Hope Chicago’s Post

In nearly 20 years - I’ve personally worked in schools in Pittsburgh, Chicago (city and suburbs), San Francisco, and the North Bay of San Francisco. One thing is consistently true - our schools are systemically and historically segregated - racially and socio-economically. Overwhelmingly, Black and Latino/a students attend schools that abhorrently under-resourced in every aspect - staffing, educational resources, enrichment opportunities, safety, and basic best practices. Meanwhile, their predominantly white peers at neighboring school districts benefit, learn, and grow with ample opportunities and resources (and of course funding from various sources including active parent associations filling the gaps). I’ve dedicated the majority of my work to bridging access to the arts and creativity for systemically marginalized communities — here is the part where I tell you all the data that points to the arts as a catalyst for increasing student opportunity and potential —— I believe that AND it’s not enough. Our SYSTEMS need significant and sweeping change. 70 years since #BrownvsBoardofEducation…but our education and socioeconomic policies continue to uphold systems that are hurting families and students. This OpEd resonated with my tired arts advocate heart. Our work helps - but we are swimming against currents and tides that need more sweeping change in direction. If you’re out there - and work in this space - let’s keep working toward sweeping change. I believe it can happen. #education #hope #artseducation

*A MOMMA (AND DADDY) I MADE IT MOMENT* I started my career in K-12 education when I was just 16 years old teaching Black History to elementary school students at Summerbridge (New Haven) at Hopkins School where I also served as the student member of the board. The summer before I began college, I did an externship at the Yale Child Study Center under Dr. James Comer’s leadership, who served on the board too. I went on to focus on creating positive school culture and climates for the next 12 years, transitioning to DC with a goal of dismantling the school-to-prison-pipeline at the federal level. The work I do at the intersection of politics and policy gets more attention, and only those who “know me, know me” know about my love of and work in the education equity, child development, and psychology spaces. While I now fight inequities with the many tools I’ve picked up along the way, I have always remained committed to and involved in education, including serving as Chair of DC’s Title I Committee of Practitioners (a federally-mandated body focused on educational equity) for 8 consecutive years. Even my doctoral degree is in (education) leadership, with a specialization in policy and administration. Before you can create new knowledge, a requirement for earning the degree, you must master what already exists. To share the stage with the very people whose work you had to study and master, as a newbie, is a BIG ^#%*in DEAL! I couldn’t think of a better way to pop back on the scene as a doctor than joining these academic superstars for this panel! I am genuinely honored “and” privileged to do what I do. I thank my Soror, Dr. Chonika King for her vision and leadership. Doctors Pedro A. Noguera, Bettina Love, Sheryl Evans Davis, EdD, and Chonika Coleman-King you all inspire me. Thank you. -The CROWN Act Champion & Scholar #education #doctor #educators #policy #students #schools #researcher #aera #climateandculture #freedomfighters #crownact #racialequity #racialjustice #educationequity #freedomschools #liberation

We know first-hand what is most important and needed for students who look like us: in our classrooms, in our policies, and in our communities. EdLoC member, 2023 Boulder Fund Recipient, and CEO and Founder of Diversity in Leadership Institute Dr. Laura M. recently shared a piece on EdSource advocating for continued investment in teacher diversity recruitment and retention. Amid fiscal challenges in California's education system, the need for diverse representation in classrooms remains paramount. Research shows students thrive when taught by educators who reflect their backgrounds. It's time for school districts to prioritize teacher diversity to ensure all students feel seen and supported. As we commend the local and state initiatives driving teacher diversity, transparency, and community engagement remain crucial for sustained progress. Fiscal uncertainties shouldn't deter leaders from upholding commitments to teacher diversity. Continued investment in these efforts is vital for building a brighter future for California's diverse student population. Read Dr. Laura McGowan-Robinson's full article: https://shorturl.at/oswKL #WeAreEdLoC

This year, the United States will mark the 70th Anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education. Sadly decades after the Supreme Court’s ruling to outlaw the segregation of America’s schools, students and families still find the nation’s Public Schools to be separate and unequal. How did we get here? What can we do? Join us for an upcoming webinar, “The State of Integration in NYC Public Schools”. Hear from researchers, organizers, & analysts as they share findings from a new report tackling integration efforts in New York City Schools. Participate in a conversation outlining the impact, legacy, and future of the Brown decision with: -Nyah Berg, Executive Director of New York Appleseed (@nyappleseed) -Matt Gonzales (@mattthegeez), Director of the Education Justice Research and Organizing (EJ-ROC) at NYU Metro Center  -Rochelle Du, Integrated Schools Project Coordinator, NY Appleseed Register for and learn more about this @metronyu #webinar, here: bit.ly/3Wa3yDv #NYUMetroCenter #NYUSteinhardt #Webinar #Integration #School #Segregation #EJROC #NYAppleseed #NYC #PublicSchools #Impact #Racism #socialjustice #equity #fairness #access #research #organizer #community #education #quality #learning #learningcommunity #schoolchange #schooltransformation #conversation #children #youth #students #teachers #BrownvBoard #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #teachers #principals #educators #history #BlackHsitory #AmericanHistory #CivilRights #ThurgoodMarshall #NAACP #NAACPLDF

