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This week on Monday Matters, Jen and I talk about some of the responses to the “Dear Colleague” letter sent out by the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Sent to educators across the country, this letter has generated a multitude of responses from teachers, principals, and superintendents alike. If you would like to read the full letter, you can find it here.
Some of the topics covered and advice offered in this episode are:
- Think and read, don’t act just yet
- Take the letter seriously but remember that it is not legally binding, and is not policy
- Find ways to respond to the letter that is not alarming while still responding to people’s concerns
- Maintain commitments to the values that are best for students
- Remember that we are more alike than we are different; celebrate the things about us that are unique and beautiful
- Have conversations about this letter with the people you work with every day
Listen in to hear the full conversation! If you would like to continue this conversation with Jen or me reach out to us at jen@jenschwanke.com or will@williamdparker.com
