EQUITY IN ACTION

MOVING BEYOND THE CONVERSATION

FALL 2019

OFFICE OF EQUITY AFFAIRS

EMAIL: EQUITY-AFFAIRS@WCPSS.NET
PHONE: 919.694.0524
TWITTER: @WCPSSEQUITY
 WELCOME
Thank you for reviewing, Equity in Action: Moving Beyond the Conversation. This document
serves as the annual call to action and resource guide from the Office of Equity Affairs (OEA)
for WCPSS educators and stakeholders. Our aim has always been to partner with school and
district leaders, teachers, and staff on their journey toward securing more equitable outcomes
for WCPSS students and families. To that end, OEA remains committed to designing high-quality
equity learning content and experiences in support of the innovative ideas and strategies
emerging from our classrooms, schools, and departments.

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

The Equity in Action document has two sections. The first outlines foundational beliefs about
equity, which defines the principles, competencies, and theories for effective equity leadership.
The second section lists the scope of fall learning opportunities sponsored by OEA, including
descriptions and registration information.

The best use of this document is first to review section one for opportunities to sharpen your
equity lens. Utilize OEA’s Knowledge & Skill Continuum as a reference or benchmark. Afterward,
search section two for learning opportunities that complement your learning needs. And
remember, the OEA team is always here to support your efforts!

Onward!
The Office of Equity Affairs

“The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does

not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the
students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it
possible for the students to become themselves.”

- Paulo Freire
WCPSS PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY
Across the United States and in the Wake County Public School System, student achievement outcomes can be
predicted by special education status, family income, and race. The predictability of achievement represents the most
consistent and persistent challenge in education today. For this reason, Wake County Public School System educators
are guided by the following principles of equity:

WCPSS staff will work to socialize intelligence and effort among all students in every school, every classroom, every
day.

WCPSS staff will be intentional about interrupting beliefs and practices that serve as systemic barriers to student
achievement.

WCPSS staff will model and advance courageous conversations about special education status, family income, and
race, and how these attributes shape teaching and learning experiences in schools, classrooms, and community.

From the principles of equity, the Office of Equity Affairs draws its purpose of ensuring that equal and equitable
opportunity is a priority at all levels of our organization. This guarantees all students, families, teachers, administrators,
and staff have full access to the benefits provided by the Wake County Public School System.

Our purpose informs our mission of influencing policies, practices, and beliefs to secure a transformative schooling
experience for students and families that have been traditionally and historically marginalized.

WORKING DEFINITION OF EQUITY

In the Office of Equity Affairs, we use the following working definition of equity: Eliminating the predictability of success
and failure that correlates with any social or cultural factor. Educators work toward equity by interrupting inequitable
practices, challenging biases, and creating inclusive school environments for all.

EQUITY LEADERSHIP
Dismantling systemic inequities requires equity leadership, which lives beyond conventional forms of leadership. The
WCPSS Cultural Responsiveness Framework represents an adaptive approach that supports equity leaders in these
efforts. Through the framework equity work is put into action by creating time and space for new learning, changing
mindsets and attitudes toward equity challenges, and welcoming students and families as full partners in solution-
making efforts. More specifically, equity leaders:

are committed to long-term systemic change efforts and willing to make critical decisions that demonstrate a
commitment to interrupting educational inequity;

have a compelling vision for the impact they want to have with students and families concerning issues of equity
and can communicate their vision in a way that inspires direct action;

value the experiences and leadership of the students and families they serve by intentionally building
relationships to nurture a collective voice for change and empowerment in their school communities

reflect on their experiences to better understand their identity and practice and how it impacts their ability to
dismantle educational inequities; and

have the confidence to take risks and make difficult decisions that are rooted in their values. Even in the face of
opposition, equity leaders can draw on a heartfelt conviction for what is best for students and families.

WCPSS stakeholders should know the terms “leader” and “leadership” are applicable to any one person or team who
is engaged in leading equity work within their sphere of influence - teachers, bus drivers, front office staff, instructional
assistants, equity teams, coaches, principals, district administrators, community members, PTA members and more.
Lead on!
EQUITY COMPETENCIES
The WCPSS Equity Competencies outline the content and conceptual knowledge necessary for advancing equity work in
schools, classrooms, and departments. The competencies are grounded in six focus areas:

Courageous Conversations: Strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations about inequity in education.

