DCSC launched the UnifiED Explorer program to develop and build the bench of future school leaders. The UnifiED Explorer program will prepare leaders of charter, district, and independent schools to deliver an excellent, integrated education in their respective communities while growing the movement for integrated schools nationwide.
“I joined DCSC’s UnifiED Explorer program as part of cohort three.While it’s early in my experience, I’ve been excited to visit schools outside of my area and learn from the leaders who are experiencing similar pain points. Having an equity focused lens for serving students is of particular interest and outside of the normal day to day problem solving framework used with peers. Based on what I learn in Explorers, I plan to dig deeply into our enrollment and recruitment processes to increase the enrollment of underrepresented ethnic groups in my school. I am sure the intentional work through UnifiED Explores will deepen our impact at Global Preparatory Academy in Indianapolis, IN.”
– Mariama Shaheed, Explorer with support from The Mind Trust
Cross sector, cohort-based collaboration
Explorers participate in monthly, cross-sector, cross-region cohort calls. The cohort calls follow a dilemma protocol and provide Explorers the opportunity to collaborate and learn in a diverse environment.
Access to experts and resources
The Explorer program arms Explorers with broad access to experts and resources. Experts from across the Coalition and its partners lead all workshops and excellent school visits.
Exposure to exemplary models
Explorers are exposed to exemplary diverse-by-design models – including models of anti-bias curriculum and instruction, social-emotional-learning, and building diverse, equitable, and inclusive school communities – from across the Coalition. Explorers visit at least 12 schools during three excellent school visits across the country.
Application of learning
Explorers apply their learning at their school of employment, designing and executing a school-specific project. For example, an Explorer might redesign curriculum to incorporate Universal Design Learning, launch a staff-lead equity team, or implement restorative disciplinary practices.
| Winter | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure to exemplary models | Welcome Virtual Excellent School Visits | New York City Excellent School Visits | |
| Access to experts & resources | Annual Convening | ||
| Cross-sector, cohort-based collaboration | Monthly, cross-sector, cross-region, cohort calls | ||
| Application of Learning | Explorers apply their learning at their school of employment, designing and executing a school-specific application of learning project | ||
BRANDING • DESIGN • DEVELOPMENT BY Atelier LKS