September 2021

As the school year begins, school districts in New York State will be examining new policies on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and parents should be aware of these policies. As a first step, in April 2021, the Board of Regents released a draft Framework on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in New York’s Schools: A Call to Action and then adopted the DEI Policy in May 2021. The DEI Policy intends to be empowering for all students and families and to adapt student-centered learning approaches, with a particular focus on assisting marginalized students. Here are some basic questions and answers on the initiative:

Why did NYS develop the Initiative?
The Board of Regents recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed long-standing inequities in society and that the nation appeared, in many ways, ready to address our long history of systemic racism and bigotry and its impact. The confluence of events of the past year inspired action:
  • The brutal and documented killing of people of color by law enforcement and the consequent demands for racial justice
  • A dangerous increase in violence aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders—fueled in part by ill-informed attempts to link the Asian community with the spread of COVID-19
  • A renewed wave of discrimination and hate speech directed at groups historically subject to discrimination and viewed as “different,” such as people of color (including immigrants and refugees), Jews, Muslims, LBGTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities
  • The toll of COVID-19 on all and the disproportionate impact on students of color, economically-disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. The Framework notes that “school closures and the resulting learning loss for our most marginalized students compound existing learning disparities, leading to the potential for poor life outcomes and lingering long-term effects.”
Get to Know the Littman Krooks Team

Meet Valarie R. Chessler, our Client Services Specialist

Q: What is the best career advice you have received?
A: I have been given several, however, there are two that I share all the time: max out your 401K and always be a team player.

Q: If you weren't working at Littman Krooks, what would you be doing?
A: I would say nursing. I am sorry that I never followed through on that path.

Q: What hobby did you devote more time to in the last year?
A: Reading has always been a favorite hobby. This year I challenged myself to read 70 books and to take part in a reading challenge that forced me to read genres outside my comfort zone.  

Q: What is the ideal way to spend a Saturday?
A: Taking road trips to nearby destinations that I have never been to. 

Q: What are you reading?
A: "The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah

Q: Who is your most admired historical figure?
A: Ronald Reagan

Val's Favorites:

  • Food: Pasta
  • Movie: The Birdcage
  • TV Show: West Wing
  • Vacation Destination: anywhere in Europe

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