What do you find exciting about the ICSD’s commitment to equity?
32 comments:
Anonymous
said...
The commitment to diversity and affirmation is noble and inspiring. As the vision expands it will be fascinating to see how the definition of diversity and afirmation widens.
This approach to education demonstrates a complete committment to the students. As educators, reconigzing the differences within the classroom will only add to the richness of the lesson.
This being the first significant activity of new teacher orientation, illustrates the fact that ICSD "walks the talk." Many districts mention "diversity" in their mission statements but do not follow through in training their staff on what the issues really are. It's exciting to be part of a district that implements their mission.
I have never seen a school district that is so focused on closing the achievemet gap and reaching students in need. This district is in a unique position in that it services a community that is also commitent to tolerance and equality.
The links I looked at were mostly text, with embedded links to other web pages. I was looking at the heading "whiteness"; other links may offer more diverse formats of information.
I agree heartily with "A New Teacher". The district I came from talked about diversity all the time, but often, it felt as if they thought it a problem to solve rather than a strength to embrace. Very exciting here
I am very excited to work for a school disrict who takes such pride in exploring individual's ethnicities/differences. I look forward to learning further about various demographic differences and utilizing these as learning experiences for both myself and my students. I will value my student's differences and take pride in turning them into teachable moments.
I agree with "new teacher." I find it refreshing that ICSD actually puts a great emphasis on equity where I've found many districts say they are "diverse" but is never really focused on or seen in the classrooms. I'm very excited to be a part of the Ithaca Schools!
I think this is exciting because establishing equity for all students is a challenging, but extremely worthwhile task. It is a bold initiative for ICSD to take this on. I think the students in our district will be more well-rounded and able to continue breaking down barriers created by discrimination in society after receiving an education based on equity.
I am totally excited to have language and goals that support equity work. Promoting anti-bias behavior can feel radical and somewhat isolated. I am proud to join a district that holds itself accountable to success for all learners by creating spaces, like this one, where we can move toward equitable access and multiple points of entry into the curriculum we teach.
ICSD provides new teachers with a concrete, explicit explanation about their policy for equity. This is a great resource for new teachers and sets the tone for implementing an equitable curriculum in the classroom. The policy benefits all teachers and students by challenging the ICSD community to strive for a true multicultural educational experience.
I think it is exciting to join a school district that is so committed to openly addressing issues of discrimination and inequity. I am looking forward to seeing changes made while I am in the district. Working with young children in particular, I think that we will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on their lives, not only academically, but also socially. Hopefully the children we teach will go forward in their lives and spread cultural understanding.
Proactively approaching this difficult area is exciting. The implementation of such a policy is a credit to the educational system here in Ithaca. Many school systems around the nation face these difficult issues and struggle to find a resolution. A long existing equity policy, if implemented correctly can change the complex learning dynamics present in a school.
It acknowledges that discrimination exists in the classroom and this district has made a commitment to it's students and families to work together to eliminate bias, race, income as predictors of success.
The equity report card offers a concrete look at the success or failures of the district. This card demonstrates the districts commitment to follow through on initiatives.
This is an important priority in America, where we pride ourselves on our open-mindedness and commitment to freedom of opportunity for all. Unfortunately, our attitudes and perspectives are still influenced by our own experiences (and lack of experiences). We are still governed by our comfort zones, and prejudices creep into our actions without our knowledge. Students are even more influenced by these comfort zones. It is a priority for any teacher to notice instances where a student should be made aware of their actions. The Ithaca School District's commitment to equity and diversity shows that we put this in the "front of our brains," we cannot excuse ourselves and plead ignorance. We must model this priority for our students, and the district support is key.
We loved the presentation on equity as well as reading from the websites on various cultural experiences. It would be interesting to hear more anecdotes and personal experiences on how Ithaca's equity policy is supported in the classrooms and curriculum.
It is refreshing to see that the ICSD is so in touch with equity though we feel that some areas are not addressed, such as body modifications, whether on students or teachers, or personal style. ICSD seems to advocate for equity by being aware of change and current events as they relate to the various communities represented in the schools. d
As a firm believer in the maxim "knowledge is power," any district that strives to educate its staff in topics and issues facing ALL students should be seen as a blessing by a new teacher.
I feel it is our responsibility to provide equal opportunities for learning to all students regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, gender or academic abilities. To me, equity means eliminating racism and stereotyping. It means commiting ourselves to modeling personal empathy and behaviors that are embedded with respect, consideration, kindness and sensitivity to diferences. It also means that we must identify commonalities that bind us together as a community. Development of citizenship and belonging supports not only family values but also individual respect. It is one aspect of tackling and overcoming racism and prejudice.
