Equity in ECCS

Beginning the 2018-19 school year, we began the work of developing a more coordinated commitment to equity. We are in the process of finalizing a districtwide equity vision and framework and are working to undertake an externally conducted equity audit of Eastern Carver County Schools.

Effective equity work requires a shared vision, developed and informed by a broad base of stakeholders. In early January, a representative group of students, parents, and staff from a variety of ages, genders and racial/ethnic/linguistic backgrounds came together to being codifying our district’s Equity Vision and Framework. We are currently in the process of engaging in over 30 feedback sessions to gather input from students, parents, staff and community members on the vision and framework.

Despite the importance of the principalship and the demands that are placed on principals today, relatively few principals receive ongoing professional development that enhances their ability to lead schools to high performance. The Minnesota Principals Academy fills that gap by bringing to Minnesota the research-based program of the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL), an initiative of the Washington, D.C.-based National Center on Education and the Economy. The NISL executive development program was developed over six years with major support from national foundations and is being used to provide leadership development for school principals nationwide.

Using the NISL program, the Minnesota Principals Academy enables cohorts of practicing principals to put leadership best practices from education, business, military, and other fields to work on behalf of their students and schools. Delivered in two and three-day segments over the course of one year, the curriculum combines face-to-face instruction in workshops, seminars, and study groups with interactive Web-based learning. 

Eastern Carver County Schools’ commitment to provide exceptional, personalized learning for all students is unwavering and intentional. Knowing our learners is critical in providing meaningful and relevant learning experiences for all. As part of an ongoing, continuous cycle of review and strategic planning each building leadership team annually defines five goals named Focus 5. Teams work with the Teaching and Learning Department and review various types of data including assessment results, survey feedback, behavior referrals, etc. to determine needs and develop next steps.

Beginning in the 2017-18 academic year and continuing into 2018-19, based on districtwide identified needs, all schools included two consistent focus areas: Standards-Based Learning and Equity. Each goal area, such as equity, has a detailed action plan and incorporates professional learning as a means to promote growth and improvement. Building’s equity focus include elements such as: understanding the background and cultures of all learners at a group and personal level, building more purposeful relationships, increasing access and opportunities for all learners, expanding culturally-responsive teaching, rethinking and reframing leadership practices, and increasing overall self-awareness of our own deeply-rooted beliefs and paradigms that impact our work and influence our actions.

In 2017, Eastern Carver County Schools joined with other metro-area school districts in Reimagine Minnesota to ensure equity and excellence for all students. Reimagine Eastern Carver County Schools was created to achieve equity through engaging effective, diverse stakeholders who use trusting relationships to create welcoming classrooms, schools and communities that meet the needs (hopes & dreams) of all students and families.

Reimagine Eastern Carver County Schools developed structure and direction for this important work in our schools and community to promote a better understanding of equity and cultural competency. Several services and resources already in place in our district include: Intercultural Specialists, language services support, speakers bureau, Celebrate Summer, food programs, multilingual communication, First Generation College Programs/Services, and professional development and training opportunities for staff.  The district-wide initiative is being led by an Equity Leadership Team which provides vision and direction for this important work.

Intercultural Harmony is an initiative created out of Reimagine Eastern Carver County Schools. An important component in this work is to engage our schools and community in conversations about the topics of diversity, inclusion and equity. Our Equity Advisory Team facilitates these discussions. In October 2017, we kicked off Intercultural Harmony. Staff, parents and community members meet to discuss various topics pertaining to equity and receive training on cultural competency and creating inclusive communities. If you are interested in getting involved in this important work, contact Michelle Milstein.

View meeting notes:

March 13, 2018

May 8, 2018

Eastern Carver County Schools is a partner to Inclusive Communities Coalition (ICONIC), a group of public, non-profit and private organizations focused on building inclusive communities in Carver County. Formed in 2016, ICONIC’s mission is to build and strengthen a genuine inclusive community that embraces equal opportunities and a sense of belonging for people of all abilities.

Author and educator Alexs Pate launched Innocent Classroom, a professional development experience for educators, with a vision to rebuild teacher-student relationships in school districts with some of the country’s widest gaps in achievement. In summer 2018, Pioneer Ridge Middle School began a pilot of the Innocent Classroom project. The intensive workshop series changes how teachers think about and engage their students, especially students of color. Through conversations and real-world examples, we deliver context and practical strategies for building relationships with every child.

In 2007, Eastern Carver County Schools started the Beacon Council, supporting the education of all learners by advocating and promoting cultural awareness, understanding, and equitable practices. This was done through work aimed at creating culturally competent school community that is welcoming and respectful to all, structuring learning that prepares learners for a successful future in a global society, and advocating through collaboration and leadership within the communities throughout the district. The Beacon Council transformed into our Intercultural Harmony initiative in 2017.