An item from a K-12 blended learning organization.

Reflecting on our staff retreat as we gear up for the school year ahead

No images? Click here

Join the conversation as we partner with communities to design and implement culturally responsive school change.

In This Week’s Issue

• Reflections from our August staff retreat as we begin the school year
• We are seeking a Data Analyst. Apply now & help us promote this job opening!
• Vote for our 2 SXSW EDU sessions by the August 21 deadline
• Student Voice launches new programs & fellowships

Our August Staff Retreat

“Awakening to love can happen only as we let go of our obsession with power and domination.” – bell hooks

This week, our team spent two full days together in person for the first time since June. On Day 1, we flexed our creative muscles in partnership with Kismet Improv, a local organization that led us through a team workshop. The games and skit activities we participated in were fun, engaging, and pushed us to prioritize novel ideas without judgment. Later, we made connections between some short readings (including a chapter from bell hooks) and our work, challenging ourselves to incorporate her concept of a love ethic into our interactions and decisions.

Day 2 at CIC Providence centered on personal objectives, organizational goals, and impact stories from SY 2021-2022. In the afternoon, we continued planning for our new and returning partnerships in the upcoming school year, as we begin hosting implementation launches in the weeks ahead.

As an organization, we remain committed to a spirit of continuous improvement and collaborating both to solve problems and celebrate successes. We strive to improve as partners, incorporating feedback to learn and grow together. Thank you to our hosts for your hospitality this week and to our team’s Executive Assistant, Cindy Kenney, for overseeing logistics for a smooth and inspiring retreat experience.

We’re Hiring a Data Analyst

Highlander Institute is seeking a Data Analyst to join our Impact Team. Analysts support Highlander Institute’s mission by assisting in determining the efficacy of program efforts and promoting data literacy for teachers, students, families, and education professionals in our partner schools. This team member will report to our Director of Research and Analytics, Karina Rodriguez.

This is a full-time, salaried position with full benefits, with an ideal start date of September 2022. Learn more about the role, responsibilities, and additional information through the full job description and apply directly on our website.

Learn More & Apply

Upvote Our Sessions on PanelPicker through August 21

The SXSW PanelPicker® gives community members a significant voice in Conference programming for SXSW EDU. To vote, create a free account on PanelPicker® and search for our Highlander Institute sessions (direct links below). Thank you for your support!

Collaborating with students, parents, & teachers within a school improvement process increases dialogue, improves solutions, & strengthens accountability across a building. In Highlander Institute’s partnership with Baychester Middle School, authentic involvement by design teams has provided a strong foundation for sustainable instructional shifts. Hear how this school is reflecting on student experience data, co-constructing a culturally responsive vision, & implementing high-leverage strategies at scale.

Vote for Scaling Culturally Responsive School Change

Data has predictably been used as a tool of oppression for some, while simultaneously being used to maximize discovery for others. In this session, we highlight using assessment as liberation for Black and Latinx learners. We will explore a tool that authentically measures a student’s lived experiences, a second informed and validated by the community for culturally affirming instruction, a third that reimagines whole child development; and, how we’ve shattered the assessment paradigm—for good.

Vote for Liberatory Tools for Measuring Student Experience

From Other Organizations

Program & Fellowship Launches for SY 2022-2023

Students, how will you advocate for education justice in your school? Student Voice is launching their stipended Ambassadors Program, Journalism Fellowship, Organizing Fellowship and Learning Lab for the 2022-2023 school year now. Student Voice Ambassadors, Journalism Fellows, Organizing Fellows and Learning Lab members receive financial, skill-building, and community support to create change in their schools and communities. Everyone is encouraged to apply! No matter your experience or background, there’s a place for you in Student Voice’s work. Complete the application form by Wednesday, August 24.

Learn More