Across the state, both K-12 schools and higher education institutions are increasingly committing to clear equity goals and policies to address educational disparities and systemic inequality. While these are important improvements, they question is often: How are they measuring progress of these new policies and practices to advance race equity?
Big Bold Goal 1
Minnesota schools are culturally responsive in their policies and practices
Through capacity-building and collaborations with education leaders, communities of color and Native American voices, and community members, we can work to develop race equity goals in education and promote policies and responsiveness that support them.A racially equitable education system is one where race is no longer a predictor of academic or social success.
Why Now?
Collective action and equity leadership help fulfill the potential of all people.
Minnesota continues to have one of the largest academic opportunity gaps in the country. Culturally responsive classrooms, collective action, and equity leadership are necessary to address the ongoing systemic inequities that continue to be barriers to educational opportunities and excellence for students of color and American Indian students.
Race equity planning activities and collective action-inspired Race Equity Plans bring together communities of color and American Indian communities with school leaders to more holistically reflect diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping school policy and practice.
Dr. Ron Ferguson, Harvard Achievement Gap Institute leader and researcher, addresses race equity planning this way: “In the context of a movement for excellence with equity, it is important to view the changing cultural norms in schools, homes, and youth peer groups as collective action projects requiring organizers and leadership, not adjustments that individuals will carry out in isolation without regard for others’ responses.”
Leading with an equity lens is essential for building student and community success.
“Equity-centered capacity building (ECCB) provides a lens, a set of skills, and specific strategies that support school systems and communities….it also builds the courage, relationships, and the muscle of administrators, teachers, students, boards, and community members to stay focused on their dreams and goals—helping all students thrive, improving school systems, and tackling the most daunting challenges.” –Dr. Sheryl Petty
Active Initiatives
Education Equity and Excellence Action Planning
MnEEEP, in partnership with The Nobles County Integration Collaborative (NCIC), facilitated a powerful multi-racial community engagement series that produced and released its local Promise to Act: Education Equity and Excellence Action Plan in June of 2017.
The Action Plan is the result of an 18-month research and planning process that gathered local community members and leaders to develop education equity strategies driven locally by families, students, and educators who reflect the various cultures and perspectives of Southwestern Minnesota.
Learn MoreRace Equity & Excellence in Education Network
MnEEP’s Race Equity & Excellence in Education Network works to build strategic models and collaborations with families, community members, and school leaders across Greater Minnesota to develop plans for promoting race equity in that region.
Through capacity-building and collaborations with local stakeholders in education, communities of color and Native American voices, local business leaders, and community members, we can work to develop solutions for achieving community-created race equity goals.
Learn MoreSchool Board Equity Institutes
The network provides training for local school board members on the history of communities of color and American Indian students with U.S. education policy, the use of an equity lens in decision-making, case studies on equity frameworks and schools, and equity policy tools to dismantle systemic racism and bias in school communities.
Learn MoreUpdates
Summer—Thank you! And a time for reflection and renewal
The school year is done. Children have moved into a new grade, learned new skills,… read more
What is race equity? And how do we get there?
Very recently, I had the opportunity to present with my colleague Aara Johnson at the… read more
Resources
Nobles County Promise to Act Plan
Developed by Nobles County Integration Collaborative (NCIC) Member District Communities with Minnesota Education Equity Partnership… read more