Color Consciousness: Awareness and knowledge of how race and racism operate in our society and our
educational systems.

Identity Development: The process by which people come to understand their identity and how it impacts their
personal experiences and role in society, particularly as it applies to their ability to succeed in society.

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Theories and strategies for engaging students through their cultural background.

Examining Power & Privilege: Using a philosophical and practical lens to explore how the dominant culture
impacts the experiences of all people.

Effective equity leaders work to increase their knowledge, understanding, and practice in these areas over time.
The Office of Equity Affairs is available to support school and district leaders in this journey through coaching and
consultation, professional learning opportunities, and sharing of equity resources and tools. Listed below are essential
learnings that align to each competency.
ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP: THE BASIS OF WCPSS EQUITY WORK
While the competencies and essential learnings listed above outline the content and conceptual knowledge for equity
leadership, the practice of adaptive leadership frames the theoretical basis of our work. Adaptive leadership pushes
leaders to take on the gradual but meaningful process of systemic change, both individually and collectively, when
there are no clear answers to our most pressing equity challenges. This approach asks stakeholders to distinguish
between technical problems and adaptive challenges. Technical problems can be solved as long as leaders have the
expertise and authority to effect change. Adaptive challenges require new learning, and their solutions must come from
the collective wisdom of the school community. Listed below are additional characteristics of technical problems and
adaptive challenges.

EQUITY IN ACTION: WCPSS CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS FRAMEWORK

The promise of adaptive leadership in facing our post pressing equity challenges is made actionable through the WCPSS
Cultural Responsiveness Framework - a three-tiered model grounded in academic achievement, cultural integrity,
and critical consciousness. Cultural responsiveness responds to
adaptive challenges by promoting the conditions that support
academic achievement of at-promise students, affirming students’
cultural identities, and giving students space and opportunity to
impact the social and cultural context of their education.

Equity in Action Mindset: See, Understand, Interrupt

Equity leaders must be open to seeing inequities wherever they
exist. And not only in the form of graphs, charts, lists, and averages
but also in the teaching and learning context we construct for
students.

Understanding how students and families live inequities day-to-day is also a significant function of equity leadership.
Recognizing the burden of inequities from the perspective of those most impacted positions school leaders to design
and promote programming that is specific to the needs of the students and families they serve.

Interrupting inequities is among the most challenging work in schools because there are no simple and straightforward
solutions. In solution-making, schools must be full partners with students and families closest to the gaps. Nurturing
deep relationships is critical to interrupting gaps. Ultimately students and families will do the heaving-lifting to eliminate
inequities in schools - not school and district leaders, teachers, or staff. Take a moment to consider the WCPSS Cultural
Responsiveness Framework and how it may inform your practice.
OEA KNOWLEDGE & SKILL CONTINUUM
Achieving equity in schools relies on leaders to view themselves
as learners working toward higher levels of personal and
professional mastery. The OEA Knowledge and Skill Continuum
provides a benchmark from which WCPSS staff can gauge their
growth and development. The differences between the five levels
of the continuum are not meant to represent precise delineations
of mastery. It is best to think of them as gradations of learning
that show a general growth trajectory.

OEA’s equity learning opportunities, found on the following pages,

were developed using the Knowledge and Skills Continuum as an
essential design guide. This focus ensures that wherever you find
yourself along the journey of personal and professional mastery,
there’s something for you! Some learning sessions will cater to
equity leaders moving from oblivion to awareness. Others will
focus on the path from understanding to teaching and coaching.
However, each learning opportunity will engage your thinking,
challenge your practice, and inspire you to lead.

New opportunities to connect and engage often emerge

throughout the year. Be sure to follow OEA on twitter at @
WCPSSEquity and watch for our quarterly newsletters starting
September 2019. The OEA Learning Central site is always full of
current and exciting learning resources to help you put equity in
action!
 EQUITY LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
FALL 2019

TEACHING TOLERANCE SOCIAL JUSTICE STANDARDS

This interactive workshop helps teachers learn how to effectively implement anti-bias instruction in their classrooms.
Participants will explore practical strategies for accomplishing academic and social-emotional goals side by side.
They will discuss learning conditions that honor all identities and reflect diversity, equity and justice. After exploring
ready-to-use materials, applying rigorous standards and planning ways to incorporate research-based teaching
practices, participants will leave the workshop with ideas and tools for transforming their classrooms and schools.

