Community of Practice

Note: This page is posted for informational purposes only. The deadline for applying for the Community of Practice was Friday, January 26, 2024. We are no longer accepting applications.

What is meant by a Community of Practice?

Communities of practice (CoP) are sustained learning partnerships among people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. ~https://www.wenger-trayner.com

Communities of practice share knowledge through personal storytelling, based on real-life experience. The members share mistakes, successes and learnings, contemplate new ideas and solve problems together. ~ https://thesocialchangeagency.org

Background

The Educational Equity Leadership Series has been at the forefront of addressing racial inequities in special education across the state. Over the years, we've collaborated with key partners, offering various professional learning opportunities. Next year, we're taking the next step to deepen the impact.

Evolution of Educational Equity Professional Learning:

We are launching an Educational Equity Community of Practice, specifically tailored for equity leaders from districts identified with racial disproportionality in special education. This initiative aims to move beyond cognitive learning by providing coaching and practice opportunities, fostering the development of sustainable equity projects within districts, schools, and communities.

What is being offered?

This virtual community of practice for educational equity will provide a diverse range of engaging activities such as book studies, synchronous & asynchronous learning experiences, and valuable networking opportunities with fellow educators. More specifically, the Community of Practice will involve:

• Synchronous weekly Virtual Workshops (3 hrs)

• Engagement in the Online Learning Platform with additional resources and learning opportunities
  (up to 2 hrs a week )

• Book Study with Dr. Bettina Love’s book, “Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal”

• Coaching support to create and implement an Educational Equity Project
  
  

Desired Outcomes:

• Transformational Growth: Our network evolves to embed coaching support and increase the capacity of district teams.

• Thoughtful Reflection: Create conditions for leaders to step away from daily pressures, engaging in thoughtful reflection on equity practices.

• Peer Networks: Foster collaboration and learning from leaders facing similar challenges in Wisconsin.

• Access to Local & National Leaders: Exposure to innovators and leaders in the field of education.

• Racial Equity Literacy: Enhance fluency in racial equity practices to support everyday educational practices within schools and districts.

• Practice Change/Prototyping: Encourage the development, implementation, and evaluation of local projects advancing racial equity.

• Target Audience: Educational Leaders from Districts identified with Racial Disproportionality in Wisconsin.

When is it?

The Community of Practice will consist of 8 weeks of synchronous weekly Virtual Workshops, lasting 3 hours each,
from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Thursdays from February 1, 2024 through March 21, 2024.

What is the criteria to participate?

• To be eligible, you must be a current Wisconsin PreK-12 public school district educator.

• You must be available to attend at least 6 live sessions and engage in the virtual platform.

• A brief application must be completed.

• Capacity is limited due to funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

• A mutual selection process will be used.

How can I apply?

The deadline for applying for the Community of Practice was Friday, January 26, 2024. We are no longer accepting applications.

Questions?

Angela Balfe, Ph.D.
Project Manager, Educational Equity Network
[email protected]