District 88 students participate in Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series

Top left: Wade Antonio-Colwell greets the District 88 students and staff who participated in Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series training sessions, which took place on Aug. 6 and 7 at Addison Trail. The goal of that program is to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them. Top right: Wade Antonio-Colwell guides students and staff through an interactive activity. Bottom left and right: Benjie Howard performs music pieces that reflect the work of cultural competency and Deep Equity.

(From left to right, top row to bottom row) Willowbrook sophomore Julia Lata, Addison Trail sophomore Huda Siddiqui, Addison Trail senior Mercedes Lopez and Willowbrook sophomore Lana Gallagher share their thoughts during the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series training sessions.

On Aug. 6 and 7, about 30 students from Addison Trail and Willowbrook participated in Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) series training sessions at Addison Trail.

That program is led by Benjie Howard and Wade Antonio-Colwell, and the goal is to prepare students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them. During the sessions, students shared their thoughts and experiences through multimedia, interactive activities regarding cultural competency. That group will continue to meet throughout the school year.

District 88 formed an Equity Task Force in spring 2015 to further enhance the district’s cultural competency, and the YES! series was implemented to involve students in those efforts. Staff members also participated in Deep Equity training with Gary Howard with the Deep Equity Institute and Corwin. District 88 is committed to continuing this work with cultural competency and culturally responsive teaching for the inclusion, equity and excellence of all students.