Equity in Education
Funding Disparities: I will advocate for a fair, equitable funding system that doesn't rely on property wealth, ensuring all schools have the resources they need to provide a quality education.
Disciplinary Practices: I will push for restorative justice practices and trauma-informed approaches to discipline, reducing suspensions and expulsions and creating safer, more supportive learning environments.
Course Offerings: I will work to expand access to advanced, honors, and AP courses for all students, regardless of background, and address barriers to participation.
Teacher Diversity: I will research and support policies that attract and retain a diverse teaching workforce, addressing shortages in underserved areas.
Mental Health Support: I will advocate for more comprehensive mental health services in schools, including counselors, therapists, and support for students' social-emotional well-being.
Special Education: I will push for equitable access to special education services, ensuring students receive the appropriate support and interventions to succeed.
Community Engagement
Parent and Community Voice: I will establish regular, meaningful ways for parents and community members to participate in school decision-making processes, including advisory committees and forums.
Culturally Responsive Practices: I will work with schools to become more welcoming and responsive to the diverse cultures, languages, and experiences of all students and families.
Community Schools: I will advocate for the expansion of community schools that offer expanded services and resources, fostering stronger community partnerships.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: I will seek out and build partnerships with community-based organizations that can provide additional support for students and families.
Bilingual and Multilingual Education: I will promote policies that support bilingual and multilingual education, recognizing the value of students' home languages and cultures.
Social-Emotional Learning: I will push for the integration of social-emotional learning into the curriculum, teaching students skills like empathy, responsibility, and conflict resolution.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Data-Driven Decision Making: I will ensure schools regularly collect and analyze data on student outcomes, using it to identify inequities, monitor progress, and inform interventions.
Collaborative Leadership: I will model and promote collaborative leadership styles, engaging all stakeholders - educators, students, parents, and community members - in decision-making.
Inclusive Policies: I will advocate for inclusive policies that explicitly promote equity, such as inclusive enrollment practices, equitable funding formulas, and nondiscriminatory discipline practices.
Civil Rights Framework: I will uphold and advance civil rights protections for all students, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of background or beliefs.
Sustainable Funding: I will work towards stable, equitable funding sources for schools, recognizing that ongoing efforts towards educational equity require sustained support.
My Approach
Listening Sessions: I will make it a priority to actively listen to the concerns and priorities of diverse community members, including students, parents, educators, and community leaders.
Coalition Building: I will work to build a broad coalition of support, including partnerships with existing equity-focused organizations and initiatives within my community.
Visibility: I will prioritize visibility in the community, attending and participating in community events, meetings, and forums focused on education.
Community-Minded Platform: I will develop a comprehensive that is deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the community, not just the priorities of the education system.
Inclusive Messaging: I will craft messages and materials that are inclusive, welcoming, and resonate with diverse communities.
Community-Dedicated Solutions: I will advocate for community-needed solutions to educational challenges, emphasizing the importance of community voice and leadership in the process.
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