Marking the 10 year anniversary of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, our 2024 Annual Convening celebrates our community’s work to support, promote, and expand school integration. This year’s gathering will allow members of the Coalition to reflect on our organization’s work as well as their own commitment to the diverse-by-design movement. We will also focus on the importance of equity within advocacy and storytelling in envisioning the next decade of school integration across the country.
Our relationships have always driven our work–we finally get to be back in person!
The 2024 Convening will be held January 26-27 at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO.
We have been looking forward to meeting in Kansas City, MO for more than 2 years (!) so we can highlight our growing membership in KC and St. Louis, the opportunity to see up close the work of our KC members. KC has been a historical focal point of integration. As a national coalition, KC offers a centralized location to bring as many members together as possible. It’s also known for GRADE A hospitality and BBQ…See you there!
Keynote Address
Dr. Christopher Emdin
Teacher, author and advocate
Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory and Professor of Education at the University of Southern California where he also serves as Director of Youth Engagement and Community Partnerships at the USC Race and Equity Center.
He previously served as Director of the Science Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University and alumni fellow at the Hip-hop archive and Hutchins Center at Harvard University. He has served as STEAM Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State and Minorities in Energy Ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Emdin holds a Ph.D in Urban Education with a concentration in Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Dr. Bettina L. Love is an award-winning author and the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her writing, research, teaching, and educational advocacy work meet at the intersection of disrupting education reform and strengthening public education through abolitionist teaching, Black joy, and anti-racism. The aim of her scholarship is twofold: firstly, to advance how the field of education understands and critiques school reform and the systemic and structural racism of public education within the U.S.; and secondly, to advocate for abolitionist approaches in the field of education that seek new possibilities for educational justice. In the pursuit of making her scholarship a reality, she works with activists, communities, youth, families, and school districts to build communal, civically-engaged schools rooted in the aspirations of abolitionist strategies that love and affirm Black and Brown children. Towards that end, in 2020, Dr. Love co-founded the Abolitionist Teaching Network (ATN). ATN’s mission is to develop and support teachers and parents to fight injustice within their schools and communities. To date, ATN has granted over $160,000 to abolitionists around the country. She is also the creator of the Hip Hop civics curriculum GET FREE.
Dr. Love is also a founding member of the Old 4th Ward Economic Security Task Force with the Atlanta City Council. The goal of the task force is to bring guaranteed income and income stability to Black women residents living in Atlanta. In 2022, the Task Force launched the program In Her Hands , distributing more than $15 million to Black women living in Georgia. In Her Hands is one of the largest guaranteed income pilot programs in the U.S. As part of its 50th anniversary in 2022, the Kennedy Center named Dr. Love one of the Next 50 Leaders who are making the world a more inspired, inclusive, and compassionate place.
She is the author of the books We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom and Hip Hop’s Li’l Sistas Speak: Negotiating Hip Hop Identities and Politics in the New South . Her work has appeared in numerous books and journals, including Educational Researcher , Urban Education , The Urban Review , and the Journal of LGBT Youth .
UnifiED School Visits: Only for UnifiED Fellows and Explorers
PM
CoP In-Person Deep Dive: Only for CoP Participants
Thursday January 26
AM
CoP In-Person Deep Dive: Only for CoP Participants
PM
Convening begins at 12
Bettina Love keynote at 4pm
Friday January 27
AM
Convening begins at 9am
PM
Convening Ends at 3pm
Day
Time (EST)
Programming
Thursday Jan 27
12:00 – 1:15 pm
Welcome Address and Opening Panel
1:15 – 1:30 pm
Break
1:30 – 2:45 pm
Breakout Cycle #1
The Mindful Moment Program at Morris Jeff Community School - Middle School
The Mindful Moment Program at Morris Jeff Community School - Middle School
Type: School Showcase
FACILITATOR(S): Ryan Ruyle – Morris Jeff Community School, Middle School Principal
DESCRIPTION: In this session, attendees will learn what a “mindfulness” program’s purpose and implementation looks like. Attendees will reflect on their current school’s social-emotional learning and connect mindfulness approaches that can support and enhance a student’s experience in school. The mindful moment program encourages students to exhibit self care and care for others through breathing, stretching and meditation exercises.
