Over the course of the summer DCSC staff has been meeting with members to check-in, share information on DCSC programming for this year and to hear what is top-of-mind for leaders. So far we’ve met with the majority of members (65%) and heard a lot about what they are doing and what we could do to better support them.
What have we learned? Nearly EVERY member we spoke with emphasized that the most important reason for being a DCSC member is the opportunity to network with and learn from other intentionally diverse schools. Our members are looking to:
- Meet: We heard that it might be helpful to have “regional groups that gather regularly.”
- Share: Members want to see more “policies, practices, resources and tools with other DbD schools.”
- Learn: School staff want to know “How to become more fluent and comfortable in discussing race, equity, in education.”
We’ve been inspired by how thoughtful members have been about how to start school this year. DCSC members have been focused on prioritizing health, safety, and student equity. As DCSC members are dealing with issues of assessment, staffing, and operations, four stories from our members highlight the specific challenges of this moment. These four experiences get to the root of why diverse communities are important — to ensure all students in their school receive fair and equitable access to an excellent education. Read four stories from our members.
Also, be on the lookout for opportunities to connect with more members during the start of this school year. For members who have not yet had an annual member meeting with us, it’s not too late (we’ll be in touch :))! To all of our members — we are constantly impressed and humbled by how resilient, thoughtful, and committed you are to doing what’s right during these times.
Take a deep breath — the bell’s about to ring — school is in session!
Training with Google Anywhere School
This 4 hour online workshop for DCSC members is designed to help schools convert their school vision into meaningful online and hybrid learning experiences. Member schools are strongly encouraged to send 2-4 people representing the academic leadership team and the technology team as part of the program is designed to improve the common understanding between these groups.
Presenters: David Chen, Google & Alex Inman and Nic Finelli, Educational Collaborators
Audience: Senior academic leadership and technology leadership
Cost: Free for DCSC members!
Tuesday, September 15th
1:00-5:00pm EST
Cohort Three Kick Off
We hosted our Kickoff for Cohort Three Fellows – Emily, Mallory, Michelle, and Natalie – the last week of July. Cohort Three has, on average, 12 years in education and five in leadership. The Fellows are serving their residencies at Yu Ming Charter School (Oakland, CA), Detroit Prep (Detroit, MI), Central Queens Academy (Elmhurst, NY), and Valor Collegiate Academies (Nashville, TN), a group of schools where students are 41 percentage points more likely to show grade-level proficiency in math than those at local district schools. We can’t wait to see what these incredible Fellows accomplish as they work to become disruptive leaders for equitable school communities.
2021 Annual Convening
COVID-19 Alert: DCSC is heavily monitoring development around the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to prioritize the health and safety of our members and partners. In following recommendations and guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we will notify all attendees, presenters, and speakers of a virtual transition of our 2021 Annual Convening, if necessary, by late fall.
Check out DCSC online!
August 26: Preparing educators during COVID-19
Elmwood Village Charter School (Buffalo, NY): Principal
Education Week: Why Do Students Hat(e) School?
Guest blog post by UnifiED alumnus, Alex Baron!
Like and share: “Class Disrupted Episode 10”
Podcast from DCSC member, Summit Public Schools!
Have something to share, like an upcoming event, conference, or project? Forward information to info@diversecharters.org and we’ll include it in our next month’s update!
What’s happening at DCSC
The 9th Annual Progressive Education Summit
Baltimore, MD
This event is hosted by DCSC Member, City Neighbors Charter School!
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Profiles of Leaders of Color
Kriste Dragon from Citizens of the World is featured in this report!
Like and share: “Charter Leaders of Color Matter”
Richard Lee from Academy of the City Charter School is featured!
Have something to share, like an upcoming event, conference, or project? Forward information to info@diversecharters.org and we’ll include it in our next month’s update!
