementanewmodel

22

ProjectIdea:RestorativejusticevscrimeandpunishmentmodelCaller:JamieNaboznyConversationSummary:Question:AuthenticrestorativejusticethatpeelsawaythelayersWhat'smissing:parentinvolvement/training/smallthingsinfrequentlyDifferentiationbetweendirectvs.indirectKeyInsights:NANextSteps:Teachertraining/(Univ./non-Univ.)AllstafftrainingLetstudentslead-bottomupapproachEquityindisciplineChannelsforreporting:teachers/principals/otherinpowerProjectIdea:Howtokeep"disruptive"studentsintheclassroomandinschool?Caller:CaleeaKidderConversationSummary:Training!CPE,de-escalationtrainingforALLstaff.Usepeerleaderstomanageclassrooms.KeepkidsinISSprocessingKeyInsights:CultivatehopeandempathyInvesttimeintrainingteachersw/therapeuticskillsMakestrongsystemsforthe95%andthenpersonalizetherestNextSteps:Lookat"ConsciousDiscipline"EstablishnormsandexpectationswithstaffforallclassroomsBuildprocessingandISSUseequitytrainingtodevelopracialawarenessandworkon"whiteguilt"ProjectIdea:DisproportionateRemovalofAfricanAmericanstudentsfromschool.Caller:AndrewFytenConversationSummary:Howdowedeveloppolicytodecreaseeducationaldepartment?HowdowefocusonequityandPBIStodecreaseschoolexclusion?AfricanAmericanstudentsareremovedfromlearningopportunities2to4timesmorethantheirwhitepeers.Punitivezerotolerancepracticesdonotwork->PBIS->Proactivepreventativestrategieswithanelementofrestorativejusticearethedirectionweneedtogo.KeyInsights:Relationships!Teachertostudentandstafftostaffandschooltocommunity.TeacherprepandstaffdevelopmentRestorativePracticesnecessaryNextSteps:Punitive->Ed/PBISmodelHowdowemakethispartofteacherprep?Establishpartnershipswithcommunitygroupsengagedinthiswork.TEACHERSANDTEACHINGProjectIdea:Howdoweretainteachersofcolorineducation?Caller:JonathanJonesConversationSummary:HiringProcess:Addingquestionssuchaswhatwouldkeepyouinthisposition?Creatingcohortstofosterrelationshipsandhaveasafespacetosharestressors.Perceptionv.realityofsomeschoolsisbarrier.Askteachersofcolorwhydoyoustayorleave?KeyInsights:PairingadministratorswithnewhiresOpportunitiesforleadershipkeyNextSteps:HowdowesupportaffinitygroupstosupportnewhiresExplorecoordinationoforganizationsfocusedonthisissuetocreateopportunitypool.AddingHRcomponents-proposal-whatsupportwillyouneedtostayhere?

