We have a new approach of teaming up with K-12 students to change the game of educational equity in Northwest Oregon: Put the students at the front of the class and invite the educators to be the students. 

We hope you can join us for our next summit on Nov. 16 in Vernonia, Oregon. 

Presentation topics at this year’s event include:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Youth Initiative - Policy, Advocacy & Everything in Between
  • Bridging Faith and Community: Fostering Interfaith Dialogue
  • Diversity in Medicine: How Prejudice Inhibits Physical and Mental Health and What We Can Do About it?
  • Including and Embracing Everyone's StorIEES (IEES)
  • It's Not a Joke: Racism, Sexism and Homophobia
  • Stop Racial Bullying
  • Why Online School?

Why Student-Led Equity?

We've talked a lot in education about policies and practices, but here at Northwest Regional Education Service District, we agreed we’ve missed a vital piece: the students! 

It's all about giving our most impacted and impactful students the floor to share their school experiences with educators of all levels. From cultural groups to equity-focused clubs, these students have got the inside scoop on what really works in terms of teaching methods, curriculums, students and family supports, and policies.

Educators have a chance to hear diverse perspectives and learn more about what is working and what isn't. By putting students' voices front and center, we're not just shaping this school year for us, but also setting the tone and informing the content we share with educators in the future.

Meet Past Participants

 

Meet the students who presented at the spring 2024 summit. Kam, an eighth grader at Poynter Middle School, said he hoped teachers would learn how to improve our school systems and make them safer and more enjoyable places to learn.

Why Should I Attend?

This summit is the perfect chance for students to show educators how it's done! We team up with K-12 students, local educators, and community partners to make magic happen to improve our system! With a focus on quality and culturally responsive learning, students will light the way and provide the support teachers need. This gathering is set to take our K-12 teachers' practice to a whole new level, helping them pinpoint what areas need a little extra attention to boost educator professional learning and support. Future meetups will be like report cards, keeping us on our toes with three main goals in mind.

  • At district and ESD levels, what feedback and hard work from the previous CAFE have been woven into our strategic plans, and who's been on the ride with us?
  • How did the CAFE offer opportunities for learning and teamwork? Specifically, how did they support equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in response to K-12 student feedback?
  • We'll share back the latest progress in revamping our lessons, teaching methods, and anti-racism efforts! Plus, we're keeping tabs on the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, and promotion of a diverse mix of talented folks who represent our student body.