Lets Talk

Recently, I posted a video on which a teacher and parent shared their experience. RCS classified the video as diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development. The reason this video was posted was to highlight the material the district utilizes for professional development; specifically how material is getting brought into classrooms. As parents, we have been asking for the district to be more transparent in regards to its processes, including but not limited to PD provided to instructional staff. 

Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with the parents of the child featured in the video. We had an open and honest conversation and were able to establish common ground. As a result of the conversation, I am removing the video. 

Some key takeaways from the meeting:

• When people in our community sit down to have conversations in person it is immensely more productive than what occurs in an online comment section- even if the conversations are challenging or uncomfortable. There is no question that this was a sensitive conversation between people of varying viewpoints which accentuates the power of conversational discourse. 
• Coming out of this meeting, all parties made a commitment to work together to foster more conversations.
• It became clear in this conversation that a solution is feasible that is palatable across the divide and prioritizes the best interest of students and teachers when politics are set aside.
• There is agreement that transparent policies and procedures enforced by the district will protect teachers and establish confidence in the process for parents and the community.

We just need to talk. When we do it will become evident that we can find common interests and common ground. We have to be honest about the problems we face, but if we are, we can find the right answers to our most complex problems.