Antiracist System Audit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

Yes, it identified the problems in MCPS that also exist in the greater society, which MCPS can't do much about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

You're the one bringing race into this. Nothing I said had anything to do with treating or educating anyone differently. Need to take a look in the mirror honey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

You're the one bringing race into this. Nothing I said had anything to do with treating or educating anyone differently. Need to take a look in the mirror honey.

Okay sweetie pie, let me put this in language you can understand. You don't want anything to change because you think MCPS treats all children the same regardless of race. That is blatantly untrue, given that there are disparate outcomes not just by SES but also specifically by race. MCPS is bad at educating children of color and bad at educating poor children. Everyone is all concerned about MCPS's decline. That decline will not be reversed by continuing with strategies that work for some groups, and not for other groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does racial equity work look like when there is no proof that disparities in any particular measure means there is bias?

Why not just meet every child where they are and go from there?

This is such a racist dog whistle. Any such disparities are due to systemic inquities in the classroom.

It isn't racist. It's intelligent inquiry. Association is not causation.

But if you build policy on association, you end up with unintended, and often harmful impacts. And no guarantee you actually fix anything.

Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are born and remain in poverty when others come from outrageous wealth.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have robust health insurance coverage that pays for neuropsych exams and years of therapy when other kids have nothing.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are homeless and others have stable homes, stable transportation, etc.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents with mental health or substance misuse disorders and other kids have parents with no additional medical needs.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents who can run to the store for the supplies they need for a last minute project and others can't.


If we ignore those systematic inequities outside of school, we have no hope of improving things within schools.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think a goal of any school should be equalized outcomes. Equalized opportunities sure, but not outcomes.

If you read the comments in the audit report, it is clear that many do not perceive equalized opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does racial equity work look like when there is no proof that disparities in any particular measure means there is bias?

Why not just meet every child where they are and go from there?

This is such a racist dog whistle. Any such disparities are due to systemic inquities in the classroom.

It isn't racist. It's intelligent inquiry. Association is not causation.

But if you build policy on association, you end up with unintended, and often harmful impacts. And no guarantee you actually fix anything.

Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are born and remain in poverty when others come from outrageous wealth.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have robust health insurance coverage that pays for neuropsych exams and years of therapy when other kids have nothing.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are homeless and others have stable homes, stable transportation, etc.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents with mental health or substance misuse disorders and other kids have parents with no additional medical needs.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents who can run to the store for the supplies they need for a last minute project and others can't.


If we ignore those systematic inequities outside of school, we have no hope of improving things within schools.

Yes! I'm a MCPS elementary teacher in a high FARMS school and most of my colleagues are fantastic teachers. However, we cannot make up for the circumstances some of our kids experience in the 17 hours that they don't spend with us. Some have caregivers who work multiple jobs. Some have caregivers who spend their time on their phones rather than working with their kids. Others have had terrible experiences in schools themselves. We're up against a lot of odds and until we as a society can come together to support our country's children, we're screwed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

You're the one bringing race into this. Nothing I said had anything to do with treating or educating anyone differently. Need to take a look in the mirror honey.

Okay sweetie pie, let me put this in language you can understand. You don't want anything to change because you think MCPS treats all children the same regardless of race. That is blatantly untrue, given that there are disparate outcomes not just by SES but also specifically by race. MCPS is bad at educating children of color and bad at educating poor children. Everyone is all concerned about MCPS's decline. That decline will not be reversed by continuing with strategies that work for some groups, and not for other groups.

DP.. perhaps there are disparate outcomes by race because of individual factors, not because of their race.

I have two kids -- one is a straight A magnet student, the other is not and struggles to get an A in classes that the other kid slept in and got an A.

Disparate outcomes of two kids from the same household.

There are black kids who do very well in school. And then there are Asian American kids who don't do well in school. How do you account for that if you think it's all racism?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does racial equity work look like when there is no proof that disparities in any particular measure means there is bias?

Why not just meet every child where they are and go from there?

This is such a racist dog whistle. Any such disparities are due to systemic inquities in the classroom.

It isn't racist. It's intelligent inquiry. Association is not causation.

But if you build policy on association, you end up with unintended, and often harmful impacts. And no guarantee you actually fix anything.

Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are born and remain in poverty when others come from outrageous wealth.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have robust health insurance coverage that pays for neuropsych exams and years of therapy when other kids have nothing.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids are homeless and others have stable homes, stable transportation, etc.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents with mental health or substance misuse disorders and other kids have parents with no additional medical needs.
Schools can't equalize outcomes when some kids have parents who can run to the store for the supplies they need for a last minute project and others can't.


If we ignore those systematic inequities outside of school, we have no hope of improving things within schools.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think a goal of any school should be equalized outcomes. Equalized opportunities sure, but not outcomes.

If you read the comments in the audit report, it is clear that many do not perceive equalized opportunities.

Yes, this has been an ongoing issue with the USA but not something MCPS can correct. MCPS needs to focus on educating children and leave societal issues to soceity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

DP.. I see MCPS bending over backwards to close the achievement gap at the expense of higher achieving non URM students.

