Cultural Competency for staff and students of District 88

One of the greatest assets of District 88 is the rich diversity that exists among our students and staff. Within the district, more than 40 languages are spoken, and six continents are represented. Because of that diversity, District 88 students have the privilege to experience the benefits of a global society right here within the walls of our schools.

It is the goal of District 88 to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students and ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. To that end, along with monitoring our achievement and discipline data as required by federal law, we also conducted an equity study last year to gather feedback from students and staff regarding our cultural competency. To further enhance our cultural competency, we have begun the process of Deep Equity training with Gary Howard from the Gary Howard Equity Institute. Funding for that partnership stems from federal grants set aside for this purpose.

Research shows when students feel validated and comfortable in the school environment, their level of achievement increases. The Illinois Professional Teaching Standards expect that a "competent teacher understands the spectrum of student diversity (e.g. race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, special education, gifted, English Language Learners (ELL), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity) and the assets that each student brings to learning across the curriculum.”

Deep Equity training provides staff members with the opportunity to reflect on our beliefs and practices as a district to ensure our classrooms are as culturally responsive as possible. According to Howard, Culturally Responsive Teaching is defined as "teaching and leading in such a way that more of our students across more of their differences achieve at a higher level and engage at a deeper level more of the time, without giving up who they are."

The process for staff involves five phases that begin with "tone and trust" and "personal culture and personal journey" and finish with the classroom applications outlined above. More than 70 staff members are participating in this "train-the-trainer" model, with intentions to bring the information to the rest of the staff starting in March.

To involve our students in this process, we have invited Benjie Howard and Wade Colwell-Sandoval from the New Wilderness Project to bring us the Youth Equity Stewardship Series (YESS!) training from their Youth Voice Leadership Series. Students have been chosen for this opportunity by their principal and teachers, and the first training will take place on Oct. 16. The content of the student training mirrors the staff series, with an emphasis on preparing students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them. Funding for this series also stems from federal grants.

This is an exciting time in District 88, as we work to move our schools to the next level and expand opportunities for our students to achieve at their highest potential. For more information about diversity initiatives at District 88, feel free to contact me at 630-530-3982 or jbarbanente@dupage88.net.