Facilitators: Lauryn Mascareñaz & Office of Equity Affairs

Date
Saturday, September 7, 2019
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)

BEYOND DIVERSITY (PHASE I)

The two-day Beyond Diversity seminar is designed to help teachers, students, parents, and administrators
understand the impact of race on student learning and investigate the role that racism plays in institutionalizing
achievement disparities.

Facilitators: Pacific Educational Group

Dates (Two-Day Seminar)

November 12-13, 2019
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019), or

January 29-30, 2020

(WakeLearns registration opens December 11, 2019)

EXPLORING LATINO CULTURE

If your school is faced with a growing Latino population, this is the workshop for you. In this session, you will learn
about Latino cultural norms, values, and traditions. Participants will also explore how culture affects academics,
classroom behavior, and the challenges faced by families and students immigrating to the United States. Participants
will walk away with specific culturally relevant strategies and survival educational Spanish to increase Latino family
engagement and student achievement.

Facilitator: Dr. MariaRosa Rangel

Date
August 6, 2019 (8:30am - 4:30pm)
(WakeLearns registration opened July 22, 2019)
RESILIENCE FILM SCREENINGS & WORKSHOPS
Join us in reviewing the film, Resilience, and participate in workshops about toxic stress and adverse childhood
experiences (ACEs). Participants will learn how students can survive trauma by learning to be resilient. Workshops
are designed for those who have seen the film and want to take the next step by implementing trauma-informed
strategies in their school, classroom, or home. Workshops are free & open to public.

Facilitators: Office of Equity Affairs and Counseling & Student Support Services

Dates
September 12, 2019
October 10, 2019
November 14, 2019
January 9, 2020
February 13, 2020
March 12, 2020
April 9, 2020

Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

Location
CRII, 1400AB (with breakout rooms)

#EQUITY4WAKE FILM SCREENINGS & EDCAMP EQUITY

Save the dates for film screenings and Edcamp Equity! The team that brought you Teach Us All and Edcamp Equity
are providing educator-led professional learning again this year.

Facilitators: Edcamp Equity Organizing Team

Dates
Fall Film Screening - October 19, 2019
Spring Film Screening - April 18, 2020 - TBD
Edcamp Equity - February 22, 2020 - Heritage HS

CREATING ENGAGING & EQUITABLE CLASSROOMS (SUMMER)

How can we create classrooms that are positive, engaging learning environments? Participants will explore a
process to develop a classroom where all students feel included and the classroom becomes a learning community.
Participants will be empowered to create classrooms where social-emotional learning is developed and leveraged to
allow all students to be academically successful. Open to K-12 educators.

Facilitator: Teresa Bunner

Date
August 5, 2019 (8:15am - 3:15pm)
(WakeLearns registration opened July 22, 2019)

CREATING ENGAGING & EQUITABLE CLASSROOMS (FALL)

How can we create classrooms that are positive, engaging learning environments? Participants will explore a
process to develop a classroom where all students feel included and the classroom becomes a learning community.
Participants will be empowered to create classrooms where social-emotional learning is developed and leveraged to
allow all students to be academically successful. Open to K-12 educators.

Facilitator: Teresa Bunner

Dates (Two-Day Course)

September 28, 2019 (8:30am - 12:30pm) and
October 12, 2019 (8:30am - 12:30pm)
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)
SAFEZONE TRAINING (SUMMER)
This workshop is designed for the educator to interactively explore topics and methods to better understand and
support LGBTQ students and staff in the school community. Participation in this workshop will deepen your level
of understanding of what it means to be an LGBTQ student or staff member, expand your ally vocabulary, and gain
tools and confidence to be a support to your LGBTQ students and staff. Facilitators will guide you through safe
and honest discussions about gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. You will apply new vocabulary to
interactive activities and connect as a group by practicing real world scenarios such as coming out, how to make
transgender students feel safe, and recognizing heterosexual privilege. This session is designed for both the novice
and experienced ally.