23

ProjectIdea:Quest:tohaveengagedstakeholders.Studentsandteachers;alsoparents,community,etc.Caller:StephanieConversationSummary:Theoriginaltopicwas"ImproveandRepairLearning:"Howdoweimprovelearningenvironmentandlearningoutcomesforstudentswhoarecomingfromanexperienceofnegativelearningenvironments,simultaneouslywithimprovementsforthosewhohavehadpositiveexperiences?-Ourfocusneedstobeopportunitygap,notachievementgap.They'renotinterchangeable.-Suggestiontoread"WoundedbySchool."Somestudentsarecheckedoutby9thgradebecausetheyfeelunseenandunheard.-A4thgraderwasbeingtakenoutofclassforbeing"disruptive."Familymemberwantedtobeengaged.Cametoobserveanddiscuss.Thestudentwasfinishinghisin-classworkearlyanddidn'tknowwhattodowithhimself-"disrupting."Issue1:difficultyfindingagoodsolution("hecanreadaboutthetopic"felttothestudentpunitive).Issue2:familymemberdidnotfeelwelcome,gota"whatdoeshewantnow"...-Testscanbeusefulasdiagnosticstodesigninterventions,buttoooftenareusedinwaysthatreallydon'tsupportapositivelearningenvironment.-Takesalotofgroundworktocreateaculturewherebothteachersandstudentsarecomfortablemakingmistakesinfrontofothers-DoesconversionfromNoChildLeftBehindtoEveryChildSucceedsActprovideanyopportunitytoengagestakeholders?KeyInsights:-Weneedtogivestudentsavoice,andinsightinto(andinfluenceon)thelearningjourneywewanttoguidethemon-Schoolsandteachersneedabetterunderstandingofhowtouseavailabledata-Testingfordiagnostics:somekidswellabovegradelevel,somerightat,somebelow;thisiscriticalinunderstandingtheirlearningneeds.Buttestshavebeendemonizedforarangeofreasons.Howcanwesupportschools/createguidelines/providetrainingsothatteachers,administrators,parents,andstudentscangetallpossiblebenefitsoftests(andunderstandwhenatestisNOTtheanswer)?-Justbecausewesaywewantfamiliestoengagedoesnotmeanwe'vecreatedanenvironmentwhere,inpractice,thefamilymemberfeelswelcometoengage.-Ifyouaretryingtogetinputfromstakeholdersofwhetherthey'reengaged,andthey'renotparticipatingintheprocess,nottakingasurveyseriously,etc.-thisisstillusefulinformationbecauseit'sanindicatorthatno,theyarenotengaged.-Andwhenwegetinputandfeedback,whatisholdingusbackfromdoingsomethingaboutwhatstudentslike/don'tlike,want/don'twant?-Beingethnographersinthecommunitiesyouserve.Whatareyoudoingtolearnaboutwhotheyare,what’stheirculture,whatcircumstancestheycomefrom...andhowdoesthisfitintothealreadylonglistofwhatteachersneedtopackintotheirdays?-Whydoweneedprofessionaldevelopmentonbuildingrelationships?Teachersknowhowtobuildrelationships-butmayfeeltheycan'tdevoteanytimetothis.We(society,government,others)havecreatedsituationthatdrivesteacherstobelievetheyneedtoprioritize"contentimparted"aheadof"childrenlearning"andwhole-childdevelopment-Getresourcesbackintoschoolstotakesomeoftheresponsibilityoffteachers'shoulders.Therearesomanythingsteachersdobecauseotherresourceshavevanished-counselors,socialworkers,mentors...-UseofStrengthsFinder(Gallup)oranothermeasureisempowering-givesstudentsinsightintostrengthstheymaynototherwiseknowtheyhave,andafoundationtolearnhowtowork/learnwithothers.NextSteps:1-Identifystakeholders-doyouknowwhotheyare?Doyouknowhowengagedtheyare?Maytakemultipleattemptsand/ormethodstounderstandtheirengagement,ortogainenoughtrustthattheywillanswerquestionshonestly.2Findwaystocreatecommunitywithinschools.Thecommunitymaynotbethewholeschoolbutstudentswhoareengagedincommunityaremoreengagedinlearning.3Tests,assessments,surveys,andotherknowledgegatheringcanprovideusefulinformation,but:(a)makesurethemethodusedistherightoneforthequestions,(b)rememberthatthisisuseful-butnottheONLYinformation,and(c)makesurestakeholders-especiallystudentsandteachers-knowwhythetestorsurveyisbeingused,ANDgetsomeinformationbackaboutwhatwaslearned4Bringbackreflectiveteachingandlearning.Makesureteachershavetimeandsupport(peersorother)toreflectonwhattheytaught.

