When our Seattle Community "Thrives", we tend to Flourish, do well, be Successful, be Healthy, and Strong.
The Thriving Center
Seattle Public Schools is dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, receives an excellent education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. Unfortunately, many students from certain ethnicities have not historically experienced equitable opportunities for all or part of their educational journey (including African and African American, Asian Pacific Islander and Pacific Islander, LatinX, and Native
American students).
Seattle Public Schools is committed to eliminating opportunity gaps to ensure access and provide excellence in education for every student. One of the ways we are working to achieve this goal is by using a strategy called Targeted Universalism to help eliminate racial disparities in student achievement by focusing on the needs of historically marginalized groups (with an intentional focus on African American males). This approach recognizes that when the needs of the most underserved students are met, it benefits the entire community.
What is Targeted Universalism?
Targeted Universalism is a framework that acknowledges the varying needs and experiences of different groups of people and that a one-size-fits-all approach to policy and practice does not work. Instead, Targeted Universalism aims to create policies and practices that are universal in their goals but targeted in their implementation by addressing the specific needs of a particular group that face disproportionate barriers to success. It's a way to ensure that those who need the most support get it, without leaving anyone else behind. By targeting the needs of these groups, SPS aims to improve outcomes for all students.
Why is SPS focused on African American Males?
At Seattle Public Schools, our Theory of Action is that by ensuring racial equity in our educational system, unapologetically addressing the needs of students of color who are furthest from educational justice, and working to undo the legacies of racism in our educational system, we will make the greatest progress toward our collective vision. This means being laser-focused on the needs of those most need intentional action. We begin with African American boys and teens because they are among the district’s most marginalized and underserved students.
According to SPS data, African American boys are among the lowest-performing groups academically and experience higher rates of discipline incidents such as suspensions and expulsions. By focusing on this group specifically, SPS aims to address these disparities and ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed academically and socially. Additionally, improving outcomes for African American boys and teens can have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire district.
How is SPS Using Targeted Universalism?
We are implementing Targeted Universalism through a multi-pronged approach that includes:
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Analyzing data on the experiences and outcomes of Black boys in the district to identify specific areas needing improvement and track progress over time.
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Developing policies and practices that aim to improve outcomes for Black boys, such as hiring more Black male educators and implementing restorative justice practices.
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Building the capacity of educators and staff to understand and address the needs of Black boys through professional development and training on culturally responsive teaching practices.
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Engaging with families and communities to build partnerships supporting Black boys' success, such as holding community forums and focus groups to gather input and feedback.
SPS's strategic plan includes a focus on improving outcomes for all students, with an emphasis on equity and eliminating opportunity gaps.
What is SPS's Goal for Students of Color?
1.
High-Quality Instruction and Learning Experiences
Goal: Educate the whole child through high-quality instruction and learning experiences that accelerate growth for students of color who are furthest from educational justice, with an intentional focus on African American males
2.
Predictable and Consistent Operational Systems
Goal: Develop operational systems that provide a predictable and consistent experience to meet the needs of students and families and allow them to focus on learning.
3.
Culturally Responsive Workforce
Goal: Develop a culturally responsive workforce so teachers, leaders, and staff will effectively support students and families.
4.
Inclusive and Authentic Engagement
Goal: Partner with students, families, and communities furthest from educational justice by conducting inclusive and authentic engagement.
Achieving Educational Equity for All
Seattle Public Schools' strategic plan is focused on creating an anti-racist educational system that targets and supports the needs of students furthest away from educational justice.
Our strategic plan is not about changing students but rather about changing broken systems so that Every Seattle Public Schools student receives a high-quality, world-class education and graduates prepared for college, career, and community.
By acknowledging the different needs and experiences of different groups of students and creating policies and practices targeted at improving outcomes for those most marginalized and underserved, SPS is taking an important step toward achieving its goal.