IntegrateRPS

The pandemic in numbers: Richmond City Public Schools Fall Enrollment 2020-2022

"Without race-conscious admissions, higher education leaders fear that the shares of Black and Latino students will shrink significantly at prestigious colleges and universities. If that occurs, White and Asian American enrollment is likely to rise." washingtonpost.com/education…

It's all well and good to improve the selection process but if actual admission processes don't change, I can't see where this is going.

In order to make the process more equitable, they would need to, at least, give more spots to schools with larger student populations. We haven't even started talking about kids with IEPs who don't get typically into the specialty schools. I am not sure how to tackle that (4).

And schools that have larger student populations (hello, Southside!) are at a disadvantage, because if you have 3 spots for 8th graders in an 8th grade class of 400, odds are worse than 3 spots in an 8th grade class of 150 that you will be selected. (3)

There is still a LOT of room for implicit biases throughout the process, which really isn't being addressed. For example, each school gets to decide which kids to accept or decline. They can make up their own requirements and review applications how they see fit. (2)

🪴 and I were at the same table. Her thread is an accurate summary of what was discussed at the meeting in breakout groups. I want to add that attempting to change and "equalize" the application processes for the SS is putting cart before horse (1)

Also, the breakdown of admissions to the Governors Schools

RPS is holding a community town hall on Thursday July 20, at Norrell ES, about the restructuring of the open enrollment lottery at @RPS_Schools More info here: rvaschools.net/students-fami…

....taking us back several decades in the pursuit of integrated schooling. Which should include a diverse representation of teachers.

We should all be asking these questions! Can't wait to take a deep dive into new admissions data for 2024-25 (when this ruling's effects will start to show)

Any county around Richmond is a great example of this. The suburbs here follow the same residential segregation pattern that the city does. Schools follow suit. housingmatters.urban.org/res…

Why we need more black educators: k12dive.com/news/being-black…

Why is it not only rare, but also sometimes dangerous, to have black educators and black leadership in public ed? "...you can find Black educators. Is your organization an organization Black people want to work in?" I know RPS has some work to do here... k12dive.com/news/being-black…

In public schools, where they make more money.

VA DOE has grants available to combat COVID related learning loss. $1,500 is the standard amount, $3K if you are 300% of the FPL. Can be used for tech, tutoring, and support services like PT/OT/SLP. Assistive tech can include low-tech items. doe.virginia.gov/parents-stu…

One of us at @IntegrateRps has a disabled child in public school. Moving to inclusive educational systems is a dire need. This episode explains why so many of us divest from public school. But what about the ones who stay? Need a Part 2, @integratedschls megaphone.link/CDL6660183513

👀

The problem is, the A in FAPE is "appropriate" and the one who gets to ultimately define that, is the school itself or school system. You do have the ability to appeal via due process, BUT as I already tweeted, you often lose. peatc.org is a great advocate org.

📨🧾

Join us on Thursday 03/23 for our monthly chapter meeting! It will be via zoom. DM for the link.