BSD Office of Equity and Inclusion
News and Updates January 24th, 2020
Community Conversations About Race
We are already inspired by the interest folks are showing in the upcoming Community Conversations About Race, hosted at Southridge High School on Wednesday, January 29 from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m.! Please join us as we engage in two breakout sessions, each with a number of opportunities to talk about the impact of race and racism in our schools and community, and how we can work together to elevate one another. We will also be able to listen to a keynote panel of students as they discuss their personal experiences with race and racism. You can see a list of all session topics, and a link to register on our website. Come join the conversation!
Encouraging Conversations about Race and Identity at Home -- How Educators Can Help
Opportunities to Learn and Engage
Culturally Relevant Teaching: Transforming Educators
This strand is designed for k-12 educators, AVID administrators, coordinators, AVID Elective teachers, and site team members who are ready to work with their sites to conduct a self-examination and address issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and accountability through a growth mindset. The strand will provide a framework of effective methodologies that validate the culture of all students in the classroom and on the campus. These research-based strategies will enhance the site’s curriculum and make relevant learning connections to increase subject-matter comprehension. As a result of attending this strand, participants will be able to create multi-dimensional lessons and differentiated evaluations, while incorporating rigor through various learning styles.
Restorative Practice Trainings
Introduction to Restorative Practices - You will learn a range of strategies you can use every day. You will learn how to set high expectations while being supportive. You will practice how to provide direct feedback and how to ask questions that foster accountability. You will also learn the most effective methods to resolve common conflicts.
Using Circles Effectively - Circles are an essential process for building social capital, resolving social problems and responding when harm occurs. Circles create a positive learning environment. You will learn to write prompts for community building, problem solving, and content circles. You will learn key strategies to facilitate efficient circles and be ready at the end of the day to lead your first circle! Prerequisite: Introduction to Restorative Practices
Restorative Conferencing teaches participants the most formal practice along the continuum. Restorative conferencing centers around a conflict involving a victim and an offender. This experiential training will include role playing and exploring various scenarios. Targeted audience include counselors, administrators, school psychologists, and intervention specialists.
Building Anti-Racist White Educators
Are you familiar with #BARWE215? This collective group, committed to Building Anti-Racist White Educators, publishes a monthly inquiry series designed to help us ensure that our schools are inclusive spaces for all students. This month’s post asks, “How can we ensure that our schools value black lives?”, and includes a link to Teaching Tolerance’s article on the Black Lives Matter Week of Action (this year’s Week of Action is Feb. 3-7).
February is Black History Month
February is right around the corner, providing another opportunity to celebrate various aspects of Black History Month. Whether in a classroom, school, district office building, or in your own learning, consider perusing any of the following resources to see how you can join in the celebration of historic and contemporary contributions of members of our Black community:
-U.S. Census Bureau African-American (Black) History Month background and information
-Association for the Study of African-Aerican Life and History Black History Themes page
-BlackPast African-American History page
-TravelPortland’s Black History Month in PortlandPat McCreery
Beaverton School District