Facilitators: Susie Silver & Ginny Clayton

Date
August 7, 2019 (8am - 12pm)
(WakeLearns registration opened July 22, 2019)

SAFEZONE TRAINING (FALL)

Facilitators: Susie Silver & Ginny Clayton

Date
October 31, 2019 (8am -12pm)
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)

SAFEZONE TRAINING (DISTRICT PL WORK DAY)

Facilitators: Susie Silver & Ginny Clayton

Dates
September 30, 2019 (8am -12pm), or
February 17, 2020 (8am -12pm), or
March 9, 2020 (8am -12pm)

PROMOTING EQUITY THROUGH FAMILY & SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

Authentic and equitable family engagement contributes to improved student outcomes and closes persistent
achievement gaps among students of different racial, ethnic, and family income levels. Participants in this equity
micro-course will learn best practices for implementing the Dual Capacity-Building Framework, strategies for
engaging underrepresented families, and approaches for developing a comprehensive family engagement plan.

Facilitator: Dr. MariaRosa Rangel

Dates (Three-Day Course)

October 2, 2019 (4:30pm - 6:30pm), and
October 9, 2019 (4:30pm - 6:30pm), and
October 16, 2019 (4:30pm - 6:30pm)
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)

EQUITY LEADERSHIP: DIGGING DEEPER

How do I ensure equity is at the center of my practice? How do I create an equity plan for my school or classroom?
How do I start an equity team? Join Lauryn Mascarenaz to answer these questions and others about sustaining
equity leadership in schools and classrooms. Participants will use the district’s equity leadership frameworks to
refine their leadership approach and develop school or classroom equity plans for 2019-20 school year.

Facilitators: Lauryn Mascareñaz & Charlesa Peoples

Dates (Two-Day Course)

October 22, 2019 (1pm - 3pm), and
October 29, 2019 (1pm - 3pm)
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)
SEEING WHITE
Participants will study the critically acclaimed podcast series by Scene on Radio, “Seeing White”, hosted by John
Biewen. Participants will take a deep dive into questions about whiteness and its political, economic, and social
constructions. This hybrid Learning Central course includes podcast audio, transcripts, discussion questions, and
links to additional resources. The hybrid course includes face-to-face and virtual sessions, please review the course
schedule carefully.

Facilitator: Christina Spears

Dates (Five-Day Course)

October 7, 2019 (F2F), and
October 21, 2019 (V), and
November 4, 2019 (V), and
November 18, 2019 (V), and
December 2, 2019 (F2F)

Time
5:15pm - 7:00pm (F2F) and 7:15pm - 8:30pm (Virtual)
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)

EQUITY TEAM SYMPOSIUM (DISTRICT PL WORK DAY)

This symposium is for all equity teams - elementary, middle and high school. Designed for 2-3 members from your
team that is already established or is planning to start. There will be time to network and learn from each other,
exchange ideas and best practices, and pick up resources.

Facilitator: Lauryn Mascareñaz

Dates
September 30, 201,9 or
March 9, 2020 (8am -12pm)

RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE (REI)

Moving the focus from individual bigotry and bias, the REI Phase 1 workshop presents a historical, cultural, structural
and institutional analysis. REI believes that organizations often work for equity with multiple understandings of
racism that rely more on personal feelings and popular opinion.

Facilitators: REI & Raleigh Organizing Against Racism

Dates (Two-Day Seminar)

September 19-20, 2019
(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019), or

December 5-6, 2019

(WakeLearns registration opens August 5, 2019)

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM (DISTRICT PL WORK DAY)

Are you implementing a new curriculum that offers multiple perspectives and not sure where to start? Do you read
texts that require conversations about social justice topics? This session is for you! In this session, participants will
engage in activities that foster courageous conversations about race and other tough topics in the classroom. Join
the Office of Equity Affairs in learning strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about race.

Facilitators: Office of Equity Affairs

Dates
September 30, 2019 (8am -12pm), or
March 9, 2020 (8am -12pm)
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 STAFF

EQUITY-AFFAIRS@WCPSS.NET
919.694.0524