The 50% rule was not created for wealthy white children
The changes to the magnet admission was not created for wealthy white children
Millions of $$ spent on a antiracist audit, the boundary analysis (which I agree with), etc.. was not created for wealthy white children
Diversity being a very important factor in any boundary discussion (which I agree with) was not created for wealthy white children
PSAT day was not created for wealthy white children
Special programs mostly in the eastern part of the county were not placed there at the behest of wealthy white students

MCPS does a lot of URM and to address racism. I'm ok with some of this. I believe in diversity (one of the reasons we chose our cluster), but at some point, MCPS is going to have to focus on actual academics rather than trying to put a bandaid on the achievement gap with antiracism type audits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

You're the one bringing race into this. Nothing I said had anything to do with treating or educating anyone differently. Need to take a look in the mirror honey.

Okay sweetie pie, let me put this in language you can understand. You don't want anything to change because you think MCPS treats all children the same regardless of race. That is blatantly untrue, given that there are disparate outcomes not just by SES but also specifically by race. MCPS is bad at educating children of color and bad at educating poor children. Everyone is all concerned about MCPS's decline. That decline will not be reversed by continuing with strategies that work for some groups, and not for other groups.

2+2 = 4 no matter what color your skin, no matter what religion you are, no matter what political affiliation you may be. Focus on the education part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

The teachers are speaking a special language that only white wealthy people can understand. This is not fair. Please stop doing this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

What you want is for the school system to continue focusing on the education of White children, especially the wealthy ones. Yes, that is an unreasonable thing to ask.

You're the one bringing race into this. Nothing I said had anything to do with treating or educating anyone differently. Need to take a look in the mirror honey.

Okay sweetie pie, let me put this in language you can understand. You don't want anything to change because you think MCPS treats all children the same regardless of race. That is blatantly untrue, given that there are disparate outcomes not just by SES but also specifically by race. MCPS is bad at educating children of color and bad at educating poor children. Everyone is all concerned about MCPS's decline. That decline will not be reversed by continuing with strategies that work for some groups, and not for other groups.

MCPS has been trying to close the achievement gap for years. There is very little MCPS can do without change at home. Unless you segregate these kids and catch them up, and do some of the parenting, but that won’t fly. My kids’ schools do an excellent job with sharing information on schedules, activities, tutoring, and other opportunities, etc. it comes via email, phone, text and sometimes mail.
Or set up a boarding school for extreme cases where kids can get their basic needs met while learning. As you can see, this problem is impossible to fix without caregiver involvement. And you certainly don’t need a paid study. Just survey the staff. They will provide the most attainable and useful info. Not some office drones that haven’t stepped foot in a school in decades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any specific recommendations come out of the newly released anti-racist audit?

Report Recommendations
To succeed, the audit findings suggest that MCPS organize around a series of recommendations that do not add more programs or initiatives.

The recommendations are:

Coherence: The district must develop a systemic, coherent plan to address the issues identified. This plan should be co-constructed with the community and articulate a vision and strategy for district improvement across the organization. MCPS should develop a theory of change centered on racial equity that represents what matters most to the community.

Accountability for Racial Equity Work: MCPS must create mechanisms and processes for consistent outward accountability of its racial equity work to ensure the consistent implementation of the district’s racial equity-centered vision across organizational levels.

Equity-Centered Capacity Building: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity vision and coherent strategy require equity-centered capacity building. Professional learning needs to be systematic and ongoing. Families, students and community members must be included in professional learning opportunities to create authentic collaborations and partnerships.

Continuous Data Collection: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide strategy for racial equity requires ongoing data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and determine areas for revision. Interim and formative data points are critical to ensure MCPS is being adaptive and responsive to district needs.

Relational Trust: The successful planning and implementation of a districtwide racial equity strategy requires MCPS to develop systems, procedures and practices that increase relational trust between the district and the community. Relational trust relies on multiple factors, including continuous communications, opportunities for feedback, deliberate conversations, transparency and execution of stated objectives.

Other Recommended Actions
Beyond these recommendations, the report states that it is equally important to ensure the district has:

Ongoing Community Engagement: MCPS should continue its commitment to ongoing, repeat, two-way community engagement to build trust and meet system goals for antiracism.

Next Steps: Development of a comprehensive plan created with the community and presented by March 2023. This provides the time to engage the whole community and develop specific strategies, measures and milestones.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13206&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

Literally what does any of this mean / are there any actual actions, beyond a lot of packaged buzzwords?

Isn't the purpose of the audit to find the issues? The solutions need to be determined in collaboration with the community - that's a central aspect of anti-racist work. And that's what this audit is recommending. Not that I have any faith at all that MCPS will do this in any meaningful way.

Maybe but is it really MCPS's job to solve the problems with our society? Maybe they should focus more on educating kids.

You didn't even bother to read the audit did you? It identified problems in MCPS, not society at large.

And you didn't even bother to read my post did you? I was responding to a precious poster, not the audit. Take a minute and think before you post snide remarks.

You're being nonsensical. I said the purpose of the audit was the identify the problem. You whined about how MCPS can't solve societal issues. I said the issues are within MCPS. Good lord, you all are really determined to believe that racism doesn't exist and if even if it does MCPS can't do anything about it. How convenient.

All we want is for the school system to focus on education. Is that too much to ask?

It is.

It's like asking why lunatics shouldn't be running the asylum.