Close
Restorative leadership during a pandemic.
Restorative leadership during a pandemic.
Type: School Showcase
FACILITATOR(S): St. Claire Adriaan – Academy of the City Charter School, Middle School Principal
DESCRIPTION: Restorative leadership requires relationships and building community. Community well-being and providing voice to all within the organization’s ecosystem as we navigate a sense of belonging for all within our diverse organizations. How being transformative trumps being oppressive in overcoming the challenges of Covid-19.
Close
Reimagining talent: How do we remove barriers limiting pathways from paraprofessional to lead teacher?
Reimagining talent: How do we remove barriers limiting pathways from paraprofessional to lead teacher?
Type: Dilemma Discussion
FACILITATOR(S): Kate Keplinger – Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, Chief Operating Officer
Sundai Riggins – Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, Head of School
DESCRIPTION: Intentional recruitment, competitive salaries, and a residency program have been the primary attempts to cultivate a robust pipeline of teachers. We have staff who – for a variety of reasons – have remained in support roles without a pathway to become lead teachers. We’re exploring how to invest in our existing talent to deepen our bench; how can these individuals be motivated, supported, and compensated to elevate their roles in the best interests of themselves, the students, and the school?
Close
Centering on Instructional Equity: An Overview of the CRSP Framework
Centering on Instructional Equity: An Overview of the CRSP Framework
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Malika Ali – Highlander Institute, Chief Innovation Officer
DESCRIPTION: Explore a culturally responsive-sustaining pedagogy framework that supports the shift from compliance-focused teaching toward nurturing independent, critically conscious learners. Examine theory, practices, and stories that demonstrate the power of beginning with Awareness and building towards Community Building, Cognitive Development, and Critical Consciousness. Leave with the rationale, courage, and commitment to restore and elevate the natural competence of all learners.
Close
Advancing Equitable Family & Community Engagement
Advancing Equitable Family & Community Engagement
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Allisyn Swift – Beloved Community, Associate Director for Equity in Schools
Manny Godoy – Beloved Community, Associate Director for Equity in Schools
Cassandra Solis – Beloved Community, Associate Director of Equity Tools & Programming
DESCRIPTION: This session connects directly to having the courage to deeply commit to the families that your school serves. In this highly engaging session, Beloved Community will unpack how to build & maintain authentic and inclusive community engagement strategies with both internal and external school shared interest partners via our Family Experiences Continuum. We will also discuss how to deepen shared voice/shared power in those strategies in order to ensure community members feel held and cared for.
Close
Governing with Equity: Putting Words into Action
Governing with Equity: Putting Words into Action
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Carrie Irvin – Education Board Partners, CEO & Co-Founder
DESCRIPTION: To help charter school boards govern courageously with equity at the center, EBP developed our Equity Institute for board members and EDs. We will feature board members from NOLA, Denver, and California who have participated in the Institute; they will share how they have changed the way they govern to center equity, and how their boards are holding themselves accountable.
Close
Supporting ELs From Pandemic Response to Pandemic Recovery
Supporting ELs From Pandemic Response to Pandemic Recovery
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Conor P. Williams – The Century Foundation, Senior Fellow
Dr. Maggie S. Marcus – University of Maryland, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
Rohini Ramnath – DC Bilingual Public Charter School, Principal 3-5
DESCRIPTION: This presentation will discuss the findings of a new report on how educators can address the SEL and academic needs of their ELs as we shift from “pandemic response” to “pandemic recovery.” This session will also share experiences from educators working with ELs during the pandemic. Participants will receive concrete, actionable ideas for improving how their schools can improve their services for ELs this school year and beyond.
Close
Conversations with Kids: Walking the Road to Reinvention
Conversations with Kids: Walking the Road to Reinvention
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Jenee Henry Wood – Transcend, Head of Learning
David Nitkin – Transcend, Partner of Evaluation and Measurement
DESCRIPTION: When the pandemic hit, schools were forced to respond to their community’s immediate needs & recover from trauma. However, many communities used COVID as a catalyst to also undertake reinvention towards new learning models that create more equitable and extraordinary experiences. At the forefront of this is listening to students about their diverse needs, priorities, and aspirations. Our session will provide a framework and concrete tools that all communities can use to undertake this process.
