2. What does it mean to put the skunk on the table?
Overcoming the fear of making practice public
Talking to all stakeholders, especially students
Recognizing that identifying problems is the first step towards solution
Continuous improvement: as one problem is solved another may arise

3. Mountain View High School
Meridian, Idaho
Suburb of Boise (largest city in Idaho)
Experiencing enormous growth
1990 = 9,596
2006 = 59,832
Opened in 2003
Built to accommodate 1,800 students
2006/2007 enrollment = 2,400 students (Largest H.S. in the state of Idaho)
36:1 student teacher ratio is common
Recipient of Small Learning Communities Grant (Cohort 5)
Wall-to-Wall Academies

5. Who are the Mavericks? 90 +% white Growing immigrant population:
Bosnian, Serbian, Ukranian, Sudanese, Latino, and many more
Over 50 languages spoken
ELL magnet for the district
Socioeconomic differences
Majority of disadvantaged not signing up for Free and Reduced Lunch
Children of addicts, Student addicts
Sub-cultures

6. Reality at MVHS RESULT: Low College Attendance Resentment
Student groups underserved, under-recognized and under-represented
RESULT: Low College Attendance Resentment
Apathy
Despair

7. Mavericks Mountain View Perspectives Defining Our Diversity REALITY
OUTSIDER
LOCAL
Mountain View
Mavericks
REALITY

8. Perspectives Defining Your Diversity LOCAL view= OUTSIDER view =
REALITY=

9. Unpacking with Questions
What are the needs & strengths of our diverse students?
How well are we meeting their needs? Utilizing their strengths?
What do we do when their needs are not met?
Who is (or feels) underserved?
What opportunities are available for all?
Who is celebrated?
Who is involved in decision making?
What is the impression of the school?
Students, Parents, Teachers/Staff, Administration, Community

10. Using Data to Promote Equity
What kinds of data do you use to illuminate these questions?
Do you have access to the data you need?

11. Inclusive Programs and Practices
SLC Membership based on student & staff interest
Flexible use of time and space
Tailored instruction to meet learning needs
Teacher specialists integral on teams
Counselors integral on teams
Teams advise/mentor students
Teams collaborate with parents

12. Meaningful Access for All Students Rigor Across the Curriculum
Elements of Equity
Unpacking the Problem
Meaningful Access for All Students
Rigor Across the Curriculum
Using Data to Promote Equity

13. Unpacking the Problem
The school community has hard conversations about who is and isn’t served.
The school community examines their commitment to equity.
The school community makes the tradeoffs that flow from their commitment to serve all students.

14. Meaningful Access for All Students
All students have unfettered access to all courses. There are barriers from school policy or culture.
Supports for students to succeed in rigorous courses, even when there are gaps in skills, are in place.

15. Rigor Across the Curriculum
All students participate in higher order thinking across the core curriculum
Core classes prepare all students for post secondary options

16. Using Data to Promote Equity
The school community frequently collects and examines a broad range of data that provides insight into questions of equity
The school community uses that data to shape policy and instruction to help all students succeed