Creating Clarity on Equity in Schools

Pedro & Joaquin Noguera, writing on equity leadership for ASCD:

"Based on our years of experience as researchers and thought partners with district and school leaders, we have found that leaders who have made the greatest progress in advancing equity, and who are best able to withstand political attacks, are those who are able to articulate a clear vision, devise concrete strategies, set measurable goals, and implement an action plan."

A vision for equity is more than a poster on the wall; it's a continuous conversation with the community. Leaders must regularly engage with the entire community to make sure the vision is not only clear but also actionable and aligned with collectively shared values. This isn't just a procedural step during strategic planning; it's the foundation for any meaningful effort to advance equity in our schools.

Graduate Profile: How Community Engagement Can Shape the Future

This video encapsulates the collective vision we're building for Bay City Public Schools. It represents extensive community engagement—listening sessions, business summits, parent roundtables, you name it. I love how the video describes our graduate profile through voices in our community.

Leading this work has been so rewarding. It's the embodiment of what I've always believed: that when schools and communities align, magic happens. We're not just aiming for academic benchmarks; we're nurturing problem-solvers, communicators, and critical thinkers. This is about efficiency, yes, but it's also about effectiveness—about making sure our educational system is as agile and adaptable as the world our students will enter. When we listen to our community, we're not just being inclusive; we're unlocking the doors to innovation and long-term success.