Close
Revising Curriculum With the DEI Lens Tool - A Collectivist Approach
Revising Curriculum With the DEI Lens Tool - A Collectivist Approach
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Amy Parsons – Uncommon Schools, Director of High School English
Shana Pyatt – Uncommon Schools, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DESCRIPTION: In this workshop, participants will practice an approach to revising curriculum through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. They will also learn best practices for engaging diverse stakeholders in a collectivist revision process rooted in equity. Participants will leave the session with an initial project plan as well as several recommended resources for continuing the work.
Close
2:45 – 3:15 pm
Break
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Breakout Cycle #2
Creating Affinity Spaces for Kids of Color
Creating Affinity Spaces for Kids of Color
Type: School Showcase
FACILITATOR(S): Ashia Caraway – Capital City Public Charter School, 8th Grade Humanities Teacher and Sponsor of Melanin Magic Affinity Group
Ryan Mackiln – Capital City Public Charter School, 9th Grade Student
Lola Washington – Capital City Public Charter School, 8th Grade Student
DESCRIPTION: This master class will take a deep dive into the need and effectiveness of affinity spaces for students of color. We will use Melanin Magic as a template on how to develop equitable, safe, and affirming spaces for students to come together. Here, we hope to provide tools for educators who are intentional about addressing social inequities and emotional growth.
Close
Strategic Planning: Keeping Our Students, Mission & Values @ the Heart of Our Work
Strategic Planning: Keeping Our Students, Mission & Values @ the Heart of Our Work
Type: Dilemma Discussion
FACILITATOR(S): John Heffernan – Central Park School for Children, Executive Director
DESCRIPTION: Central Park School for Children, Durham, NC Kindergarten – 8th Grade Child-Centered Approach: Rigorous academics & Social Emotional Learning including Social Justice and Equity, Mindfulness and Restorative Practices via 3 pedagogies: Project Based Learning, Outdoor Learning and Integrated Arts. We are planning and growing for our All Children Thriving visionary student goals, building a full campus on a city block and laying the foundation for a Teacher Learning Center.
Close
How do we talk about school integration in ways that are compelling and effective?
How do we talk about school integration in ways that are compelling and effective?
Type: Dilemma Discussion
FACILITATOR(S): Stefan Lallinger, Senior Fellow and Director, Bridges Collaborative – The Century Foundation
Halley Potter, Senior Fellow – The Century Foundation
DESCRIPTION: In this discussion-oriented session, TCF senior fellows Stefan Lallinger and Halley Potter present some of the research the Bridges Collaborative commissioned this year with the Topos Partnership to explore how to talk about school integration in ways that are compelling and effective. This session will explore: (1) What are the problems that exist with how school integration is talked about in regular discourse? (2) What are the options for effective framing? (3) What does poll-based research demonstrate is the most effective way to frame and talk about this issue? How do reactions vary across different demographic groups?Participants will have an opportunity to talk about their own ideas on messaging and learn about some of the latest research on this issue.
Close
What Works in DEI? Research-Based Practices to Advance DEI Work in Education
What Works in DEI? Research-Based Practices to Advance DEI Work in Education
DESCRIPTION: Creating diverse, inclusive, equitable, and antiracist organizations is a precondition for achieving social justice. As we work to live out our missions, it is critical that we take a reflective lens and look at the state of our own organizations. Join Promise54 for a discussion of research-based practices and recommendations from its groundbreaking study Unrealized Impact 2.0: The Hard Truth About Where We Are and Ways to Move Forward – the largest study of its kind on DEI in education.
Close
Supporting ELs From Pandemic Response to Pandemic Recovery
Supporting ELs From Pandemic Response to Pandemic Recovery
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Conor P. Williams – The Century Foundation, Senior Fellow
Dr. Maggie S. Marcus – University of Maryland, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
Rohini Ramnath – DC Bilingual Public Charter School, Principal 3-5
DESCRIPTION: This presentation will discuss the findings of a new report on how educators can address the SEL and academic needs of their ELs as we shift from “pandemic response” to “pandemic recovery.” This session will also share experiences from educators working with ELs during the pandemic. Participants will receive concrete, actionable ideas for improving how their schools can improve their services for ELs this school year and beyond.