School of Education alumna Mamie Till-Mobley, MEd '71, used the transformative power of education to instill a sense of worth and purpose in her students, knowing each person could contribute to the fight for equality. Learn more about her story and legacy here: https://bit.ly/48tYJaA

This year, the United States will mark the 70th Anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education. Sadly decades after the Supreme Court’s ruling to outlaw the segregation of America’s schools, students and families still find the nation’s Public Schools to be separate and unequal. How did we get here? What can we do? Join us for an upcoming webinar, “The State of Integration in NYC Public Schools”. Hear from researchers, organizers, & analysts as they share findings from a new report tackling integration efforts in New York City Schools. Participate in a conversation outlining the impact, legacy, and future of the Brown decision with: -Nyah Berg, Executive Director of New York Appleseed (@nyappleseed) -Matt Gonzales (@mattthegeez), Director of the Education Justice Research and Organizing (EJ-ROC) at NYU Metro Center  -Rochelle Du, Integrated Schools Project Coordinator, NY Appleseed Register for and learn more about this @metronyu #webinar, here: bit.ly/3Wa3yDv #NYUMetroCenter #NYUSteinhardt #Webinar #Integration #School #Segregation #EJROC #NYAppleseed #NYC #PublicSchools #Impact #Racism #socialjustice #equity #fairness #access #research #organizer #community #education #quality #learning #learningcommunity #schoolchange #schooltransformation #conversation #children #youth #students #teachers #BrownvBoard #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #teachers #principals #educators #history #BlackHsitory #AmericanHistory #CivilRights #ThurgoodMarshall #NAACP #NAACPLDF

How can the lessons from Brown vs Board guide us in constructing an education system that ensures access, participation, and progress for every learner? 🔍 Unraveling the Connections: Brown vs Board marked a pivotal moment in history, dismantling legal segregation in schools. Today, as we advocate for educational equity, it's imperative to consider how we can construct an inclusive environment that reflects the principles of access, participation, and progress for each student. 💭 Your Insights Matter: As educators, your experiences and perspectives are invaluable. What actionable strategies can we derive from the legacy of Brown vs Board to advance the cause of educational equity today? 🤝 Tag a Colleague: Feel free to tag a colleague whose perspective you value. Let's foster a community of educators committed to constructing an equitable future in education. Join us on February 22nd for our Meeting the Moment Topic Series: The Brown Decision. Registration is now open! In this half-day professional learning session, educators will explore how the Brown decision from history affected schooling and still influences our work today. This session offers valuable insights for both experienced equity-focused educators and those new to the idea of educational justice. Through discussions and personal reflections, we'll celebrate the impact of this historic civil rights moment while also considering its unintended effects that still shape our education system. When: Feb 22 2024 - 1:00pm to 4:30pm ET Where: Virtual Link to register: https://lnkd.in/eQ4s7BPk #EducationEquity #InclusiveEducation #EquitableClassrooms #EducationalJustice #AccessToEducation #ProgressForAll #EquitableFuture #BrownVsBoard #ConstructingEquity

🎓🌟 Check out this insightful article by Myrna Castrejón, CCSA President & CEO, highlighting the transformative impact of graduation season and the exceptional achievements of charter public schools in California! 📚✨ #CAcharters

Picture a landscape where children are not bound by zip codes or economic circumstances, but instead, have access to schools that nurture their talents and aspirations. When parents have the freedom to explore a spectrum of educational options—from traditional public schools to charter schools, private institutions, and homeschooling—they become active participants in their child's educational journey, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in their academic success. Critics may argue that expanding school choice undermines the stability and viability of traditional public schools. However, Governor Doug Ducey's vision transcends the false dichotomy of choice versus public education. Rather than viewing choice as a threat, it should be regarded as a catalyst for positive transformation within our educational systems. What are your thoughts on power of choice when it comes to determining where your student may go to school? Check out our new episode airing tomorrow featuring Governor Doug Ducey to learn more! #BetterLearning #BeTheChange #RadicallyStudentCentered Doug Ducey, Kevin Stoller, A4LE-Association for Learning Environments, Second Class Foundation, Kay-Twelve, Education Leaders' Organization, Phoenix,Arizona

Get to know Ed Fuller, our dedicated Director of Research at the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC). With a professorship in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Penn State University, Ed's extensive research focuses on educator quality, career pathways, diversity, and school improvement—areas vital to our mission. Ed’s experience includes impactful roles at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. His expertise in educator distribution, mobility, and turnover is essential in shaping strategies that foster diversity and equity in education across Pennsylvania. He is currently considered the leading expert on these issues in Pennsylvania. Watch for more information about how Ed’s research contributes to our shared goals #EducationEquity #DiversityInEducation #ResearchAndImpact #PEDC #CEEPA #DataEquity #EdPolicy