The work of the Equity Task Force started with the development of the CHUH Strategic Plan in 2015 and continues in the 2018-2019 school year. The Equity Task Force is strategically working to improve educational outcomes for all students with an emphasis on reaching the entire teaching force. The approach integrates knowledge of the history of marginalization, moving from deficit-based to asset-based thinking and understanding social identity. Guided by the African Ashanti proverb, “He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured" the task force urges participants to look within to better understand bias and the process of self-improvement. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District Equity Task Force uses this proverb to support the work and our focus on starting Equity with individual Self-Identity.

We are conducting full-day training at each elementary school from now through October. The method used in all training comes from extensive research, evidence-based tools and ongoing professional development. The team has participated with State Support Team 3 at the Social Justice Institute (2016), The Corwin Deep Equity Institute (2018), The Great Lakes Equity Center (2017), our affiliation with the Minority Student Achievement Network (1999-2018), and ASCD Equity Training (2018). This year the equity task force team has adopted What It Means to Be White (D’Angelo, R., (2016) and The Miseducation of the Negro (Woodson, C., (1936) for our book study.

During the 2018-2019 school year, the training process is school-based. The staff at each building engages in dialogue that takes a deep dive into examining educational processes, implicit bias, and cultural awareness. They are also provided a number of tools they can use with their students and families, including activities that help build a better understanding of similarities and a healthier respect for differences. Reflection is another critical component of the training because of the potential to examine cultural competency and the individual impact one can have on building culture and student’s academic outcomes.

On Nov. 6, our Keynote Speaker will be Tim Wise. Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. He has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on over 1,000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the country. He is also the host of the new podcast, Speak Out with Tim Wise.

He has also lectured internationally in Canada and Bermuda and has trained corporate, government, entertainment, media, law enforcement, military, and medical industry professionals on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions. Wise has provided anti-racism training to educators and administrators nationwide.

Dr. Reeves is the author of more than 30 books and more than 100 articles on leadership and educational effectiveness. Twice named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series, Doug was named the Brock International Laureate for his contributions to education. Dr. Reeves received both the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Parent's Choice Award for his writing for children and parents. His career of work in professional learning led to the Contribution to the Field Award from the National Staff Development Council (now Learning Forward). For his international work, Dr. Reeves was named the William Walker Scholar by the Australian Council of Educational Leaders.

His volunteer activities include FinishTheDissertation.org, providing free and non-commercial support for doctoral students, and The SNAFU Review, publishing the essays, poetry, stories, and artwork of disabled veterans. Doug lives with his family in downtown Boston. He tweets @DouglasReeves, blogs at CreativeLeadership.net, and can be reached at (781) 710-9633.