Equity is a value statement about the intrinsic worth of every human being. Without the full support needed to thrive, we are each complicit in leaving these students behind. My faith tells me that is unacceptable.
I believe in educational equity with every fiber of my being. But, what does that even mean? Equality and Equity are not the same even though our students wholeheartedly deserve both each and every day at the minimum because every single student has intrinsic value. Indeed, budgetary resources must be targeted to the areas of most need; this means not every school will get the same amount. Equity does not mean financial parity. By equity, I mean each and every student and every teacher and staff member has the highest probability of upward mobility through the learning resources and professional development tools provided on a regular basis.
I was raised by teachers. After being a witness to my parents’ daily commitment, I became a teacher, too. Surely, every school must develop an appreciative culture to encourage retention. But, I think an appreciative culture says a lot about the values that undergird each school. Every employee of our schools — including teacher aides, substitute teachers, and other part-time employees — must receive compensation above-market rates (because DC is expensive!), comprehensive health coverage, and every resource needed to do their jobs. We ought to come together annually as a city to celebrate ALL teachers for their daily compassion, tenacity, and sacrifice.
The current system is standardized and therefore obscures teacher achievement with the individual student and conflates “performance” with the methodology used for assessment. The standard measures are then used to subjectively remove teachers that don’t meet benchmarks as determined by a flawed assessment system. This is not ok.
I do not support full mayoral control. In other words, the mayor should not have sole or primary decision making power in respect to the hiring and firing of senior school leadership personnel. But, it’s not that simple. Parents and students should also have a voice in executive personnel and budgetary matters. The Board should have the most heavily weighted votes in executive hire decision making. One idea is to have the power shared like this: 20% mayor, 20% parents and students, 60% Board. What do you think?
It is embarrassing and shameful that we live in the nation’s capital and can’t guarantee the excellent education of every student. We have no time for complacency. Equity is a moral imperative, not a catchy slogan. The digital divide is one of the most inequitable daily reminders of how we perpetuate othering. This divide grants web access to the world’s canvass only to some. We have a responsibility to ensure every DC household has high-speed internet and computer technology necessary for students to learn effectively.
I wake up every day with a compromised immune system. I know firsthand that our dreams are not possible to achieve unless we are healthy. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness cannot coexist in unhealthy environments. No student or employee should be required to physically report to school throughout 2020. Any employees designated as essential should be provided with daily new personal protection equipment for free for them and their household members – and appropriate compensation for their risk.
Students of all ages must learn the study of race, ethnicity and indigeneity with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of color within and beyond the United States. This is necessary to prepare students to build effective relationships throughout their professional lives. The standardized testing movement prioritizes efficiency over individual learning, severely handicapping students’ critical thinking skills. I support mandating year-round Black and ethnic studies; LGBTQ history; music; foreign language, art; civics; and sports. Students in the nation’s capital must have the opportunity to become well rounded, productive, global citizens.
Learning is discovery. Hybrid, outdoor, applied learning hands-on experience in the educational process is central to developing critical thinking skills. It is critical to child development and preparedness so that every student can compete in the global marketplace. We are responsible for nurturing students’ imagination.
The IMPACT evaluation system is better than prior metrics, but we should not be satisfied with this system. The most appropriate assessment of teacher performance ought to include a combination of external peer evaluation, student evaluation, parent feedback, and self-evaluation.