African-American Equity Task Force Update: April 2018

April marks the second quarterly update for the African-American Equity Task Force (AAETF). The Implementation Team Leads (ITLs) continue to learn and collaborate on existing efforts across the district to help improve the experiences of African-Americans in DPS. This update will focus on key areas of progress that have taken place since January 2018. All work continues to align to the recommendations and with the multi-phase journey set forth for the AAETF.

Establishment of an Oversight Committee­­– Wisdom Team

The Wisdom Team (WT) will advise and work side-by-side with the AAETF implementation teams to ensure the recommendations are effectively implemented and evaluated on an ongoing basis. The second round of interviews are currently taking place and an announcement will be made once the selection of team members is finalized.  Similar to the implementation teams, the Wisdom Team’s commitment to the work will be ongoing.

Culturally Responsive Instruction, Engagement and Communication

The Culturally Responsive Education team continues to engage stakeholders from across the district in the design and development of the work. Teachers have been selected to participate in design teams with the task of finalizing a definition for Culturally Responsive Teaching and constructing the mindsets, beliefs and practices of a culturally responsive educator.

District and School Structures to Promote Equity and Culturally Responsive Instruction, Engagement and Communication

The two teams are collaborating on the implementation of Opportunity Gap cohort schools. Though a partnership with Dr. Eddie Fergus, the Opportunity Gap cohort schools receive school-based support through personalized, differentiated activities based upon their current problem of practice. As the first cohort come to an end, we are seeing improvements in closing disproportionalities in discipline actions, intervention plans, and Gifted & Talented/Advanced Placement (GT/AP) programming. The next Opportunity Gap cohort will expand to 11 additional high schools with high populations of African-American students. Eleven out of 17 schools from the first cohort will continue with a second-year focus on culturally responsive teaching practices.

Community and Family Engagement

If you have not had a chance to visit the Mile High United Way Center for Family Opportunity (CFO), we invite you to do so. The center is located at McGlone Academy, 4500 Crown Blvd., Denver 80239. To learn more about the CFO and the programs and services offered, please visit the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) website.

As work continues on all of the recommendations, there are also ongoing opportunities for the community to engage with DPS and AAETF efforts:

• African-American Service Provider Directory: The Community and Family Engagement implementation team would like to take inventory of current supports that target the African-American community. If you, or an organization you know offer supports such as training, resources or programming catered to the African-American community, please complete the form below. Information will be submitted to the FACE team, who may contact organizations for additional details.
  • Access the Service Provider form here.
  • The deadline to complete the form is Monday, April 30 by 5 p.m. Don’t forget to also share this opportunity with your networks– particularly, but not limited to, those serving the Near and Far Northeast Denver communities.
  • Please contact Imani Morning if you have any questions.

• Black Family Advisory Committee (BFAC): The BFAC is being developed to promote opportunities that empower African-American families, several of which are outlined in this update. If you are or know parents and family members who would like to be involved in the BFAC, please reach out to Dr. Sharon Bailey.

• Family Leadership Institute: Enhance your leadership skills and become a stronger advocate at home, in school and in the district on April 12, 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Park Hill Golf Club, 4141 E. 35^th, Denver, 80207. Visit face.dpsk12.org or call 720-423-3135 for details.

• ED Talk: Come out and learn more about what it means to be culturally responsive in DPS on April 30, 5:30 –7:30 p.m. at Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St., Denver, 80205. RSVP at tinyurl.com/edtalkapril30

• Equity Boot Camp: Strengthen your equity lens by attending Equity Boot Camp on May 1 or May 2, 8 a.m.–4p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd, Denver, 80205. Learn more and register at celt.dpsk12.org/equity/equity-and-inclusion-events

• Superintendent Parent Forum: Have a conversation with Superintendent, Tom Boasberg and Board of Education on May 3, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., at the PPA Event Center, 2105 Decatur St., Denver, 80211. Visit face.dpsk12.org or call 720-423-3135 for details.

To stay informed, visit celt.dpsk12.org for the latest news and events, and look for the next formal update on the African-American Equity Task Force this summer.

Questions? Email: AAETF@dpsk12.org