Close
Equity Includes Ability: Building and Sustaining Anti-Ableist Schools
Equity Includes Ability: Building and Sustaining Anti-Ableist Schools
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Megan Ohlssen – Center for Learner Equity, Managing Director of Programs
Sumeyra Ekin – Center for Learner Equity, Program Specialist
DESCRIPTION: Our commitment to diversity and equity must represent the multiple identities of students and staff. We must be courageous and honest in confronting how existing practices and systems marginalize students with disabilities. Together we will share and explore school-level strategies for improving equity for students with disabilities. Through discussion and implementation planning, attendees will look both inward and forward to honor the multiple identities of all our students and staff.
Close
Revising Curriculum With the DEI Lens Tool - A Collectivist Approach
Revising Curriculum With the DEI Lens Tool - A Collectivist Approach
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Amy Parsons – Uncommon Schools, Director of High School English
Shana Pyatt – Uncommon Schools, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DESCRIPTION: In this workshop, participants will practice an approach to revising curriculum through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. They will also learn best practices for engaging diverse stakeholders in a collectivist revision process rooted in equity. Participants will leave the session with an initial project plan as well as several recommended resources for continuing the work.
Close
Centering Identity and Inclusion as Compassion
Centering Identity and Inclusion as Compassion
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Michelle McCree-Harrison – RootsConnectED
Brandi Forte – RootsConnectED
DESCRIPTION: How do we build communities of care where everyone is invited to be their authentic selves and spaces are inclusive? In this session we will discuss how identity work and mindsets around learning go in tandem to create spaces of inclusion where true compassion can be experienced. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding, having done work that has implications for institutional and personal shifts in practice, critical in building anti-bias communities that center equity.
Close
4:30 – 5:00 pm
Break
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Keynote Address and Q&A: Christopher Emdin
6:00 – 6:15 pm
Break
6:15 – 7:30 pm
Affinity Groups
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Black Participants
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Black Participants
Type: Affinity Group
FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Nicole Evans – Embracing Equity, Director of Partnerships and Leadership Coaching
DESCRIPTION: As People of the Global Majority, we are often dealing with a constant flow of toxic racist stress as a result of living and working in this society. This is why we view self-love, self-care and community-care as critical and revolutionary acts on our journey towards collective liberation. These breakout affinity spaces offer Black Participants the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and supports, work through experiences of internalized racism, and create concrete plans for healing, joy, and liberation.
Close
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Non-Black Participants of Color
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Non-Black Participants of Color
DESCRIPTION: As People of the Global Majority, we are often dealing with a constant flow of toxic racist stress as a result of living and working in this society. This is why we view self-love, self-care and community-care as critical and revolutionary acts on our journey towards collective liberation. These breakout affinity spaces offer non-Black Participants of Color the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and supports, work through experiences of internalized racism, and create concrete plans for healing, joy, and liberation.
Close
White Accountability Space
White Accountability Space
Type: Affinity Group
FACILITATOR(S): Carly Riley – Embracing Equity, Director of Virtual Learning
DESCRIPTION: In this accountability space for white and white passing participants, we will strive to build stamina in conversations about race and racism and support the development of an anti-racist identity. This space will offer the opportunity to cultivate a critical consciousness regarding our complicity in creating and maintaining a racist society as well as in reimagining a world of truth, justice, and reconciliation. Join this community to practice accountability, develop concrete plans for self-work & critical action, and build stamina for prolonged engagement in anti-racist movements.
Close
Friday Jan 28
10:00 – 11:15 am
Affinity Groups
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Black Participants
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Black Participants
Type: Affinity Group
FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Nicole Evans – Embracing Equity, Director of Partnerships and Leadership Coaching
DESCRIPTION: As People of the Global Majority, we are often dealing with a constant flow of toxic racist stress as a result of living and working in this society. This is why we view self-love, self-care and community-care as critical and revolutionary acts on our journey towards collective liberation. These breakout affinity spaces offer Black Participants the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and supports, work through experiences of internalized racism, and create concrete plans for healing, joy, and liberation.
