Now is the Time Education Forums
These education-focused forums will happen the third Thursday of the month.
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January 20, 2022
This session featured presentations on three topics: Ying Matties of CARY talked about attempts to attack/ban books especially those for LBTQIA+ readers and by Black authors. Books need to be "Windows and Mirrors" for our youth. Larry Walker of the Council of Elders and NAACP described the incident at Howard HS in December where the actions of the adults is under question. A video has been shared widely by teens in our county; HCPSS has yet to resolve the matter. Dawn Popp shared info about Community Advisory Council (CAC), which is open to everyone and acts as advisors to the HCPSS BOE. The CAC needs volunteers for board positions. |
Notes from the Breakout Rooms
The concept of curriculum and books being "Windows and Mirrors" for students was introduced about 30 years ago; books that help children figure out their identity are valuable--they need to see people like them and need to see themselves reflected in works; worries over "mature content" are often used as a way to gatekeep LBTQIA+ books; not all media specialists are openminded about books; having administrators and school system leaders support and understand the value of diversity within the media center helps specialists help students
Crisis de-escalation should be the norm; policy and procedure need to be written so roles and responsibilities are clear on who does what in a crisis situation; restorative practices needed; more support needed for kids moving into new communities; this is a systemic issue; how would a teacher respond compared to a police officer (expectation should be de-escalation); these situations need to be addressed in a timely and transparent way
Learn More
The GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey
HCPSS LBTQIA+ Youth - HCPSS statements of inclusions, resources, and policy information
CARY (Community Allies of Rainbow Youth) of Howard County - advocacy opportunities and resources to support students
HCPSS Policy 8040 Selection of Instructional Materials - learn the policy for how books are chosen and how people request book removals
HCPSS Rainbow Representatives - each Howard County school has at least one staff member serve as a Rainbow Representative
HCPSS Policies and Procedures - link to all current policies and to all policies under review
Community Advisory Council - The CAC is a volunteer organization and is open to all community members who have both an interest in Howard County education and attend monthly meetings (about a two hour commitment monthly)
Policy 2060 - details on role of CAC
How to Help
The concept of curriculum and books being "Windows and Mirrors" for students was introduced about 30 years ago; books that help children figure out their identity are valuable--they need to see people like them and need to see themselves reflected in works; worries over "mature content" are often used as a way to gatekeep LBTQIA+ books; not all media specialists are openminded about books; having administrators and school system leaders support and understand the value of diversity within the media center helps specialists help students
Crisis de-escalation should be the norm; policy and procedure need to be written so roles and responsibilities are clear on who does what in a crisis situation; restorative practices needed; more support needed for kids moving into new communities; this is a systemic issue; how would a teacher respond compared to a police officer (expectation should be de-escalation); these situations need to be addressed in a timely and transparent way
Learn More
The GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey
HCPSS LBTQIA+ Youth - HCPSS statements of inclusions, resources, and policy information
CARY (Community Allies of Rainbow Youth) of Howard County - advocacy opportunities and resources to support students
HCPSS Policy 8040 Selection of Instructional Materials - learn the policy for how books are chosen and how people request book removals
HCPSS Rainbow Representatives - each Howard County school has at least one staff member serve as a Rainbow Representative
HCPSS Policies and Procedures - link to all current policies and to all policies under review
Community Advisory Council - The CAC is a volunteer organization and is open to all community members who have both an interest in Howard County education and attend monthly meetings (about a two hour commitment monthly)
Policy 2060 - details on role of CAC
How to Help
- Email the HCPSS Board of Education and HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Martirano about any of tonight's topics
- Sign up for CAC meeting notifications, volunteer as a board member for the CAC, and/or attend meetings