Social change and my community by Emily Bellew

My Community Profile: ELT Equity Learning Team

emilybellew — 2024-06-26 18:44:57 UTC

Branch of the school district focused on supporting educators in bringing equity practices to their schools and classrooms.

Environmental

emilybellew — 2024-06-26 18:45:40 UTC

Covid-19 affected the education and overall mental health and wellbeing of children in America. However, families in low income and minority communities saw a more significant impact from these effects. Internet access and home environment being the biggest cause for the deficits in education. Our organization helps schools create scaffolding curriculum that can help keep students from being left behind.

Cultural

emilybellew — 2024-06-26 18:45:47 UTC

America’s culture has changed to become a melting pot of many different people of different backgrounds and heritages. We help schools use inclusive practices and curriculum that reflects the culture of America today.

This slide presentation was made by one of our schools using methods and strategies through our organization. Through surveys and empathy interviews, students at Levi share how equitable practices have made an impact on their education and school experience.

Historical

emilybellew — 2024-06-26 18:46:07 UTC

American public schools were established in the 1830’s. The majority of schools focused on teaching Christianity and typically allowed only white male children. The early decades of schools had policies that include segregation, sexism and low quality education for poor students. As school systems have progressed and become more inclusive, there is still major deficits for minorities and low income students. Our organization pushes for policy changes and equitable practices in schools.

emilybellew — 2024-08-01 17:40:58 UTC

My ELT organization partners with other local schools and Native American organizations to put on a Powwow for graduating students. It’s a great way for the Native American culture in Oregon to share their heritage and traditions with students and educators.

emilybellew — 2024-08-01 18:04:53 UTC

The Culturally Specific After School Learning Grant

Developed for the 2022-2024 school years to promote specific culture and heritage education.

emilybellew — 2024-08-01 18:06:55 UTC

Senate Bill 723

Educational Equity Advisory Committee

Passed in 2021

Requires Equity committees in public schools. We have been doing this for 5 years already so this provided us with more state funding.

emilybellew — 2024-08-01 18:11:09 UTC

House Bill 2166

Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program. Passed in 2021

Prevents early childhood programs from expelling children who may have extenuating circumstances, wherein they need placement in specialized programs.

Such as behavioral and SEL programs like the school I work for.

During the pandemic, many advocates for equitable and fair education asked for policy changes in schools. As a result numerous bills were passed that enforce equitable practices in schools. This movement has historical relevance for equitable education in Oregon. Social movements often call for policy changes that can help create social change for their community. Through protests, strikes and legislation, these bills created social change in education and helped progress equity in schools.

emilybellew — 2024-08-01 18:15:16 UTC

emilybellew — 2024-08-12 19:25:04 UTC

The Oregon Farm to School Program provides grants for schools that allow them to get healthy, local foods to cut back on environmental waste and provide free healthy options for public school students.

This essay by Mark Warren explains the powerful influence that social movements have on education.

emilybellew — 2024-08-14 02:06:44 UTC

Mark Warren.2018.The Power of Educational Justice Movements.Learning Policy Institute

Social Movements create social change in education.

emilybellew — 2024-08-14 16:49:58 UTC

^{In March of 2024, over 300 students participated in a walk out in the Portland Public School district. Students called for curriculum that teaches students about settler colonialism and Palestine. Many students are affected by what is happening in Gaza but most other students don’t know anything about what is going on there. For students to feel safe and respected, they want schools to openly condemn what is happening in Palestine. Much like Critical Race Theory, the walk out is part of the fight to stop white washing history and current events. Education is an important institute in our country and social moments like this one are fighting to reshape it into an inclusive and equitable source of learning. One Portland student spoke out saying, “Had my teacher taught these things, it would have turned so many heads in my class,” Morodai continued to the school board. “The only thing the lesson taught me was that none of my peers care, because none of them know, and it’s your fault. In order for my peers to care, they have to be educated.” (Laura Morodai, Students Call For Action in Portland Schools)}

^{Source: Natalie Pate.2024.Students walk out, demand action on Gaza from Portland Public Schools.OPB}^{https://www.opb.org/article/2024/03/15/students-walk-out-demand-action-on-gaza-from-portland-public-schools/}