Close
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Non-Black Participants of Color
Healing & Solidarity Spaces for Non-Black Participants of Color
DESCRIPTION: As People of the Global Majority, we are often dealing with a constant flow of toxic racist stress as a result of living and working in this society. This is why we view self-love, self-care and community-care as critical and revolutionary acts on our journey towards collective liberation. These breakout affinity spaces offer non-Black Participants of Color the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and supports, work through experiences of internalized racism, and create concrete plans for healing, joy, and liberation.
Close
White Accountability Space
White Accountability Space
Type: Affinity Group
FACILITATOR(S): Carly Riley – Embracing Equity, Director of Virtual Learning
DESCRIPTION: In this accountability space for white and white passing participants, we will strive to build stamina in conversations about race and racism and support the development of an anti-racist identity. This space will offer the opportunity to cultivate a critical consciousness regarding our complicity in creating and maintaining a racist society as well as in reimagining a world of truth, justice, and reconciliation. Join this community to practice accountability, develop concrete plans for self-work & critical action, and build stamina for prolonged engagement in anti-racist movements.
Close
11:15 – 12:00 pm
Break
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Day 2 Welcome Programming: HipHopEd performance
1:00 – 1:15 pm
Break
1:15 – 2:30 pm
Breakout Cycle #3
How can we get a diverse group of children to personally connect to American History?
How can we get a diverse group of children to personally connect to American History?
Type: School Showcase
FACILITATOR(S): Brian Magone – Central Queens Academy Charter School, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
DESCRIPTION: I previously wondered and have recently doubted how a diverse group of scholars from various backgrounds connect to a US History curriculum. The state frameworks are undoubtedly biased toward a white perspective. How does a 14 year old Honduran immigrant connect to civil rights in the 60s? I spent the summer analyzing needed adjustments to my curriculum. I plan to share out my journey thus far, & create a forum of discussion & collaboration in order to better connect to our diverse populations.
Close
Using Mentor Texts to support Professional Development on Social Justice Curriculum
Using Mentor Texts to support Professional Development on Social Justice Curriculum
Type: School Showcase
FACILITATOR(S): Raúl Alarcon – City Language Immersion Charter (CLIC), Founding Principal
DESCRIPTION: How do we use Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s book, “Cultivating Genius” to support our work on Social Justice curriculum and instructional practices? In this session you will learn how we used a book study protocol to support our discussion of the major themes in the book and how it supported our conversations about our practices around care, courage and commitment.
Close
Responding to the equity backlash: Background and guidance to help advocates continue to fight for the educational environments our kids deserve
Responding to the equity backlash: Background and guidance to help advocates continue to fight for the educational environments our kids deserve
DESCRIPTION: Led by a team of communication professionals with experience in narrative campaigns and issues management, Protect Schools is working with partners across select states to counter the growing backlash against education equity and culturally responsive teaching. We’re reframing the narrative and offering strategic communication support to help point the public to the important work of providing every child with the educational environment they deserve. This dilemma discussion is offered by a partner organization for DCSC members.
Close
Centering on Instructional Equity: An Overview of the CRSP Framework
Centering on Instructional Equity: An Overview of the CRSP Framework
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Malika Ali – Highlander Institute, Chief Innovation Officer
DESCRIPTION: Explore a culturally responsive-sustaining pedagogy framework that supports the shift from compliance-focused teaching toward nurturing independent, critically conscious learners. Examine theory, practices, and stories that demonstrate the power of beginning with Awareness and building towards Community Building, Cognitive Development, and Critical Consciousness. Leave with the rationale, courage, and commitment to restore and elevate the natural competence of all learners.
Close
What Works in DEI? Research-Based Practices to Advance DEI Work in Education
What Works in DEI? Research-Based Practices to Advance DEI Work in Education
DESCRIPTION: Creating diverse, inclusive, equitable, and antiracist organizations is a precondition for achieving social justice. As we work to live out our missions, it is critical that we take a reflective lens and look at the state of our own organizations. Join Promise54 for a discussion of research-based practices and recommendations from its groundbreaking study Unrealized Impact 2.0: The Hard Truth About Where We Are and Ways to Move Forward – the largest study of its kind on DEI in education.
