Those You Seek to Serve Have The Answers
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is an editorial from Greg Schermbeck, founder of Schermco, a social-impact consulting firm that offers strategic advising, organizational development, and implementation services to schools and education-focused organizations that support underserved communities.
Bryan Stevenson, Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, often speaks to the idea that leaders don’t need to have the answers, they simply need to “get proximate” and listen to those most affected by injustice to best respond. Too often, we aren’t getting proximate nor are we co-creating with those we seek to serve. Now is time for that change.
“How to make schools the hubs of our neighborhoods again.”
This statement came from a parent my team has had the pleasure of working with for the past three years. It jumped out to me, a former teacher because it made so much sense yet it’s something that is very rarely discussed. Even more – it came from a key stakeholder that is so often ignored – those we seek to serve.
For the past three years, our team has been part of a district and charter school collaboration that focuses on family empowerment.
- Can district and charter schools work together? Yes, they can.
- Can schools support family engagement and help empower families to support learning at home? Yes, they can.
- How is that possible? Listen to those you seek to serve. They have the answers.
A parent from Ashley Park providing her input and perspective to teachers from Ashley Park and Movement Charter.
We have positive data to share: average attendance of 100+ families and 245 people at each family empowerment event, 92% of surveyed families feel empowered as a result of the efforts, and evaluation reports that highlight encouraging trends in academics and attendance. How did this work come to be? We did our best to listen to the stakeholders that most wanted change:
- A charter school and district Principal in the same neighborhood want to partner and learn with each other about supporting families? Let’s schedule a meeting and explore any common overlaps.
- Teachers from these schools are interested to know more about what families want and how they can be of support? Let’s get an initial survey out to families and see what’s on their minds.
- Families from these schools want more time to connect with teachers and community partners? Let’s explore the possibility of creating family empowerment events where this can all happen in one place.
- How do we support families during a global pandemic? Ask them to serve on a relief fund and decide how to distribute funds to families in need.
We believe the systems that have evolved and the lessons learned from this work apply to most aspects of education. School reopening and reentry plans are top of mind for many in our community and across the country. Yet, with all the planning scenarios, phases and data we’re all attempting to navigate, there appears to be an absence of families and educators invited to share what they think, need and know to be true as we approach a new school year.
The schools and organizations that co-create reentry plans with families and educators will emerge from this the strongest. Families have concerns about the health of their children and know their needs better than anyone. Educators have their own health concerns and they also know what scheduling options are feasible as we move into the school year.
We aren’t talking about surveys and a communication plan. We’re talking about co-creating solutions with your stakeholders. We are talking about creating seats at the decision-making table for those that are often so affected by such decisions. We are talking about actively removing systemic and racial barriers in our community to ensure real mobility and change. We are talking about real and innovative action, not just talk.
A parent from Ashley Park providing her input and perspective to teachers from Ashley Park and Movement Charter.
Bryan Stevenson, Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, often speaks to the idea that leaders don’t need to have the answers, they simply need to “get proximate” and listen to those most affected by injustice to best respond. Too often, we aren’t getting proximate nor are we co-creating with those we seek to serve. Now is time for that change.
In response to COVID, to racial inequities, to police reform, we must open our ears but also the doors to the rooms where the decisions are made. As it comes to schooling, we must do the same. Families are beginning to question every aspect of the traditional school model, and rightfully so for many that have not been afforded equitable opportunities. If health concerns remain and re-entry plans are haphazard, families could choose to keep their students at home or perhaps select a new school or district that is prioritizing families. If families leave, schools and districts go under, and then there is no opportunity to co-create.
Listen to those you seek to serve.