Anti-Racism Action Plan: How Margaret Stenerson Elementary is Empowering Change
The Abbotsford School District created an Anti-racism Action Plan. Funding was offered to school teams who proposed an inquiry question aligned with the Anti-Racism Action Plan to support schools' engagement in this work. Eleven school teams, including the team at Margaret Stenerson Elementary, were successful applicants.
Quickly, Beth Morran (LSS), Keith Service (YCW), Anna Persad (LLC teacher), Gen Malcolm (classroom teacher), and Deanna Schwab (classroom Teacher) rolled up their sleeves to answer their ambitious inquiry question, "How can we raise awareness of Equity – Diversity – Inclusion – Anti-Bias (EDIA) work to cultivate an inclusive school community for students, and staff?"
Beth Morran reflects, "Writing the question was the easy part; deciding what we would do took more thought. We intentionally created multiple entry points to encourage participation from our community. This is a large inquiry question, and it will not be fully answered this year, but that is ok. We are excited about the work ahead.”
Through collaboration, the team identified focal areas to address their inquiry. Utilizing class and student profiles, they are taking an intentional look at the diversity within their school and implementing an inclusive practice inventory to gain a richer understanding of their story. The team decided to engage in a book study, Mindframes for Belonging, Identities, and Equity Fortifying Cultural Bridges, to support their learning. Next, they have invited the entire school staff to tour Hogan's Alley with Shayla Bird as their tour guide during the February Professional Development Day. After the tour, they will finish the day with a visit to the Vancouver Black Library located on Keefer Street.
"This field trip into our backyard is important because our staff will have a collective experience. When my daughter told me about Hogan's Alley, I was inspired to learn more," shares Keith Service.
Lastly, the team offers a four-part dinner series to the school staff facilitated by the Equity Helping teacher. The series incorporates equity, literacy, and art in themed sessions to support bringing EDIA work into the classroom. The remaining funds will support purchasing books the teachers found helpful in the learning series.
"Showcasing diverse books and providing teachers with access to resources like toolkits and lessons fosters inclusive education, broadens perspectives, and ensures all students see themselves and others reflected in the curriculum," Anna says with a broad smile, showing her passion for great books and resources.
The team is excited about the work but acknowledges that learning comes with challenges.
Gen Malcolm says it quite eloquently, "Equity work is a constant process of learning, unlearning, adjusting and trying again. It takes time, patience and a willingness to reflect and change as you gain knowledge. Equity work comes from a vulnerable place for everyone."
This insight, shared by the team, demonstrates their flexibility and understanding of the ongoing process ahead of them.
The team's courageous and inclusive approach to equity work is an exemplar in our district, and we thank them for sharing the early part of their journey.
Jennifer Ofeimu
Equity Helping Teacher
Learning Support Services