DCSC 2021 Virtual Convening

Interrupting Inequity

Creating anti-racist and liberatory practices at intentionally diverse schools.

January 28-29, 2021

Students at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School – Washington DC

About the Annual Convening

Interrupting Inequity

The Diverse Charter Schools Coalition’s (DCSC) Annual Convening brings together 200 leaders from member schools and networks as well as partners from across the nation. With this year’s theme of Intentional Integration, you will deepen the practice of leading your school or network by learning from experts in the movement, examining real-world experiences, data and strategies, and sharing best practices through networking.

Who should come to the 2021 Convening?

Influencers from DCSC member schools and networks, partners from the field and prospective members should attend the DCSC 2021 Convening.

We are intentionally using the term “influencer” to be inclusive to both formal titles (Principal, ED, CEO) and additional key leaders across school sites and network teams who may lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) school and network-wide efforts in your context. We suggest more than one representative from each school (and/or network) because there will be moments in the convening when attendees will be asked to develop next steps to bring back to their schools/orgs and believe this is best done in teams.

True to our name, we aim to welcome a diverse group of participants in January. Thank you for including all dimensions of this term when considering attending.

Keynote Speaker

Brittany Packnett Cunningham: keynote speaker

Brittany Packnett Cunningham

NBC News and MSNBC contributor

Activist, educator, writer, and leader at the intersection of culture and justice

Brittany is a former elementary teacher, education executive and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. She was member of President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force and the Ferguson Commission. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021.Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She serves on the Gucci Changemakers Council, the Sephora Equity Advisors board, and the board of Rise To Run.

More about Brittany

Watch her TED Talk:

Register now for the 2021 convening!

What are the registration fees?

In order to accommodate our growing membership, contribute to a sustainable future for DCSC and to maintain high quality programming at our convening, we have set a nominal registration fee for all attendees. 

 

Early Bird Discount Until January 15 Regular Registration Open throughout convening
Members $100 $200
Non-Members $200 $300

 

Note: Participants and facilitators in our Communities of Practice initiative are eligible for a 20% discount.

2021 Convening Sponsors

We would like to thank the planning committee for helping the Coalition’s staff, board and funders prepare for the 2021 Annual Convening.

  • Valerie Braimah, Executive Director of City Charter Schools (CA)
  • Mike Chalupa, DCSC Board Member and Academic Director of City Neighbors Foundation (MD)
  • Alisha Gripp, UnifiED Alum and Dean of Middle School of Citizens of the World (MO)
  • Monisha Karnani, Director, Demonstration & Outreach of Inspired Teaching Demonstration School (DC)
  • Robyn King, Director of Admissions and Community Outreach of Académie Lafayette (MO)
  • Sean Wilson, CEO of International High School of New Orleans (LA)

Breakout Options

There are three distinct types of breakouts this year: 1) Workshops, 2) School Visits and 3) Racial Affinity Spaces.

They are all 75 minute learning opportunities for attendees led by members and key partners. with the goal of the workshops is to learn new skills, gain awareness about tools and resources related to leading intentionally diverse school communities.

Please review your options before you begin registration. All breakout options are capped to ensure small group discussion and deep engagement. They will fill up so act fast!

Workshop Sessions

Content and strategy sessions focused on providing attendees access to specific tools and resources to improve their practice.

Convening 2021 Strand icon: Academics Academics

Teach and learn with all students while rejecting traditional, oppressive frameworks.

Grading for Liberation
Expanding AP Courses and De-tracking
Removing Barriers that Perpetuate Inequitable Outcomes Through Universal Design for Learning

Community

Foster sustaining relationships with external stakeholders and uplift grassroots expertise.

Disrupting the Opportunity Gap in Diverse Public Charter School
Diversity Defined
Communal Wealth, Communal Classrooms

Convening 2021 Strand icon: Culture Culture

Affirm a sense of belonging among all our true authentic selves.

Shifting Mindsets to Address Power and Privilege Beyond Competing Inequities
Using Restorative Circle Dialogs to Build Community
Establishing All Staff Race and Equity Crews
Cultivating Belongingness: Building Authentic & Inclusive Engagement

Convening 2021 Strand icon: Operations Operations

Build systems and tools that care for the human needs of our schools.

Centering our People as we Lead Through Change and Uncertainty
Playing With Time

Convening 2021 icon: School Visits School Visits

School visits have always been a cornerstone of the DCSC Convening. This year, we have access to a curated list of member schools across the country. During school visits, attendees will view short clips of virtual school and work through a protocol with school leaders from our curated schools.

Central Queens Academy - Queens, NY
Detroit Prep - Detroit, MI
Valor Collegiate - Nashville, TN
Yu Ming Charter School - Oakland, CA
LEEP Dual Language Academy - Brooklyn, NY
DSST Public Schools - Denver, CO

Convening 2021 icon: Racial Affinity Affinity Groups

We know that leading diverse-by-design schools is a singular experience. However, that experience is not the same for us all. This year, we’ve partnered with Embracing Equity to facilitate three separate racial affinity breakout spaces for tailored dialogue and anti-racist skill building for educators and leaders during this national racial reckoning and beyond.

Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Black Participants
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Non-Black Participants of Color
White Accountability Space

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