Equity Alliance Conference 2025 Open Discussion by D B

2025-04-26 14:35:19 UTC

Come together to be advocates for bias in standardized testing, and regulations that block real learning

2025-04-26 14:37:00 UTC

Have students go to board meetings and bring their issues forward for everyone to hear.

2025-04-26 14:37:04 UTC

Students should be asked what they need; listen to their stories and provide support

2025-04-26 14:37:36 UTC

Come together, administrators and educators and train ourselves first to fight against these obstacles. Build the culture and community of equity.

2025-04-26 14:38:45 UTC

Educators and administrators first need to learn how to work together for the betterment of students. They need to remove any biases that they have to push forward for the needs of their students.

2025-04-26 14:39:09 UTC

More resources in school for BIPOC students

getting to know the students in your class and building

Make sure students and families feel like they belong in the community (ex: herd of elephants)

2025-04-26 14:39:15 UTC

Change standardized testing to include the diverse ways children learn

2025-04-26 14:39:21 UTC

Administrators need to walk in humble and acknowledge that their systems are never perfect. They need to identify aspects of their own school culture that act as barriers to student success and engagement, even if it’s hard for them to hear (who has a voice? Who doesn’t? Who is represented in curricula? Who isn’t? Which students are recognized and rewarded formally? Why?)

2025-04-26 14:39:40 UTC

I believe it starts with developing trust between administrators and faculty. Once that trust is developed, both groups can move forward with strategies that will truly move our students forward.

2025-04-26 14:39:56 UTC

First ask students(all but the most marginalized and the polar opposites), model the appropriate behaviors and increase the idea student from proficient to fluent

2025-04-26 14:40:05 UTC

Create supplemental supports like skills classes

for students outside their class.

2025-04-26 14:40:08 UTC

Allow students more of a voice in their learning.

2025-04-26 14:40:08 UTC

First, you need an admin who is willing to make the necessary changes.

2025-04-26 14:40:19 UTC

Administrators need to allow educators to do more to help students. They need to be empowered, not restricted.

2025-04-26 14:40:24 UTC

Continue to teach diversity!

2025-04-26 14:40:25 UTC

Getting to know students and their families and leaving space in the classroom for the aspects of them that they bring from home

Push for legal change

2025-04-26 14:40:47 UTC

Open meetings with school leaders to hear from students about what’s working and what isn’t. Some schools, for example, offer monthly “breakfast club” meetings between principals, supervisors, and randomly selected students.

2025-04-26 14:40:49 UTC

You need to gain leadership roles so others that are like YOU will have the support BUT someone needs to be the FIRST and you can be that person! I was in my district and will not stop fighting for my students, my community, and MYSELF.

2025-04-26 14:40:49 UTC

Students need support. Educators and Administrators can provide the support system that students need to feel connected and to change their lives.

2025-04-26 14:40:53 UTC

Being able to listen and meet student’s needs

2025-04-26 14:40:54 UTC

We need to continue to be the support our students need daily… get to know THEM!!!

2025-04-26 14:41:08 UTC

I noticed that many, if not all of the students, craved for adult support with social-emotional issues. They want to be seen for the individuals that they are and the learning will come naturally.

2025-04-26 14:41:13 UTC

Providing more 1:1 or small group support for students to share their questions and concerns with educators

2025-04-26 14:41:15 UTC

Listen to students!

Students first approach, by need instead of “covering ourselves”

Create more opportunities for an individualized approach

2025-04-26 14:41:27 UTC

Put a system in place for students to anonymously raise issues with things that are happening in the school.

2025-04-26 14:41:27 UTC

We have to show them that our support is unconditional and show up even when it’s hard

2025-04-26 14:41:30 UTC

It begins with first getting to know the students’ identity and cultural wealth. Then advocate for policies students ask for and need

2025-04-26 14:41:33 UTC

Have their voices heard via panels like this

2025-04-26 14:41:34 UTC

Encourage students to meet with administrators and discuss their challenges. Our students do roundtable discussions with administrators 2x a year

2025-04-26 14:41:40 UTC

Teach about questioning the authority figures. If something makes you feel uncomfortable or it is not right, find the safe space to use their voice to call it out

2025-04-26 14:41:47 UTC

We need to start with first hiring superintendents and administrators who value educators.

