Getting REAL in the Needham Public Schools

We have been hard at work in the Needham Schools reviewing programs, school policies, instructional practices, curricular programs, and school cultures from an equity perspective in an effort to ensure all students feel represented, valued, included and welcomed.

This year we are using the following working definition of Equity to guide our work:

Equity:  Fair and just access, inclusion, and participation; the practice of nurturing a learning environment in which all children are empowered to grow, create, and achieve; freedom from bias and discrimination; an understanding that each child possesses personal gifts and attributes and brings these to the classroom which strengthen learning for all; a process by which we promote justice, engender respect, and inspire hope.

It’s an imperfect definition, but it provides a framework for our ongoing discussions and conversations around what all children need to succeed.

Our district’s focus on equity has resulted in the creation of a district wide team, the Race, Equity, Access & Leadership (REAL) Coalition whose purpose is to lead the work and conversations around equity in our schools and classrooms.  The REAL Coalition is guided by three essential questions:

• How do we engage and educate the community, staff, students and families on the importance of developing and supporting educational practices that provide equity, achievement, and excellence for all students?
• What do we need to do in order to have an interdisciplinary approach to race and equity that becomes part of the fabric of who we are as a school system?
• How do we create a safe environment for having difficult conversations?

Our work is really just beginning, but we feel energized and positive about our focus and direction.  On the evening of April 24^th, the REAL Coalition, in partnership with other community-based organizations, including the Needham Human Rights Committee, will provide an update to the community and invite questions about and participation in our work.  Details and more information soon!

For additional information about the District’s commitment to equity, please check out our website:   Equity in the Needham Public Schools