NJCEE 

Greetings from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education’s Coalition for Educational Equity. I am extremely excited to lead the coalition with Associate Director, Dayna Muñiz. Since its inception in 2004, the Coalition has aimed to develop networks of school districts and leaders that intentionally focus on eliminating disparities in education. We are proud of the work our member districts have done to provide students with equitable opportunities to access high-level, meaningful, and engaging learning, while actively addressing systemic barriers in district and school policy and practice that limit or deny their access. Clearly, there is more work to do to ensure that these roadblocks are eliminated for every student.

We are thrilled to continue our NJCEE partnership with NJASA for the 2022-2023 school year. As school leaders, there has never been a time that your work and commitment to our students matters more than now. We appreciate you and will continue to support your efforts to create safe, nurturing, and equitable spaces for all the students that you serve.

We have adjusted our programming for 2022 – 2023 in response to requests for flexibility and to address the professional learning needs that NJCEE districts and other leaders in our networks have shared as necessary and timely. This year’s line-up offers content on how to navigate some of today’s most pressing topics in schools as well as added opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across districts who may be facing similar challenges. Through a combination of virtual and in-person offerings, we aim to provide multiple touchpoints to support you as you expand this important work in your districts.

We know that it has been increasingly difficult to implement policies that eliminate disparities and create positive school climates that ensure that all students – especially those who are traditionally underserved – are robustly prepared for success in college, other post-secondary plans, careers and in life.

Central to the effort to positively transform and prepare our students for life’s next steps is ensuring that all students’ dignity is honored with the goal of fostering a sense of belonging. With this in mind, we have partnered with John Krownapple and Dr. Floyd Cobb from Dignity Consulting to provide two half-day workshops using this framework to assist school leaders in progressing their equity work by embracing the concept of belonging systemically at the district level. Additionally, because much of this work is implemented in the classroom, the Coalition will be offering an in-person session with Summer Snyder from Dignity Consulting that aligns with current standards and research relating to belonging for educators and C & I Professionals. This program is designed to provide instructional practices for the practical application of dignity and belonging in classrooms. Moreover, Erika Leak from TESO Consulting will lead a session that will focus on promoting belonging through literacy instruction. Collectively, these sessions offer an integrated approach that support equity by ensuring that every student feels valued and respected.

Of course, students’ lived experiences are as unique as they are. Unfortunately, rather than their differences being embraced and celebrated, many children, particularly those of color and those who express different gender identities often struggle to feel like they belong in school settings. Districts and school leaders have expressed frustration with this and have asked how they can better serve these students.

One way is to reconsider how we are using available data to tell us how our students are faring in schools and how we can use that data to improve student learning and outcomes. We are excited to provide two webinars on “Street Data” – a way of looking at qualitative and experiential information to re-envision education from the student up in a culturally responsive manner.

Another is to equip school leaders, teachers, and staff with resources and strategies that honor student experiences and directly address student needs. Specifically, an added workshop with Dr. Charlotte Jacobs and Dr. Katie Clonan-Roy focuses on how educators can provide support for the needs of girls that identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color in schools. Professionals attending this session will gain a toolkit with resources and strategies to help them develop these students’ consciousness and resilience. Additionally, in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we are offering several workshops that focus on gender expression, identity and how to support students that identify as transgender or gender diverse in elementary and secondary educational settings. It is our hope that this programming provides tools for districts to better assist these students.

Obviously, the last few years have been difficult for us all. We continue to see this manifest in numerous ways in our children. That is why addressing the mental health needs of our students and staff is also central to our work this year. We will be offering sessions with Frank Kros on how every educator can effectively support students struggling with anxiety and depression and practical mental health skills educational professionals can use to identify concerns. Frank will also share strategies for educators and helpers to foster a sense of balance and wellness for themselves in a September webinar.

Importantly, research is clear that embracing equity benefits all students.

Although conveying this message can be challenging, there are strategies school leaders can adopt to transform school culture. One of our sessions will focus on utilizing an equity inquiry coaching model to do just that.

Finally, we know this is demanding work. We know that doing this work can take a toll on those who are doing it. Consequently, we have added additional supports for you. We are enthusiastic to offer the Lion’s Story – an interactive introduction to racial literacy where all participants are encouraged to share their stories and begin developing recasting skills in real- time. Additionally, we will have two Q &A conversations on recommended books, an annual Superintendent’s meeting, and an equity director’s work group for interested parties.

In conclusion, the Coalition for Educational Equity values you and the work that you do for our students. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to Dayna (dbmuniz@upenn.edu) or me at tsipp@upenn.edu. We would love to hear your suggestions and thoughts about how we continue to best serve you and your students.

We look forward to meeting you and collaborating with you for another amazing year!