As Dr. Jenkins has reminded us, our theme for the school year is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message, "What are you doing to serve others?" Librarian Connie McCain and ELP teacher Dawn BarbouRoske are embodying that attitude with their membership on the district-wide Cultural Proficiency Team.
This group was developed under the leadership of former Director of Equity and Engagement Kingsley Botchway. Since Mr. Botchway's departure from the district, Director of Special Projects Laura Cottrell has taken over as the contact point. The group, comprised of representatives from schools throughout the district, has the goal of establishing teacher leaders in our buildings who are aware of and concerned about the achievement gap that exists in our schools. Increased cultural proficiency is an important tool in bridging that gap and helping all students succeed.
Mrs. McCain and Ms. BarbouRoske both applied and were accepted onto the team. The Lucas community is fortunate to have two representatives, as space is limited on the team and not every school has representation. Mrs. McCain and Ms. BarbouRoske have a personal interest in issues of justice and fair treatment for all students, which was their motivation for applying to the team.
Ms BarbouRoske
Ms. BarbouRoske describes her experience on the team. "Our role, particularly this year, began with analyzing components of the ICCSD-UI Partnership's Building Level Climate Survey data and ICCSD & Building level Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Goals. Then each of us developed a year-long project around an area of need that's designed to align and support building goals with measurable growth. We are not experts, but passionate educators dedicated to learning more about culturally relevant issues and practices and share our knowledge and support with fellow staff members and to assist in their development further along on the cultural proficiency continuum too." She adds, "As a Cultural Proficiency Team leader and LGBTQ+ Advocate, I am willing to listen, assist, and support district staff, parents and students with diversity-related concerns, aid in navigating to the appropriate district resources and administration, and provide educational resources and occasional professional development."
Mrs. McCain
Mrs. McCain emphasizes that "[O]ur goal is to support teachers in nurturing a positive, accepting classroom environment for ALL students in the hope that a school-wide accepting attitude will greatly reduce acts [and] attitudes of bias."
Ms. BarbouRoske has been a leader in the district regarding LGTBQ+ issues, serving on the steering committee. "As a teacher," she says, "I believe that I am equipped to handle a variety of situations and am willing to act as a liaison. My door is always open to support those in need." However, neither Ms. BarbouRoske nor Mrs. McCain is a counselor, and they are not equipped to handle specific conflicts. They urge the Lucas community to view them as a source of information and support only. Any student who experiences unfair treatment based on race, culture, gender identity, or sexual orientation should follow regular communication channels, such as talking to their teachers and Dr. Jenkins.
Ms. BarbouRoske may be reached at barbouroske.dawn@iowacityschools.org, and Mrs. McCain may be reached at mccain.connie@iowacityschools.org.
