Equitable Practices
A Quarterly Publication
Springfield Equity Statement
Recognizing the diversity of our community, The School District of Springfield Township is committed to and accountable for advancing equity and excellence for all of our students. We, in the School District of Springfield Township, endeavor to provide equitable opportunities for high level, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences for each and every student, regardless of racial/ethnic background, economic condition or other dimension of identity or difference.
We recognize that in order to achieve Educational Equity we must apply principles of fairness and justice in the allocation of resources and work toward the elimination of institutional barriers to access and opportunity. We aim to ensure that funding, policies, practices, and initiatives will enable every student to receive what they need to maximize their success. In order to foster growth toward equity, we must engage in continuous reflection and ongoing measurement of our efforts.
2021-2022 Equity Action Plan Goals
Year 1
- Adopt and enforce an Educational Equity Policy (Complete)
- Identify administrator responsible for conducting review and analysis of data and leadership of EAP (Complete)
- Communicate the purpose and goals of the EAP broadly and consistently (In-Process)
- Support conversations in the classroom that help students to be prepared for difficult topics and conversations around equity (In-Process)
- Improve safety for marginalized students, including students of color and LGBTQ+ students (In-Process)
- Utilize analytics to assess the impact our communication has on students and families (Complete)
- Create feedback/communication system for parent teacher conferences (Complete)
- Provide training for ALL district staff on equitable practices that are able to be implemented in the classroom and across district offices (In-Process)
Communication of Goals
One of the main goals of Year 1 for the Equity Action Plan is to ensure that all staff members have the opportunity to hear about the plan. Last Spring, all of the buildings participated in staff meetings where the plan was presented. This August, our facilities, food services, and transportation departments will have meetings to hear about the purpose and goals of the Equity Action Plan.
Staff Professional Development
One of the biggest takeaways from conversations with staff members is that they are eager to facilitate difficult conversations with students about a variety of topics. However, they need the tools to take on this work!
This fall, all building staff will have the opportunity to participate in professional development on facilitating difficult conversations. This 45-minute session provides staff members with best practices for holding conversations and how to make sure that every students voice is heard and respected.
Create a Safe & Inclusive Learning Community
- Communicate clear expectations. Include a code of classroom conduct in the syllabus.
- Treat students fairly and as individuals.
- Encourage multiple viewpoints in discussions.
- Meet students informally outside the classroom for discussions. Use office hours for this purpose.
- Provide constructive and encouraging feedback.
- Encourage all students to establish or participate in departmental organizations or school organizations that align with their interests.
- Introduce students to the various available campus resources such as campus mentoring programs, workshops, support services, and resource centers.
Reference:
Cornell Inclusive Practices: https://teaching.cornell.edu/resource/inclusive-teaching
Families, families, families!
By Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
All types of families are valid. Whether you live with two moms, grandparents, stepmom, stepdad, mom and dad, or someone else, you are with your family!
Reading Level: 1.7
Available at Enfield
A Boy Like You
By Frank Murphy
Character, vulnerability, kindness, and sportsmanship are much more important than physical strength and privilege. That's the positive masculinity message portrayed in this joyous book.
Reading Level: 1.5
Available at Enfield
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation
By Duncan Tonatiuh
10 years before Brown v. Board of Education ended desegregation, Sylvia Mendez and her family fought to end school desegregation in California. This true story is taken from court transcripts, newspaper articles, and reports.
Reading Level: 3.2
Available at Erdenheim
kira kira
By Cynthia Kadohata
The story of a Japanese American family living during the challenging times of the 1950's and 1960's. After the oldest sister passes away, much is learned from the journal she leaves behind.
Reading Level: 4.9
Available at Erdenheim and Springfield Township Middle School
The First Part Last
By Angela Johnson
Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter, Feather. Weaving the past and present together, Bobby's life unfolds and reveals why he is a single father.
Interest Level: Young Adult
Available at Springfield Township High School
The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child
By Fancisco JimEnez
Explores a migrant family's experiences moving through labor camps, facing poverty and impermanence, and discusses how they endure through faith, hope, and back-breaking work.
Interest Level: Young Adult
Available at Springfield Township Middle School
