StephensonSPARK

Joining my small group partners at today's APS Equity Summit @MsCorrea5th @AhYoungah76 @whitneynaman @MGulledgeTeach @ms_mustafaa #AtlantaPublicSchools #EquityMatters

Excited to be participating in today's Equity Summit with my colleagues at @APS_SPARK, @drjtoney @msbringslid, @TerryHarness #AtlantaPublicSchools #EquityMatters

@twallmyers @GSUEdLead R6: I agree- this article made me pause and reflect on many of the practices schools and the community at large do with the best intentions. And, I too think continuing to listen to others is what will help us find solutions. #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A6: To use this article as a way to observe for the 10 common equity traps. To be open to listening and observing if these are evident in the school environment and finding solutions. #GSUEdLead

Q6: What is one TANGIBLE element you have taken from the readings and tonight’s session? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A6: I think the most meaningful and tangible element is present with conversations like we're having tonight. It's being honest and having thoughtful ongoing dialogue about how we can all do better and support one another. #GSUEdLead

@LeslieGillett1 @GSUEdLead R5: You're right in saying it's the commitment to a systematic approach to trying to create positive change. #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A5: Ultimately, the converse of the traps or tropes is committing to the equity journey and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable for systematic change. #GSUEdLead

Q5: What might be the converse of the traps or tropes you identified? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A5: The converse of many of these tropes and traps identified by Dugan(2021) is quality action. It's the meaningful work and day to day action in our journey that work to promote equity in our school and community.#GSUEdLead

@CAMontgomeryEDU @GSUEdLead R4: Making equity a value that we all work towards is a goal we should all strive for, and it definitely is an intentional practice. #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A4: Make equity a value of your team, create a safe space, and keep talking about it! Equity work takes intentionality, but also practice… the more “I wonders” and “hear me outs” the better! #GSUEdLead

Q4: How can you and your colleagues become more aware of equity traps and tropes? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A4: I, along with my colleagues, need to openly discuss what we're doing to promote equity across our schools and communities. Creating opportunities for open and honest dialogue will better help us evaluate when we are falling into potential equity traps (Dugan, 2021)#GSUEdLead

@NateilCarby @GSUEdLead This rings very true for me as well. We should constantly be discussing equity and cultural responsiveness and connecting these ideas to our daily practice. #GSUEdLead

Q3: Which equity traps and tropes sound or feel familiar to you? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A3: Unfortunately many of the equity traps (Dugan 2021) mentions are familiar. However, I think leadership is the ability to recognize when a particular practice may be an equity trap but we consistently evaluate what we do and working to change our practices. #GSUEdLead

@Tish63314067 @GSUEdLead Tish- I completely agree. We need to be constantly evaluating what each school and every community needs and work towards finding ways to meet those needs.

@GSUEdLead A2: Equity is ongoing because needs change and will always need to be met @GSUEdLead

Q2: Dugan writes “Equity isn’t a destination but an unwavering commitment to a journey.” What are the implications of this idea for the work of educational leaders? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A1: Hi, I am Nathan Stephenson and I currently serve as a SELT in Atlanta Public Schools and I am enrolled in the GSU Tier 1 Educational Leadership program. #GSUEdLead

Q1: Please introduce yourself with your name, position, and program cohort.

@JennFass @GSUEdLead Hi Jennifer! I hope you are doing well. I look forward to hearing your thoughts tonight!

@GSUEdLead A1: Jennifer Fassinger, First Grade Teacher, Grade Chair, APS Recruitment Ambassador, Tier 1 #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A2: Leaders should understand their respective overall mission and consistently work daily to execute this vision. This is vitally important as we work to create more equitable schools. Each day provides opportunities to make a difference in our journeys. #GSUEdLead

@twilson271761 @GSUEdLead Isn’t that so empowering to think as a leader that you be a part of transformational change for our communities. #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A6- Educational leaders can transform their school climate and effect change via mentoring, modeling, and involving the communities as integral partners in the educational process of all students. Minkos et al., (2017). #GSUEdLead

Q6: What is one TANGIBLE element you have taken from the readings and tonight’s session? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A6: As evidenced by tonight’s discussion we have so many talented and unique perspectives that we would all benefit from hearing. We need more conversations about we can strive to promote equity across all of our schools. #GSUEdLead

@MsHarrisonJ @DrJust_ice @GSUEdLead I completely understand your point but I’m confident there are many valuable resources out there. Please share when you do! #GSUEdLead

@DrJust_ice @GSUEdLead R5: I agree that culturally competent leadership is both a disposition AND a practice. I wish there were more resources out there for the specific practices that you mentioned that we can implement in order to make this a reality. #GSUEdLead

Q5: The authors argue that culturally competent leadership is a disposition rather than a specific practice. What do you make of this argument and what are the implications for your practice as an ed leader? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A5: Quality leaders are constantly looking for opportunities to grow and learn. As a constant learner we must accept to consistently reflect on all aspects of our practice and seek out others for their advice. As we do this we identify we can grow as leaders. #GSUEdLead

@missTayjay2015 @GSUEdLead The more discussion and honest reflection we have the better we will be as leaders, schools and communities as we strive for change.

@GSUEdLead A4:Acknowledging(reflection)personal biases &institutional biases is the only way2confront biases. Leaders should create safe spaces for staff members2 have discussions surrounding biases If we do not confront our biases, exclusionary practices will continue 2take place#GSUEdLead

Q4: Why do educational leaders need to pay attention to our biases and how does this relate to Minkos’ discussion of exclusionary practices? #GSUEdLead

@GSUEdLead A4: We need to constantly and consistently reflecting and evaluating our practices to help stop the cycle of oppression. (Minkos et al., 2017) #GSUEdLead