The multicultural educational commitment presented by ICSD creates a dynamic embrace of both accountability and activism. As well, the incorporation of citizenship develops a sense of outreach beyond the classroom.
I am so pleased that the the ICSD is approaching this issue in a strengths-based, celebratory, head-on way. It's exciting to be joining the staff of a progressive school district, where areas of needed growth are acknowledged and concrete steps put in place for getting there...
ICSD is showing it's commitment to diversity and understanding.Expanding our way of thinking is a difficult but important task if we want to improve our school system.
It was an important and practical use of orientation time to explore cultures different from our own. I now have more understanding of Cambodian and African history. It is great to see that these resources are supported by Ithaca school district and are easily accessible when we want to learn about our students.
"If you don't know a student, there's no way to influence him. If you don't know his background, there is no way you are going to get in touch with him. There's no way you are going to influence him if you don't know where he's been." -Manual Gomes
To be honest, I take issue with the assumption that I am excited about Ithaca's equity policies. Make no mistake, I agree wholeheartedly that ensuring equal playing fields for all students is crucially important, but I really wonder about just how good it is to *force* people to accommodate, and the assumption that everybody will take to it without question. Do we really have to force people to be decent to each other? This is as much of a national issue as a local one. Why can't we trust our new teachers to know about the importance of equality and to act accordingly? A district policy sure looks good, but is it really necessary?
I feel tyhat providing students with internet access to specific links related to racism and prejudice exposes them to ideas, information and actions to take. Technology can now expand opportunities for students to share their concerns, and it can provide them with ways to actively work to overcome these demons in our society.
It is exciting because it demonstrates the ability of committed people to create institutional change in priorities and resource allocation. It also demonstrates a deeper level of understanding than is usually seen about what is required to begin to address this performance gap: a conscious, committed, long-term strategy that has money and staff energy behind it.
32 comments:
The commitment to diversity and affirmation is noble and inspiring. As the vision expands it will be fascinating to see how the definition of diversity and afirmation widens.
This approach to education demonstrates a complete committment to the students. As educators, reconigzing the differences within the classroom will only add to the richness of the lesson.
This being the first significant activity of new teacher orientation, illustrates the fact that ICSD "walks the talk." Many districts mention "diversity" in their mission statements but do not follow through in training their staff on what the issues really are. It's exciting to be part of a district that implements their mission.
I have never seen a school district that is so focused on closing the achievemet gap and reaching students in need. This district is in a unique position in that it services a community that is also commitent to tolerance and equality.
The links I looked at were mostly text, with embedded links to other web pages. I was looking at the heading "whiteness"; other links may offer more diverse formats of information.
I agree heartily with "A New Teacher". The district I came from talked about diversity all the time, but often, it felt as if they thought it a problem to solve rather than a strength to embrace. Very exciting here
I am very excited to work for a school disrict who takes such pride in exploring individual's ethnicities/differences. I look forward to learning further about various demographic differences and utilizing these as learning experiences for both myself and my students. I will value my student's differences and take pride in turning them into teachable moments.
I agree with "new teacher." I find it refreshing that ICSD actually puts a great emphasis on equity where I've found many districts say they are "diverse" but is never really focused on or seen in the classrooms. I'm very excited to be a part of the Ithaca Schools!
The only way to get to a new place is via a new path. It is wonderful to have people to journey with. And we need companions!
I think this is exciting because establishing equity for all students is a challenging, but extremely worthwhile task. It is a bold initiative for ICSD to take this on. I think the students in our district will be more well-rounded and able to continue breaking down barriers created by discrimination in society after receiving an education based on equity.
I am totally excited to have language and goals that support equity work. Promoting anti-bias behavior can feel radical and somewhat isolated. I am proud to join a district that holds itself accountable to success for all learners by creating spaces, like this one, where we can move toward equitable access and multiple points of entry into the curriculum we teach.
ICSD provides new teachers with a concrete, explicit explanation about their policy for equity. This is a great resource for new teachers and sets the tone for implementing an equitable curriculum in the classroom. The policy benefits all teachers and students by challenging the ICSD community to strive for a true multicultural educational experience.
I come from to different country from here U.E, but I came to this country 10 years ago.
