“Science is not a boy's game, it's not a girl's game. It's everyone's game. It's about where we are and where we're going."
-- Nichelle Nichols, former NASA Ambassador
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How Artificial Intelligence is Making DPS STEM Classrooms More Equitable |
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In Ari Leventhal's seventh-grade STEM class at West Middle School, students spend time asking questions, exploring and designing solutions in their school's lab. With Ari teaching a large group of students, it can get difficult to answer all of his students' questions and give them the guiding support they need simultaneously. Together with DPS, CU Boulder is co-designing STEM learning experiences, helping teachers create more equitable and collaborative classrooms for DPS students -- like those in Mr. Leventhal's class -- with artificial intelligence (AI).
"With this tool, it allows our teachers to really hone on the individual student's needs, as well as be in 30 different places all at the same time," says DPS K-8 STEM program manager Stephanie A. Hervey.
Pictured above: Ari Leventhal supporting seventh-graders in his STEM class with help from artificial intelligence technology.
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Our DPS Equity Statement
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability. We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose (why) and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
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Each month, we'll showcase celebrations big and small, and the work being done to create more equity for students and team members throughout DPS. Share what you and your team have been doing to make a change for a more equitable DPS here.
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'Funds of Knowledge' Encourages Students to Reimagine Art |
Several DPS art educators, including Janelle Constance at Oakland Elementary, Alexandra Overby at East High School, and Visual Arts Instructional Curriculum Specialist Barth Quenzer were recently published in the Art Education Journal.
Their article, "Reimagining Art Education: Moving Toward Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies in the Arts With Funds of Knowledge and Lived Experience” focuses on leveraging students “funds of knowledge.” Funds of knowledge are defined as the assets, skills, and cultural capital that students bring with them every day, which extend beyond the context of the classroom and into the students’ home and communities as a way for students to create deeper connections with the art they are learning about.
As stated in the article, “With funds of knowledge, art becomes personally meaningful and culturally relevant as students draw on their existing world views, engage in sense making, and critique art from the perspective of their communities and cultures.” Read the article to learn more.
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New Conflict Management Training for Staff |
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The Family Constituency Team, housed within the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department, is eager to begin another innovative step in the right direction for students, staff, and the DPS community. In order to improve equitable family and school communication, the Family Constituency Team has completed training for front office staff in conflict management training and are available to train school staff. The goal is to share culturally sensitive strategies to effectively diffuse anger and de-escalate situations. Want to request training for your staff? Contact the FACE helpline at 720-423-3054 or email FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.
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Inclusive and Purposeful Services for Native American Students |
Student Safety Coordinators, Alicia Franks Gibson and Dr. Jane Lineman, have established a partnership with the Native American Culture and Education (NACE) Department to provide culturally competent services to youth. Support includes parent training at the Denver Indian Center, parent phone calls, consultation on curriculum selection, and direct services for youth with greatest need.
Following recent in-person parent training, survey data indicated 93% of parents reported that they agree or strongly agree that the training was valuable as a member of the Native American Community. And, 100% of parents reported that they can use the information to support their child within their Native Community.
Information provided during the training was tailored to the Native Community with relevant data and implementation practices to support needs. Delivery of training incorporated cultural practices such as the sharing of real-world events and community discussion. The ongoing collaboration aims to support Native youth and families in the area of mental health wellness.
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NACE Partners with Denver Indian Center to Donate Coats to Students in Need |
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The Native American Culture and Education (NACE) Team delivered 164 new donated coats to Native DPS community members of all ages. Thanks to a partnership with with the Denver Indian Center, participants submitted an application to Running Strong to obtain the coats for Native community members in need.
Students at schools such as West High School, John F. Kennedy High School, South High School, North High School, George Washington, College View Elementary, Brown International Academy, Lake Middle School and Knapp Elementary received coats. Great work, NACE Team!
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Cultural Moments: Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time when the nation reflects and pays tribute to the generations of African Americans who fought with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. There are teaching resources provided from the National Archives, Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum available here.
Visit The Commons to access resources for teaching about cultural moments. Is your school or community planning an event or project to honor and celebrate one of these cultural moments? We want to spotlight your work! Reach out to dpsequity@dpsk12.org to share your school’s plans and information.
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Jeronimo Alvarez
Senior Team Lead, Collegiate Prep Academy
Equity
"Mr. Alvarez embodies the value of Equity in his work every day. As a coach and mentor, he finds ways to encourage and assist other educators in providing equitable education. As a teacher and school leader, he works hard with his students and his work to eliminate barriers to their success. The school, the teachers, and the students are overwhelmingly better because of his presence and work."
-- Donald Dilliplane, Collegiate Prep Academy
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Calendar of Upcoming Events |
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