Recommendation 1: We recommend that DPS develop and implement systems to support consistent and ongoing professional development focused on improving instruction, engagement and communication with African American students, families and community members.
Recommendation 2: We recommend that DPS ensure curricular materials are culturally responsive to African American students.
2020-21 Goal: Develop and implement systems to support consistent and ongoing professional development focused on improving instruction, engagement and communication.
Advance the Know Justice, Know Peace Resolution, in support of ensuring curricular materials are culturally responsive, relevant and sustaining to African American students.
Were these goals accomplished?
Yes, we have made significant progress in both these goals this year, though they will be ongoing.
What did we accomplish this year?
Goal 1: We know we have made progress towards this goal based on the successful implementation of new Professional Learning (PL). More substantially, we have also noticed changes in practices resulting from our PL. For example, our teams have been seen integrating humanizing language into their curricular review processes (such as advocating for use of the Steinhardt rubric and asking the question “Whose story does this tell?”, “Whose story is not included?”). We’re also seeing teachers integrate these best practices into their instruction, as indicated in post PL surveys and anecdotal evidence. All of this suggests initial efforts are yielding the anticipated results.
Goal 2: We have Integrated Culturally Responsive Education considerations and rubrics into our curricular review processes and created a committee that is currently updating procedures and processes to creating consistent feedback loops. We have considered, piloted and adopted curricula that reflect the diverse experiences of our students for our DPS-supported “suite of resources.” Examples of these resources include: Black History 365, Comprehensive Health, Financial Literacy, and Cultural Competency courses.
All of these steps have been taken and completed in consultation with community members, experts in the field and educators. Much like Goal 1, this work will be ongoing; however, we know we have made significant progress based on the current shifts, including broader and improved curricular resources.
What are our next steps?
Goal 1: In order to build on our current foundation, we plan to:
- Look at ways to differentiate Professional Learning (PL) moving forward, so that educators in different places on their instructional and equity journey have information that is tailored to their context
- Looking for ways to build PL coherence so that all sessions feel connected and build on similar themes and shared understandings
Goal 2: We plan to continue to meet the tenets of the Know Justice, Know Peace resolution, as well as continuously improve on the steps we have already taken. Our concrete next steps are:
- Continued engagement with the community (students, educators, families, experts) on our progress
- Systemization of established feedback loops and other best practices adopted as the result of the Know Justice, Know Peace resolution
- Ongoing curricular review and revision