Many districts have adopted policies to ensure more equitable opportunities, experiences and outcomes for all students they serve. However, many educators have wondered “what does this look like in practice?” This two session workshop facilitated by Common Thread Consulting will advance beyond conceptual discussions of equity by providing tools to identify inequities and strategies to address them in affirming, equitable ways. 

 

Session 1: Data and Educational Equity

 

From state assessments to attendance to budget allocations - schools are awash in data, however, it is often unclear how to utilize this information to produce more equitable outcomes for students. This session will begin by emphasizing the fact that when we are talking about data, we are really talking about people. This lens will ensure that data conversations are focused on student-centered solutions. Participants will: 

 

• Learn to define and identify disparate outcomes. 

• Understand how to utilize both quantitative and qualitative data to understand the human perspective behind the numbers. 

• Utilize a root cause analysis to identify and examine underlying issues driving the data.

• Emphasize the importance of asking the right questions and including broader perspectives to deepen understanding of outcome data. 

 

Session 2: Case Studies in Educational Equity

 

Case studies are a powerful tool for developing the ability to apply DEI concepts. This session will help educators recognize nuanced issues covering multiple areas of diversity that emerge in schools and communities. We will focus on how we can ask the right questions to understand diverse perspectives and motivations in complex scenarios while ensuring we arrive at humanizing, equitable solutions for students. Participants will: 

 

• Explore case studies that address multiple areas of equity such as issues facing LGBTQ+ students and staff, socioeconomic and poverty inequities, disability, special education and racial equity. 

• Learn to utilize a general question protocol to sharpen our equity lens and bring more specific to the surface. 

• Explore and discuss strategies that are directly applicable to different areas of equity in schools.