Close
Governing with Equity: Putting Words into Action
Governing with Equity: Putting Words into Action
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Carrie Irvin – Education Board Partners, CEO & Co-Founder
DESCRIPTION: To help charter school boards govern courageously with equity at the center, EBP developed our Equity Institute for board members and EDs. We will feature board members from NOLA, Denver, and California who have participated in the Institute; they will share how they have changed the way they govern to center equity, and how their boards are holding themselves accountable.
Close
Equity Includes Ability: Building and Sustaining Anti-Ableist Schools
Equity Includes Ability: Building and Sustaining Anti-Ableist Schools
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Megan Ohlssen – Center for Learner Equity, Managing Director of Programs
Sumeyra Ekin – Center for Learner Equity, Program Specialist
DESCRIPTION: Our commitment to diversity and equity must represent the multiple identities of students and staff. We must be courageous and honest in confronting how existing practices and systems marginalize students with disabilities. Together we will share and explore school-level strategies for improving equity for students with disabilities. Through discussion and implementation planning, attendees will look both inward and forward to honor the multiple identities of all our students and staff.
Close
Conversations with Kids: Walking the Road to Reinvention
Conversations with Kids: Walking the Road to Reinvention
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Jenee Henry Wood – Transcend, Head of Learning
David Nitkin – Transcend, Partner of Evaluation and Measurement
DESCRIPTION: When the pandemic hit, schools were forced to respond to their community’s immediate needs & recover from trauma. However, many communities used COVID as a catalyst to also undertake reinvention towards new learning models that create more equitable and extraordinary experiences. At the forefront of this is listening to students about their diverse needs, priorities, and aspirations. Our session will provide a framework and concrete tools that all communities can use to undertake this process.
Close
Centering Identity and Inclusion as Compassion
Centering Identity and Inclusion as Compassion
Type: Workshop
FACILITATOR(S): Michelle McCree-Harrison – RootsConnectED
Brandi Forte – RootsConnectED
DESCRIPTION: How do we build communities of care where everyone is invited to be their authentic selves and spaces are inclusive? In this session we will discuss how identity work and mindsets around learning go in tandem to create spaces of inclusion where true compassion can be experienced. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding, having done work that has implications for institutional and personal shifts in practice, critical in building anti-bias communities that center equity.
Close
2:30 – 2:45 pm
Break
2:45 – 3:45 pm
Parent Panel: Our Students’ First Teachers: Caregivers and Parents
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Member of the Year Award and Closing
Breakout Sessions
Rethinking Diversity
Takes into account differing diversities (culture, language, neurodivergence, etc.) as well as diversity across geographic contexts (rural vs. urban) and goes beyond the Black/White binary.
Operationalizing Diverse-by-Design Schools
Focuses on the systems & practices of leading a school: staff recruitment, using data, instructional practice, lottery enrollment design, and creating professional development and SEL (socio-emotional learning) resources.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Drives the narrative of intentional integration, academic excellence, and school choice, as well as how to communicate this narrative to policymakers and how to use this narrative to advocate for diverse-by-design schools.
Strand
Title
Facilitator
Description
Rethinking Diversity
Decoding Diversity: Defining and Activating Diversity in Education Organizations
Many education organizations use the term “Diversity” to communicate goals or values, yet only about 25% of organizations have actually defined the term for themselves. This conversation invites participants to examine what we mean by “diversity,” what informs our own definitions and understanding of the term, and how to support diversity through creating conditions for inclusion.
Rethinking Diversity
Moving the Goalpost on Inclusion: Towards Anti-Ableist School Communities
The session surfaces how to advance disability justice through intrapersonal and organizational diversity and equity work. By exploring the similarities and differences between inclusive and anti-ableist education, we will confront our positionality and engage with new strategies for addressing ableism and bias in schools. We will take time to reflect and discuss to co-design next steps that move us from awareness to action in our school communities.
Operationalizing DbD Schools
Embracing Diversity & Creating Connection as a Means to Foster Purpose, Identity & SEL Skills
To foster a productive learning environment, diverse-by-design schools must consciously create connection & community among their diverse populations while also creating space for each individual’s identity. As a construct, purpose development requires community & relationship building, and SEL skill & identity development. Attendees will explore strategies to foster a sense of purpose, forging connections across lines of difference through vulnerable conversations & self-reflective exercises.
