Schools launch Grafton IDEA, focusing on inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism

Grafton schools announced measures focusing on inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism, including the development of a website and the hiring of a director of student success, equity, and inclusion.

“The Grafton Public Schools recognizes the critical importance of equity,” Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings wrote in an email to the school community. “The Center for Public Education defines equity as ‘when all students receive the resources they need so they graduate prepared for success after high school.’ This simple statement has proven remarkably challenging in terms of actual implementation across the nation. The Grafton Public Schools is committed to the ongoing journey towards the maximization of equity for everyone within our community. The journey involves active participation on the part of students, staff, and parents and has no defined end

Gabriella Knight, the new director of students success, equity and inclusion, will join the school department in July. Knight received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her master’s from Binghamton University with a concentration in Africana Studies and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. 

Knight has work experience with Cornell Student Disability Services and behavioral disorders and has lectured on the topics of bias, gender, and racial equity.  

The announcement comes at the close of what Cummings refers to a “this challenging and unprecedented school year,” marked by COVID-19, questions about administering equitable education to students in remote classrooms, and a continued national and local focus on racism.

The school department has launched the Grafton IDEA website ( https://sites.google.com/grafton.k12.ma.us/grafton-idea/home), setting a foundation for resources and events related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism. It includes suggested books, videos, and podcasts addressing the subjects for both parents and students

The following areas of action define the core areas of focus:

Climate and Culture

• Promote a climate of care and respect for all students and staff regardless of background or experience.
• Continue building shared commitment and ownership of equity work

Community Outreach

• Provide opportunities for learning and  dialogue within the community around anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Communicate regularly with the community regarding what is done, sharing resources, and providing opportunities for further growth and development

Curriculum

• Systematically assess curriculum and instructional materials through an equity lens to ensure that the curriculum is historically accurate and culturally inclusive.
• Implement culturally responsive instructional practices focused on individual student experience and need.

Data and Accountability

• Gather baseline data in each of these areas via a district-wide equity audit.
• Develop a mechanism for ongoing data collection and assessment to measure progress towards stated goals.
• Utilize data to routinely identify, address, and monitor inequities

Hiring and Supporting Educators

• Hire faculty from a diverse pool of candidates committed to these goals.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for all educators in support of their individual goals as well as the support of the district’s focus on fostering a community free from bias and discrimination.
• Enhance and refocus the evaluation process to maximize the development of equitable practices that better enable staff to support all students and families.

Policies and Procedures

• Eliminate bias from district practices and policies and include multiple perspectives in all decision-making.
  

Structures of Support for Special Student Populations

• Regularly assess and revise staffing structures, staff development, and resource supports for special student populations that includes a wide-ranging special education program and English Language Learner program.
• Utilize data to identify which supports, approaches, and resources are most effective in maximizing student growth and then replicate those most impactful practices across the school district.

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