what does it mean to put the skunk on the table? overcoming the fear of making practice public ...
TRANSCRIPT
What does it mean to put the skunk on the table?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?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 MVHSReality at MVHS Student groups underserved, under-recognized
and under-represented
RESULT: Low College Attendance Resentment
Apathy
Despair
Unpacking with QuestionsUnpacking 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 EquityUsing 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 PracticesInclusive 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 EquityElements of Equity
Unpacking the Problem Meaningful Access for All
Students Rigor Across the Curriculum Using Data to Promote Equity
Unpacking the ProblemUnpacking 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 StudentsMeaningful 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 CurriculumRigor Across the Curriculum
All students participate in higher order thinking across the core curriculum
Core classes prepare all students for post secondary options