I think it is exciting to join a school district that is so committed to openly addressing issues of discrimination and inequity. I am looking forward to seeing changes made while I am in the district. Working with young children in particular, I think that we will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on their lives, not only academically, but also socially. Hopefully the children we teach will go forward in their lives and spread cultural understanding.
Proactively approaching this difficult area is exciting. The implementation of such a policy is a credit to the educational system here in Ithaca. Many school systems around the nation face these difficult issues and struggle to find a resolution. A long existing equity policy, if implemented correctly can change the complex learning dynamics present in a school.
It acknowledges that discrimination exists in the classroom and this district has made a commitment to it's students and families to work together to eliminate bias, race, income as predictors of success.
The equity report card offers a concrete look at the success or failures of the district. This card demonstrates the districts commitment to follow through on initiatives.
This is an important priority in America, where we pride ourselves on our open-mindedness and commitment to freedom of opportunity for all. Unfortunately, our attitudes and perspectives are still influenced by our own experiences (and lack of experiences). We are still governed by our comfort zones, and prejudices creep into our actions without our knowledge.
Students are even more influenced by these comfort zones. It is a priority for any teacher to notice instances where a student should be made aware of their actions. The Ithaca School District's commitment to equity and diversity shows that we put this in the "front of our brains," we cannot excuse ourselves and plead ignorance. We must model this priority for our students, and the district support is key.
We loved the presentation on equity as well as reading from the websites on various cultural experiences. It would be interesting to hear more anecdotes and personal experiences on how Ithaca's equity policy is supported in the classrooms and curriculum.
It is refreshing to see that the ICSD is so in touch with equity though we feel that some areas are not addressed, such as body modifications, whether on students or teachers, or personal style. ICSD seems to advocate for equity by being aware of change and current events as they relate to the various communities represented in the schools. d
As a firm believer in the maxim "knowledge is power," any district that strives to educate its staff in topics and issues facing ALL students should be seen as a blessing by a new teacher.
I feel it is our responsibility to provide equal opportunities for learning to all students regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, gender or academic abilities. To me, equity means eliminating racism and stereotyping. It means commiting ourselves to modeling personal empathy and behaviors that are embedded with respect, consideration, kindness and sensitivity to diferences. It also means that we must identify commonalities that bind us together as a community. Development of citizenship and belonging supports not only family values but also individual respect. It is one aspect of tackling and overcoming racism and prejudice.
It's a wonderful feeling to be apart of a school district who really gets it. One who has actually taken the proper steps to in clude ALL!
The multicultural educational commitment presented by ICSD creates a dynamic embrace of both accountability and activism. As well, the incorporation of citizenship develops a sense of outreach beyond the classroom.
I am so pleased that the the ICSD is approaching this issue in a strengths-based, celebratory, head-on way. It's exciting to be joining the staff of a progressive school district, where areas of needed growth are acknowledged and concrete steps put in place for getting there...
ICSD is showing it's commitment to diversity and understanding.Expanding our way of thinking is a difficult but important task if we want to improve our school system.
It was an important and practical use of orientation time to explore cultures different from our own. I now have more understanding of Cambodian and African history. It is great to see that these resources are supported by Ithaca school district and are easily accessible when we want to learn about our students.
"If you don't know a student, there's no way to influence him. If you don't know his background, there is no way you are going to get in touch with him. There's no way you are going to influence him if you don't know where he's been."
-Manual Gomes
We are proud to be part of a school district that embraces muticulturism and takes serious measures to ensure all students are regarded with respect .
To be honest, I take issue with the assumption that I am excited about Ithaca's equity policies. Make no mistake, I agree wholeheartedly that ensuring equal playing fields for all students is crucially important, but I really wonder about just how good it is to *force* people to accommodate, and the assumption that everybody will take to it without question. Do we really have to force people to be decent to each other? This is as much of a national issue as a local one. Why can't we trust our new teachers to know about the importance of equality and to act accordingly? A district policy sure looks good, but is it really necessary?
I feel tyhat providing students with internet access to specific links related to racism and prejudice exposes them to ideas, information and actions to take. Technology can now expand opportunities for students to share their concerns, and it can provide them with ways to actively work to overcome these demons in our society.
I am excited for the students and families involved. For those who have been left out for all of these years.You are now included in a big way
It is exciting because it demonstrates the ability of committed people to create institutional change in priorities and resource allocation. It also demonstrates a deeper level of understanding than is usually seen about what is required to begin to address this performance gap: a conscious, committed, long-term strategy that has money and staff energy behind it.
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