Wilson Elementary School Case Study
After studying campus and district data, some surprising facts were discovered about Wilson Elementary School. Based on the housing trends of the community, the distinct difference in the test scores of the majority of the students can be explained through the economic disadvantage. What happens before and after school can be as important as what happens during the school day. Gandara (2010) argued that, “students’ environments outside school probably contribute more to schooling outcomes that in-school factors do (p. 28).” Where students live can be a central component for their success. According to Anyon (2014), most low-income Latinos and blacks have subpar housing and education, which leads to less employment opportunities. The information gained
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through the campus equity audit and the community walk-through reflected the student population of the student body, their achievements, and the areas of improvement. The walk-through provided a visual example of the difference between the lives of these sub-populations of students.
Excluded children are the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society. They face enormous challenges that exist before they are even exposed to an educational setting. Although they would greatly benefit from empowerment through education, in addition, one must also consider how educational funds are utilized, distributed unequally, or used inefficiently in these communities. Ultimately, the school has the responsibility to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to learn, regardless of their background. Even when the community resources are limited; it is the responsibility of the educator to create an equitable environment in which all students have equal access to the necessary educational tools.
The percentage of Latino students in Wilson is 98% (Texas Education Agency, 2015). In further support of this finding, the school is working to provide the best education for such a growing number of population by providing resources such as the Bilingual and ESL program. According to Theoharis and Brooks (2012), ELLs are the population which grows the fastest in public
schools.
Administrator Role
The initial step needed for a successful education is to determine the possible obstacles that students may face. It would be essential for a school leader to know the community in which students reside. Understanding the community and school connection will assist in understanding the obstacles that may exist for the students as it pertains to equity. If administrator understand the connection between community and school, then they can more thoroughly understand the obstacles that students may face. It is imperative for school administrators to understand where a community lacks in terms of resources and how it can rely on the school and district to make up for this lack of needed resources for students and families in the community. Administrators need to work to close the gap between the inequities on the campus by working in partnership with all of the stakeholders.
The equity audit was developed to gather knowledge of all the limitations and resources that communities have and to develop a plan of action from the observations that benefits all students and the community. Equity ensures students have fair access to educational opportunities within and outside of school (Green, 2016).
Any educational leader faces challenges. Yosso (2006) mentioned one of the challenges in education is equating educational deficits with cultural differences. Culture influences the organization of the school district and ultimately their curriculum, pedagogy, and implemented policies. Instead of viewing educational deficits in terms of cultural difference, as a future administrator, I must plan according to specific students’ needs. The curriculum should be designed and implemented based on community needs and strengths.
I envision an involved community; I have experienced the power of an involved community and the stakeholders’ work in solidarity. Now that I have the experience and understanding of equity audits, I will embrace it. The power of the equity audits is in the process because it creates space for collective decision-making, gathering and grappling with the meaning of data, and mutual planning for change (Skrla, McKenzie, & Scheurich, 2009). Green (2016) could not have said it better, “Educational leadership program should integrate community-based equity audits into their preparation curriculum to better prepare aspiring school leaders with the knowledge and skills to work in school-communities”.
through the campus equity audit and the community walk-through reflected the student population of the student body, their achievements, and the areas of improvement. The walk-through provided a visual example of the difference between the lives of these sub-populations of students.
Excluded children are the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society. They face enormous challenges that exist before they are even exposed to an educational setting. Although they would greatly benefit from empowerment through education, in addition, one must also consider how educational funds are utilized, distributed unequally, or used inefficiently in these communities. Ultimately, the school has the responsibility to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to learn, regardless of their background. Even when the community resources are limited; it is the responsibility of the educator to create an equitable environment in which all students have equal access to the necessary educational tools.
The percentage of Latino students in Wilson is 98% (Texas Education Agency, 2015). In further support of this finding, the school is working to provide the best education for such a growing number of population by providing resources such as the Bilingual and ESL program. According to Theoharis and Brooks (2012), ELLs are the population which grows the fastest in public
schools.
Administrator Role
The initial step needed for a successful education is to determine the possible obstacles that students may face. It would be essential for a school leader to know the community in which students reside. Understanding the community and school connection will assist in understanding the obstacles that may exist for the students as it pertains to equity. If administrator understand the connection between community and school, then they can more thoroughly understand the obstacles that students may face. It is imperative for school administrators to understand where a community lacks in terms of resources and how it can rely on the school and district to make up for this lack of needed resources for students and families in the community. Administrators need to work to close the gap between the inequities on the campus by working in partnership with all of the stakeholders.
The equity audit was developed to gather knowledge of all the limitations and resources that communities have and to develop a plan of action from the observations that benefits all students and the community. Equity ensures students have fair access to educational opportunities within and outside of school (Green, 2016).
Any educational leader faces challenges. Yosso (2006) mentioned one of the challenges in education is equating educational deficits with cultural differences. Culture influences the organization of the school district and ultimately their curriculum, pedagogy, and implemented policies. Instead of viewing educational deficits in terms of cultural difference, as a future administrator, I must plan according to specific students’ needs. The curriculum should be designed and implemented based on community needs and strengths.
I envision an involved community; I have experienced the power of an involved community and the stakeholders’ work in solidarity. Now that I have the experience and understanding of equity audits, I will embrace it. The power of the equity audits is in the process because it creates space for collective decision-making, gathering and grappling with the meaning of data, and mutual planning for change (Skrla, McKenzie, & Scheurich, 2009). Green (2016) could not have said it better, “Educational leadership program should integrate community-based equity audits into their preparation curriculum to better prepare aspiring school leaders with the knowledge and skills to work in school-communities”.