As we observe the MLK holiday this year, it is critical that we reflect on our efforts and redirect our energy as it pertains to achieving equity. COVID-19 laid bare the racial and economic disparities that exist in our nation. These disparities were glaringly apparent in K-12 education. School districts, around the nation, are still grappling with providing remote instruction, in the face of a significant digital divide. Millions of students of all races, and their families need continued meal service, so that their children have enough to eat. Families, left behind by the technology revolution, are seeking to catch up, so that their children will not be permanently left behind.
The Round Rock Independent School District is committed to addressing contemporary marginalization and mitigating future challenges by embarking on a new journey, using an equity framework, comprising four components: reflective practice, a deep understanding of historic marginalization, data analysis and practice calibration, and ongoing literature review and best practices.
Reflective practice allows practitioners to engage in critical pedagogy to determine if their practice is indeed equitable, and leading to greater student learning. Possessing an operational understanding of the historical drivers of marginalization and how they intersect educational performance, access, and attainment is foundational to educational equity work. Using data to calibrate educational practices, can close gaps and increase student learning. Ongoing literature reviews will inform best practices in equity and education.
Equity work is very dynamic and fueled, routinely, by fresh ideas and approaches. A practice that is dialectical and evidenced-based provides the best opportunity to achieve more equitable outcomes. The Round Rock ISD Equity Office is focused on providing an equitable learning environment for every student enrolled in our schools and programs.
Educational equity is linked to several other outcomes in our nation, as well. Achieving equity transforms lives, families, and communities. Disparities in health, wealth, and incarceration rates, are all impacted by educational equity. The stakes are high, and the road ahead may be challenging, but Round Rock ISD is up for this. In the words of one of the yard workers at Pearl Harbor, May 1942, when confronted with the task of getting the USS Yorktown ready for battle in three days, as opposed to three months, … the difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer. Round Rock ISD will achieve a more equitable practice for all students and their families and, in turn, continue the work of Dr. King, and so many others, who never stopped believing in the promise of America.
DeWayne Street
Chief Equity Officer