Operationalizing DbD Schools
Panel: School Leader Succession: Keep Your Leader As Long As You Can, & Replace Them Well When You Have To
Charter school boards are responsible for replacing a school leader when they depart. This session aims to equip charter school boards for handling succession with a strong equity lens, and with a clear focus on ensuring that transitions do not derail student learning or school culture.
The biggest challenge facing talent teams today is people development, especially across lines of difference. Far too often, staff from marginalized backgrounds are leaving organizations because they don’t perceive opportunities to advance their careers. In this session, we will dig into the barriers to growth that need to be addressed.
Within in our world and schools, students/staff will encounter a diverse population. This is an amazing opportunity for individuals to gain diverse perspectives. In some cases, being in a diverse population can be very lonely for the most marginalized individuals who are afraid to show up as themselves. Affinity groups create opportunities for individuals who share the same identity marker to share experiences, while still being apart of the larger community.
Operationalizing DbD Schools
Equity and Opportunity: Redesign high school to advance equity & post-secondary attainment
Purdue launched Purdue Polytechnic High Schools in 2017 to increase the number of underrepresented students who could gain admission. The PPHS team understood that to change outcomes high school needed a redesign. PPHS receives national attention for its unique school model, leading to better student outcomes. This presentation will cover the school model, outcomes, and lessons learned and offer ample opportunity for discussion and Q&A.
Operationalizing DbD
Race, Power, and Privilege in Special Education: Using Co-Teaching to Make Inclusion Possible
Sergio Jara Arroyos, Tiffany Galloway & Brian Williams II, Blue Engine
Often, decisions on supporting students with disabilities are rooted in compliance. This is particularly concerning for students of color who are more likely than their white peers to be placed in highly exclusionary settings. Innovation in education often centers a general education classroom or “the average student.” Schools must operationalize practices and systems that sustain effective co-teaching to ensure BIPOC students with disabilities have access to a general education setting.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Multiple Measures: Effective Evaluation of All Schools
David Greenberg, Courtney Hughley & Morgan Powell, NACSA
The typical measures charter school contracts use tell us something, but they don’t tell us everything. Many authorizers are considering a broader array of measures, but schools must be active participants in developing metrics that get to their core mission. This session will walk through NACSA’s Multiple Measures Readiness Assessment to 1) gauge if the school is ready to consider multiple measures, 2) evaluate next steps, and 3) dialogue with other school leaders.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Integrating Anti-Bias Education Goals into Projects
In this session, participants will learn how to effectively integrate the Anti-Bias Education goals – Identity, Diversity, Justice and Action into Project Based Learning (PBL) by exploring a sample project, studying the Anti-Bias Education goals, and examining PBLWorks’ Gold Standard Framework for PBL design. Participants will learn how to intentionally integrate the ABE goals into the instructional day while experiencing protocols and routines that can be used in a variety of learning contexts.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Pandemic to Progress: Gathering Stories of Pandemic-Era Charter Innovations
Titilayo Tinubu Ali
Michelle Croft
Harold Hinds
Tanvi Kodali
Charter schools have more flexibility in staffing and spending than traditional public schools, which can make it easier to adapt to changing circumstances and implement new models, strategies, and curricula. Join this breakout session to participate in a discussion that will help the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools better understand how charter schools leveraged this flexibility to adopt pandemic-era practices that have the potential to improve educational outcomes, student learning, and school success in the future. Information collected from the session will be used as part of a larger effort to develop resources aimed at documenting and sharing charter school innovations generated during the pandemic.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Beyond Anecdotes: Using valid data to tell your school’s story
School today is at a cross-roads. There are those who are lamenting drops in NAEP testing scores, and others who are pausing long enough to ask, “what is NAEP actually testing and are our current adults the type of adults we need to lead tomorrow?” To measure school quality, we need to look beyond the narrow lens of state standards in math and reading and capture the thoughtfulness that comes when diverse students learn and grow together–both academically and social-emotionally.
