Looking Forward

The roundtable gave voice to how we might use the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic to rethink practices and policies that have long failed to serve a majority of students. The biggest challenges that surfaced in the conversation had to do with how we think about “good” or quality materials and learning, what an equity framework might do if it accounted for students’ real interests, and what it will take to help teachers meet the needs we identified. By and large, our participants were in agreement that few things will change unless we address teacher and student needs in more responsive and sustainable ways.

This conversation was useful, but it was only one (virtual) session with limited time. Each of these ideas and challenges invite more questions, more experiences and more possibilities for students and teachers in the coming year. Here are some of the key questions participants are asking moving forward:

• Given the immense pressures and asks of educators currently, what are realistic steps toward addressing these issues of digital and social inequity?
• What opportunities do the new virtual norm create for breaking out of silos? How might those in policy and leadership better collaborate and learn from those in classrooms?
• How might we work student voice into this conversation? What avenues could we create for students to participate in the creation of education policies that most affect them?

As the roundtable brought to light, one of the biggest challenges in thinking through these issues is translating questions, thoughts, and experiences to tangible action and steps. Fairly easily, the group identified problems and challenges in their own work and at their own schools, but it was much harder to identify key steps toward addressing them.

In recognizing both this challenge and the need to capture more voices and ongoing dialogue, New America will embark on work over the next year to continue to facilitate conversations and turn over ideas for change. Our team will host additional roundtable discussions, interviews, and conversations with education stakeholders to help break down the silos that so often prevent collaboration and dialogue.

We are seeking PreK–12 students, educators, and leaders at all levels interested in the work of improving culturally responsive teaching and digital equity to participate in our work and share their experiences. If this is you and you’re interested in participating in this work or learning more, please contact us at prescott@newamerica.org.