How can educational equity strengthen communities as a whole? How does it have the power to unlock student potential?
Maryland law makes school boards responsible for the creation of educational policies designed to “provide quality education and equal educational opportunity for all children,” and boards also are directed to seek ways to “promote the interests of the schools” within their systems. As part of our related efforts to support Maryland school board members in reaching these goals, MABE partnered this year on our ongoing educational equity project with Newsela, known for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging which is echoed in their mission of meaningful learning for every student.
The launch of the 2022-2023 school year was an ideal time to check in with Hasan Rafiq, Newsela’s VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, to get his thoughts on the value of educational equity, MABE’s recently launched “Leading for Educational Equity Through School Board Governance” workbook, and why placing a premium on educational equity in school systems holds such intrinsic promise. We invite you to access our special September issue of ‘The MABE Scoop” to read the interview with Mr. Rafiq, and access recent related headlines and MABE resources.