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
Advocacy Panel
Natalie Hester
Naomi Shelton
Yomika Bennet
Dean Johnson
Edie Barnard
This panel brings together organizations across three different states to discuss ways that schools can develop their advocacy strategy. Advocacy efforts can range from collaborating with authorizer associations and local policymakers to the everyday work schools are doing with their students and families. After a Q&A with panelists, participants will also have the opportunity to network with other attendees.
This high-impact, high engagement session places school/district educators in the seat of activism for true equity by 1) providing a historical analysis of race-based ed policy, 2) suggesting actionable steps to authentically honor and prep students of color for success, and 3) sharing strategies to begin righting the historical wrongs within ed institutions. Using case studies, recent academic research, and a little motivation, this presentation provides educators a promising pathway forward!
Member of the Year Award
DCSC honors a member school or school network that has embodied our mission through our Member of the Year Award. Our MoY will reflect our commitment to integration, inclusion, and anti-racism, and this year will be chosen through the votes of active members. Please review the nomination forms below. Members will be able to vote as part of their registration procress for the convening.
A registrant can receive a 100% refund up to December 21, 2022.
A registrant can receive a 50% refund up to January 12, 2024.
No refunds will be given after January 12, 2024.***
Group discounts are available through the Whova platform “Group Ticket” option for groups of 3 or more.
***If you cannot join us for the convening because of COVID-19 related illness for youself, or someone in your community we will work with you to provide a refund.
Can I register on-site?
No, there will be no on-site registration. The last day to register was January 24, 2022.
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
Yes! Reach out to info@diversecharters.org to learn about how you can support this important work.
Influencers from DCSC member schools and networks, partners from the field and prospective members should attend the DCSC 2022 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 to our virtual gathering. Thank you for including all dimensions of this term when considering attending.
Arrange your travel to KC. Programming for the convening starts at 12 CT on Thursday Jan 26. (If you are in the UnifiED Explorers or Communities of Practice program you will need to arrive earlier in the week)
Once we release our full agenda, you will be able to pre-register for sessions! Using the same email you registered with sign into our convening platform (web or mobile!), look through the agenda and pre-register for the sessions you would like to attend.
Are there registration discounts?
Yes!
The first 50 people to register get 20% off by using the code: 1st50
CoP Participants recieve 20% off by using the code: dcsc2023-cop
UnifiED Explorers and Fellows receive free registration by using the code: dcscunified
Any group of 3 or more can recieve a 20% discount by using the “Group Ticket” option in Whova.
Reach out to events@diversecharters.org if you have questions.
Is there a discount hotel block available?
Yes! We are pleased to provide a discount room rate at the lovely Intercontinental KC hotel. This hotel is very close to the conference venue and DCSC will be providing a shuttle service back and forth to the convening for attendees during the chilly January mornings and afternoons.
The room block is first come, first served and will be available until Friday, January 6, 2024.
How do I book my hotel with the discount room block?
The room block is first come, first served and will be available until Friday, January 6, 2024.
How do I vote for Member of the Year?
Votes are submitted as part of registration for the 2024 Annual Convening (one can only vote if ‘Member’ is selected during registration). Voting for MoY closes on January 13.
Votes from all DCSC member schools and networks will be weighted so that each member organization has one vote.
Yes! Parking is free of charge and located on the north side of the Kauffman Center building. Please enter through the right-hand set of doors for the Conference Center.
4801 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
Will there be school visits?
Yes! DCSC member schools will host attendees. Once we release the full convening schedule, you can reserve your slot through the WHOVA app. School visits spots are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transportation will be provided to the schools from the Kauffman Center. Here are the school options (with grades served in parentheses):
Our 2022 Annual Convening will be as interactive as ever! This year’s programming will offer attendees the opportunity to learn and network with one another through three types of sessions: workshops, dilemma discussions, and school showcases. Read more about each session type for this year’s Annual Convening and submit a proposal by November 12th!
Every year we honor a member school or school network that has embodied our mission. This year, DCSC’s Member of the Year will reflect our commitment to integration, inclusion, and anti-racism through the votes of active members. We are accepting self-nominations for this award until November 12th!
In addition to whole group programming and Affinity Groups, which return by popular demand, our 2022 Annual Convening will feature three types of programming for attendees:
Rethinking Diversity
Operationalizing Diverse-by-Design Schools
Telling the Story of Intentional Integration
