In Carlsbad Unified, Every Student Matters
Is each Carlsbad Unified student getting what he or she needs to learn? Are our classrooms welcoming spaces? Does our staff have the skills and support it needs to meet each student “where they are?”
These are the important questions we are grappling with in CUSD because we believe that every student matters, every student has something to contribute, and every student is worth knowing. We therefore are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity on our campuses.
Although we are proud that Carlsbad Unified schools graduate academically accomplished students who move successfully into college and careers, we are sensitive to the reality that some students confront special obstacles to sharing in this success. For instance, English learners, low income students, those with special needs and students confronting racial, gender, or cultural issues may struggle socially or academically at school.
It is important, of course, that schools treat all students equally in such areas as the materials available to them and the standards to which they are held. But achieving true equity at school means recognizing that each individual student has specific needs arising from different circumstances and then responding with the support that each individual needs for his or her success.
Each of our schools promotes equity in a variety of different ways. Here are a few highlights from one of our schools, Sage Creek High School (SCHS).
At SCHS, an Equity and Diversity team of administrators and teachers works on new approaches to best serve every student. A group recently participated in The Equity Symposium, and shared what they learned with staff. Adults are trying to get out of their offices to be accessible to students on campus, and to meet them where they are.
Last year the administrative team held a “Shadow a Student Day,” so teachers and administrators could learn first-hand about their students’ day, their lives at home, and the challenges they face. This year, in recognition of Black History Month, the SCHS Black Students’ Union opened a staff meeting with a thoughtful presentation celebrating black history month.The Equity and Diversity team is also surveying staff to determine what kinds of training and professional development would be most beneficial.
SCHS’s principal, Jesse Schuveiller, says, “This is ongoing work. It is our responsibility to create a home court advantage here for all. We want all students to feel welcomed, safe, connected, and valued, and our school to be as inclusive as possible. Our motto is Be Your Best for Every Bobcat Everyday.” Assistant Principal Chris Robertson added, “It is important that every student feels connected to an adult on campus.”
Across our 15 campuses, you can see many examples of the ways in which we are promoting equity. We look forward to continuing to find ways to meet the needs of every student in every one of our classrooms from preschool through high school graduation.
