In The Loop
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
In This Edition
- Month Celebration: Women's History Month
- Did You Know?: Ramadan
- Looking for More? Cult of Pedagogy Episode 218
- Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education: Competencies One and Two
- Books in My Backpack, On my Shelf, and On My Desk
- Resources for Families
- State and Local DEIB Resources
Women's History Month
Women's History Month is an annual observance held during the month of March to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It originated as a week-long celebration in the United States in 1981, coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8th, before being expanded to a month-long celebration in 1987.
From pioneering scientists like France A. Córdova to civil rights activists like Ella Baker, from writers like Judy Blume to visionary leaders like Malala Yousafzai, Women's History Month celebrates the diverse and invaluable contributions of women to the world. It's also a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges women face and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Women's History Month also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about gender equality issues and advocate for women's rights. It encourages the recognition of women's achievements and contributions, as well as the promotion of gender diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life.
Ways to Acknowledge Women's History Month:
- Learn about Women's History: Take the time to educate yourself about the contributions of women throughout history. Read books, watch documentaries, or explore online resources to learn about influential women in various fields.
- Share Stories: Share stories of inspiring women with others. Use social media platforms, blogs, or newsletters to highlight women who have made significant contributions to society.
- Support Women-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs. This could involve shopping at women-owned stores, using services provided by women entrepreneurs, or investing in women-led startups.
- Attend Events: Participate in Women's History Month events in your community. Many organizations host lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, and other events to celebrate the achievements of women.
- Volunteer: Get involved with organizations that support women's rights and gender equality. Volunteer your time or skills to support women in your community or around the world.
- Amplify Women's Voices: Actively listen to and amplify the voices of women. Share their ideas, perspectives, and achievements with others, and advocate for gender equity in all areas of life.
- Engage in Dialogue: Have conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of Women's History Month and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Encourage open dialogue and exchange of ideas.
- Support Women in STEM: Encourage girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Support STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs for girls and women.
- Celebrate Women in the Arts: Attend performances, exhibitions, and screenings featuring the work of female artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers. Support women in the arts by purchasing their work and promoting their talents.
Did You Know?
Ramadan 2024
Ramadan is a significant Muslim holiday that holds deep religious and cultural importance. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims around the world observe fasting from dawn until sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship and devotion for Muslims.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often beginning with the eating of dates and followed by a larger meal. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor.
In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, reflection, spiritual growth, and acts of charity (zakat). Many Muslims strive to read the entire Quran during Ramadan, and mosques often hold special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh.
Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion where Muslims gather for prayers, share meals with family and friends, give gifts, and engage in acts of charity.
Observance of Ramadan varies across different cultures and communities, but it is widely observed as a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and solidarity with those who are less fortunate. This year Ramadan will start at Sunset on March 10th and conclude on April 9th (Eid al-Fitr).
Ways to Show Support During Ramadan:
- Respect Fasting Practices: Understand that Muslims observing Ramadan are fasting from dawn to sunset. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in front of them during fasting hours out of respect for their religious practice.
- Learn about Ramadan: Educate yourself about the significance of Ramadan and its practices. Understanding the importance of this holy month can help you better support Muslim friends, colleagues, or neighbors who are observing it.
- Extend Greetings: Wish Muslims a blessed Ramadan. Saying "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem" is a respectful way to acknowledge the significance of the month and show your support.
- Offer Flexibility: If you work or interact with Muslims during Ramadan, be understanding of their potential need for flexibility. They may require adjustments to their schedules due to fasting, prayers, or other religious obligations.
- Participate in Iftar: If you're invited to an iftar meal (the meal to break the fast at sunset), consider accepting the invitation. Sharing an iftar experience can be a meaningful way to support and connect with Muslim friends or colleagues.
In this episode, host Jennifer Gonzalez talks with author Alex Shevrin Venet. I originally became familiar with Alex Shevrin Venet through her book Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education (which is on my list of texts to go back and explore again). I was reminded of her work last month during the Delaware Valley Consortium for Educational Equity's (DVCEE) Middle School Leadership Conference when listening to a presenter from Penn State, who stated that "Belonging Work is Trauma Work." In this episode, Jennifer and Alex delve into the complexity of the "Savior Mentality," while offering suggestions on how to shift the approach.
Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education (CR-SE)
Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education (CR-SE) is an approach to teaching and learning that acknowledges and respects the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of students. It aims to make education more inclusive and equitable by incorporating culturally relevant content, perspectives, and teaching practices into the curriculum. This approach recognizes that students learn best when their cultural identities and backgrounds are affirmed and integrated into the learning process.
On April 23, 2022, the final amendments to the Pennsylvania Code (Chapter 49 of Title 22) became effective after being published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The code requires that preparation and induction programs must integrate CR-SE competencies at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Here at NASD, this work has already begun, and we look forward to implementing and weaving the competencies further into our practice. The CR-SE consists of nine competencies. Over the next four editions of the "In The Loop" newsletter, two competencies will be shared. Please see below for competencies one and two.
COMPETENCY 1 Reflect on One's Cultural Lens
- CRSE1.A Reflect on their own life experiences and membership to various identity groups (race, skin color, ethnicity, gender identity, age, nationality, language, class, economic status, ability, level of education, sexual orientation, and religion).
- CRSE1.B Understand that they, like everyone, can unwittingly adopt societal biases that can shape the nature of their interactions with groups and individuals.
- CRSE1.C Engage in critical and difficult conversations with others to deepen their awareness of their own conscious/unconscious biases, stereotypes, and prejudices.
- CRSE1.D Reflect on how they meet the needs of each learner.
COMPETENCY 2 Identify, Deepen Understanding of, and Take Steps to Address Bias in the System
- CRSE2.A Know and acknowledge that biases exist in the educational system.
- CRSE2.B Understand the importance of social markers, such as race, skin color, ethnicity, gender identity, age, nationality, language, class, economic status, ability, sexual orientation, and religion.
- CRSE2.C Identify literature and professional learning opportunities for themselves to understand more about the manifestations of racism and other biases at institutional and structural levels that can result in disadvantaging some groups of learners, educators, educational leaders, and families while privileging others.
- CRSE2.D Identify and make efforts to remove bias in their teaching materials, assignments, curriculum, and resource allocation.
- CRSE2.E Recognize schools' history of inequities and institutional biases and their consequences.
- CRSE2.F Disrupt harmful institutional practices, policies, and norms by advocating and engaging in efforts to rewrite policies, change practices, and raise awareness.
Books in My Backpack, On My Shelf, On My Desk
In My Back Pack
Education can be transformed if we eradicate our fixation on big data like standardized test scores as the supreme measure of equity and learning. Instead of the focus being on "fixing" and "filling" academic gaps, we must envision and rebuild the system from the student up―with classrooms, schools and systems built around students’ brilliance, cultural wealth, and intellectual potential. Street data reminds us that what is measurable is not the same as what is valuable and that data can be humanizing, liberatory and healing.
On My Shelf
Trauma-informed initiatives tend to focus on the challenging behaviors of students and ascribe them to circumstances that students are facing outside of school. This approach ignores the reality that inequity itself causes trauma, and that schools often heighten inequities when implementing trauma-informed practices that are not based in educational equity. In this fresh look at trauma-informed practice, Alex Shevrin Venet urges educators to shift equity to the center as they consider policies and professional development. Using a framework of six principles for equity-centered trauma-informed education, Venet offers practical action steps that teachers and school leaders can take from any starting point, using the resources and influence at their disposal to make shifts in practice, pedagogy, and policy. Overthrowing inequitable systems is a process, not an overnight change. But transformation is possible when educators work together, and teachers can do more than they realize from within their own classrooms.
On My Desk
When there are systemic problems, effective leaders must make systemic changes. In The Leader’s Algorithm, superintendent, managing director, and consultant Pablo Muñoz outlines a strategic framework for developing a viable, personal Theory of Action to transform your organization, work, and relationships while positively impacting those who need you most.
From humble beginnings as a poor Puerto Rican kid, Muñoz harnessed the power of education and dedicated his career to giving back. As an experienced changemaker in educational leadership, his organized, deliberate application of materials otherwise targeted to the business world have resulted in some of the best urban school districts in New Jersey. With this book, Muñoz proves you can lead from the heart because effective leadership is not only systems management; it’s an act of love.
Resources for Families
State and Local DEIB Resources
Steven V. Willis
Norristown Area School District
Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging OfficerEmail: swillis@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/staff
Location: 401 North Whitehall Road, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-630-5005