24

ProjectIdea:Enhancingstudent-teacherrelationships,especiallyacrosscultures,throughknowledge,skills,strategiesandtools.Caller:PaulSnyderConversationSummary:Therearerealandperceivedstructuralingredientstorelationshipbuildinginschools,butourcirclefocusedonJDA'smessagethat'youneedtoloveyourkids,youdon'tnecessarilyneedtolikethem.'Teachersneedtobeokaywithnotbeingliked,butallthewhileextendingloveandhopetoallstudents.KeyInsights:Weneedtobeparticularlyattentivetoourownracial,culturalandgenderlenses.Thereisalackofopportunitiestodebriefdifficultrelationships,thereisalackofsupportforteacherstoreflectanddiscuss.NextSteps:Createmoments,findopportunitiestofocusonnotjustthestudentbutthewholepersonHoldstudentstohighexpectationswhileprovidingstudentswhattheyneedtosucceed.Buildrelationships,includingthroughcoresubjectmatter.ProjectIdea:HowtofacilitatePDforteacherstobuildstrongrelationshipswithstudentsofcolorCaller:MattDreier(forMollySchwaiger)ConversationSummary:Createaplatformforstudentstoraiseideas/concernsEducationonholidays(student-led)Strengthenteachertoteacherrelationships(happyhour,potluck)SFassessmentOvercomingteacherpushbackVisiblechildinitiative(trauma,generationaltrauma,chronicstress)StudentadvocatesonstaffAvoidoverthinkingourcomplexityStudentadvisoryConnecttoparentsandparentstostudentsSharingkidsstories(asable)HomevisitsTeachskillstobuildmutualrespectKeyInsights:BepurposefulAvoidovercomplexityConnecttofamiliesContextiseverythingFindpartners(FUNDS,BeyondDiversity,VCI)Teachersneedtime(build&reflect)FeedbackloopsFocusNextSteps:DeterminetheareaoffocusBuildrelationshipswithyourcommunity,parents,studentsFindwaystoallowstudentstohelpdrivePDFindpartnerstohelpconducttrainingsProjectIdea:AssessmentforLearning-UsingAssessmentMeaningfullyCaller:KathyPattonConversationSummary:Weneedtoknowwhatisthepurposefortheassessments.Itshouldbeabouttheprocess,notalwaystheproduct.Toomuchtimediscussingendresultsratherthanwhattodo.Movefrom'Iteachcontent'to'Iteachchildren.'Equitylensshouldbeincludedinconversation.Structuralprotocolsareneededtotalkaboutdata.Accountabilityshouldbeusedasalearningopportunityratherthanaweaponagainstteachersandstudents.KeyInsights:Weneedaparadigmshiftinschoolsregardingassessment-MindsetShift.Assessmentshouldbeusedtocontinuallyinformourinstruction.NextSteps:Changeishardandrequireshardworkandiscomplex.Changemanagersneedtokeepthisinmind,andneedtonotseechallengeswiththisasflawsincharacter.Weneedprotocolsorstructuresinplacetotellthewholestory.Buildassessmentknowledgeforallusers(teachers,students,parents,admin)

25

ProjectIdea:Worldclasspersonalizedlearning:systemizedpersonalizedlearningforallstudentsinadistrictCaller:EmilyHeagle/JBSConversationSummary:Teacher/adminprofessionaldevelopmentandfollow-upsupportisreallyimportant.It'snotsomuchaboutthedevices.Thepersonalizedlearningsystemhastobeindependentofthetools.Thetoolisthepoweringettingtheinformationquickertocommunicatewithteachers/parentsandforassessmentanddifferentiation.KeyInsights:Whatisthelong-termpossibilityofsuccess?Equityissues-accessibilitytointernet/devicesathome.Wirelessneededforsomedevices.Education/supportforsettinguplow-costaccess.Clearplanandteachersupportneededforimplementation.NextSteps:Explorecommunity/businesslong-termpartnershipsneededforequityinaccessibility.ProjectIdea:ChangethemindsetofWhiteteachingstaffworkingwithstudentsofcolor-buildmultiplelevelsofauthenticsupportsforsuccess.Caller:DuaneDutrievilleandPakauYangConversationSummary:Insomelocations,thereislittleturnover,leadingtolittleinfusionofnewwaysorworking.NeedtomorebroadlyadoptPDandracial-equitycoaching.HowraciallyconsciousareourWhitestaff-andhowdoesself-awarenessimpactteachingdiversestudents?Needtoexplorethedifferencesbetweenraceandculture.Howcanwecreateenvironmentswherestudentsfeelsafetosharetheirperspectivesorwhereteachersfeelcomfortableapproachingtheiradmintoseekhelpandsupport?KeyInsights:Mostschoolenvironmentsdonotallowstafftoadmitlackofknowledgeorthattheyneedhelp.Effectiverelationshipswithstudentsrequiretrust,truth,andengagement.SuchPDwouldbealong-termcommitment.NextSteps:Continuetodiversifytheworkforceintentionally.IntentionalandstrategicPDforall.Createrelationshipswithfamiliesandcommunities-supporttheirinvolvement.Gettoknowourcommunities...consideringlong-terminvestments.Empowertheunpopular.Addressself-interests.Createan"OurChildren"mindset.TECHNOLOGYProjectIdea:Fast,ReliableInternetforallinourcommunityCaller:MarkGarrisonConversationSummary:ProvideaccesstostudentsandfamiliesIncludeDigitalCitizenshiptrainingforallusersFilterlessBuildonexistingnetworksandpartnershipsKeyInsights:GoBig!Thinkaboutprovidingaccesstoallfamiliesratherthansimplythe4%whodonothaveaccessatthistime.NextSteps:BuildpartnershipsContinuesmalleffortstoprovideaccesstosomefamilieswhileworkingonbroaderefforts