2025-04-26 14:41:47 UTC

Empower students with leadership skills and critical citizenship skills

2025-04-26 14:41:50 UTC

collaborate WITH STUDENTS to create space for community conversations with administrators educators parents using parent advocacy network outside of traditional board meetings were roberts rules can obstruct mea ingful conversations

2025-04-26 14:42:02 UTC

To instill a culture of the humanity of all. Efforts to reduce the tribalist us vs them. PD's should focus on community building for all to share our lived experiences.

2025-04-26 14:42:14 UTC

Administration needs to be OPENED to listen and converse with their staff and have those conversations about the realities the students are facing. Too many sit behind their desk and run their school behind closed doors.

2025-04-26 14:42:15 UTC

In the video, many of the students said they needed people to talk to, wanted a positive relationship with their teachers. We as teachers, administrators must create those spaces.

2025-04-26 14:42:15 UTC

Having true parent/teacher partnership long term

2025-04-26 14:42:16 UTC

we must model that looks like

2025-04-26 14:42:28 UTC

If you teach your students they need to stand up for themselves, then YOU must stand up for yourself TOO!

2025-04-26 14:42:32 UTC

Students need to be treated as an equal participant and take their suggestions seriously.

2025-04-26 14:42:33 UTC

Admin and educators need to be trained in equity issues in the same room first.

2025-04-26 14:42:51 UTC

I think first every administrator needs annual implicit bias training and surveying. The Harvard Implicit Bias Test I believe is still free

2025-04-26 14:42:54 UTC

First they need to acknowledge and accept thier existence without the focus on blame but recognizing there needs to be change and be brave to do the work

2025-04-26 14:43:07 UTC

Create opportunities for voices to be heard

2025-04-26 14:43:08 UTC

Include students in some of the conversations about the school culture and climate.

2025-04-26 14:43:11 UTC

As a part of the application/interview process there should be a questionnaire to attempt to gain information about people’s perspectives (biases) regarding diversity in the classroom, community and instruction.

2025-04-26 14:43:21 UTC

Create “real” student government organization. It should be led by and driven by student representatives

2025-04-26 14:43:32 UTC

Administrators need to have a remember when moment. Remember when you were in the classroom.

2025-04-26 14:43:35 UTC

Construct a student, teacher, administrator, and parent advisory committee. Provide a safe space for students to give their opinions.

2025-04-26 14:44:03 UTC

come together to create resource groups. Include student members

2025-04-26 14:44:28 UTC

Provide continuous support for students in fulfilling the dreams.

2025-04-26 14:45:46 UTC

Breaking down systemic barriers means building a culture of learning and growth that outlasts any one group of teachers or administrators - a shared commitment to keep improving so that every student is supported, now and in the future.

2025-04-26 14:46:39 UTC

We can conduct surveys of what they want to learn about and incorporate what's appropriate into the curricula.

2025-04-26 14:46:57 UTC

Modeling!

Be the change, you want to see in the world 🌎

2025-04-26 14:47:13 UTC

Number 1: Make sure your district admin recognize that there actually ARE systemic obstacles affecting student success. (Unfortunately that’s not always a given.)

Then make sure staff have time and space to reflect and discuss what can be done because they see firsthand the effects of those systemic obstacles in the classroom.

2025-04-26 14:47:43 UTC

Even if you do not have a leadership title, you can still engage others! Be the movement on your own. Share information! There’s no fame in gatekeeping. People will see you and regard you as the leader and body of empowerment you are

2025-04-26 14:48:09 UTC

Be role models and help them find their voice to be advocates for themselves!

2025-04-26 14:48:24 UTC

Giving Student Govts a voice during trials and celebrations. Districts love the photo ops in celebrations but hide the fight of students that they ask to be changed day to day

2025-04-26 14:49:20 UTC

Truly see them. Lead by example. Make sure they are informed of resources available. Be the safe space.

2025-04-26 14:49:21 UTC

It begins with creating a learning community that is a “safe space” so students can be their authentic selves and feel they have people to support them. We must also let students know they have agency. They should be given opportunities to lead in the classroom and in the community

2025-04-26 14:49:27 UTC

Show students that their voice matters!

Their voices are just as powerful as the influencers they like to watch on YouTube and social media

Malala
Greta thunberg
Yolanda Renee King

2025-04-26 14:51:07 UTC

Unions need to understand their power. I work in a district where there is significant turmoil and secrecy. Butwhen given the chance to stand up fear of alienating one or two means he's letting down over 300 disgruntled staff. So basically, if you're given the seat and the voice use it. Use your power to take risks not remain complicit

2025-04-26 14:51:59 UTC

Demonstrate to students that their voice matters and that they don’t have to be made to feel less than they are. Give them the confidence they need to be advocates for themselves and their classmates.

2025-04-26 14:52:14 UTC

Be a role model and show students how to do this kind of communication through your own actions.

2025-04-26 14:52:19 UTC

Teach leadership isn't always those with a title

2025-04-26 14:52:39 UTC

Make sure that your classroom is always a safe space to return to.

2025-04-26 14:53:57 UTC

A forum can be established for students to share their experiences and impressions either anonymously or identifying themselves. That information can be shared with school Boards through a representative or liaison.

2025-04-26 14:54:09 UTC

Teachers need to examine themselves, find and understand their “why”. And then, be intentional about what you teach and how you teach the students in your classroom, in the lunchroom, in the hallway, and everywhere you interact with the students.

2025-04-26 14:56:49 UTC

Let students/children tell us what they need and build movement based on that leadership. It's their future at stake and their future we're trying to protect and build. Student representatives should be at every decision-making table.

2025-04-26 14:57:43 UTC

Equip students with clear routines and consistent support so they can confidently take charge, adapt to challenges, and move forward with strength.

2025-04-26 14:58:08 UTC

We have to truly educate them and just teach

2025-04-26 14:58:10 UTC

Teach them about the brave, resilient, creative people (and students) that came before them so they can learn and be inspired to continue the work of advocating for themselves and each other.

2025-04-26 14:58:26 UTC

Educators have to proudly speak out against what’s WRONG and loudly for what they VALUE. They also need to invest time, money, and energy in what they believe in.

2025-04-26 14:58:41 UTC

We need to be willing to make ourselves and others uncomfortable. We can respectfully challenge one another to do better.

2025-04-26 14:58:42 UTC

Teach independent learning strategies to our students with an emphasis on career readiness, self advocacy, and personal growth.

2025-04-26 14:59:21 UTC

We must teach our students to assert themselves and to know their rights!

2025-04-26 14:59:36 UTC

We can continue to be the best and most consistent version of ourselves.

2025-04-26 14:59:51 UTC

Let our students know that they aren’t powerless and that their voice matters

2025-04-26 14:59:56 UTC

I always teach my elementary students to do everything out of love, even when we're angry. We have to always set the example and practice what we preach. They do as we do, not what we say

2025-04-26 15:00:02 UTC

Show them that we have their backs by being consistent.

2025-04-26 15:00:31 UTC

We need to educate the concept that we need to work to maintain our democracy. Democracy is not like a final stop. We need to work hard to maintain it. Freedom requires labor and pain.

2025-04-26 15:00:32 UTC

Become a leader and the change you want to see.

2025-04-26 15:00:43 UTC

Be consistent with using our power and authentic engagement

2025-04-26 15:01:05 UTC

Take their phones away to get them to engage in the real world around them.

2025-04-26 15:02:09 UTC

Make eye contact when they speak show them they are worth the time and attention.. so they value themselves

2025-04-26 15:02:12 UTC

Keep our unions STRONG!! ✊🏽

2025-04-26 15:03:28 UTC

Learn information about students from students and try to make reference to that information throughout and build on it to help them feel valued and to establish connections with them.